Slicked Back Undercut – Men’s Hairstyle Trend
With the influence of hit shows like BoardWalk Empire, expect to see the slicked back undercut to be the hairstyle of choice for fashion-forward men in the year ahead. Since its origination in the 1920s, the modern slicked back undercut has undergone a facelift and is a surprisingly versatile hairstyle for men of different ages and hair types.
Michael Pitt pulls of the slicked back undercut hairstyle with ease in BoardWalk Empire. Of course, he has a hairstylist crew to help out, but if you want to achieve the same look, the key characteristics to the undercut are the short sides and short back, with some length through the top.
As the hair on the top is always slicked backwards, it gives a different texture compared to the back and sides. The overall look is a timeless men’s hairstyle with a touch of edge.
This year, we will see variations of the slicked back undercut focus on:
1) How far up the short sides and back will be, and
2) How long the hair will be at the top.
The thickness of the sides and back will usually be a clipper number 2 or 3, but the top’s length is changeable depending on individual taste.
For a haircut like the slicked back undercut, we recommend men go to a traditional barber, since they’ll likely have more experience with this hairstyle than your trendy hairdresser.
Whilst this haircut suits most men, always consult your barber/hairdresser to see what variations will suit your head shape and face. Men with longer and more angular faces will benefit from the slicked back undercut since it brings out your features.
An important tip is that the quality of the slicked back undercut hairstyle depends on how sharp of an outline it gives, so when your hairdresser passes the mirror to you for a final check, examine the sides and back of your head. If it’s not clean cut and precise, ask them to touch it up.
Slicked Back Undercut: Hairstyle products to Use
Gel is the only thing that will work with this the slicked back undercut since it will give the hair a natural shine and keep it stationary. If you want your hair to look very stiff, choose a strong-hold gel. If you want to emphasize your hair’s waviness, a lighter gel is a a better option. Don’t forget – some gels will produce white flakes if you comb or brush your hair after the gel has dried, so choose wisely.
Below are three hairstyling products that will help you get the slicked back undercut look.
Slicked Back Undercut Hairstyle – Key Notes
- Influence: BoardWalk Empire, 1920s, think slicked back hair and well-groomed gentlemen
- Key Characteristics: Short clipped sides and back, length at top, always slicked back
- This hairstyle suits: Guys with straight hair or hair that can be easily straightened. That said, a basic undercut is suitable for men.
- Products: Gel only since it achieves the slicked back, slightly shiny look.