The Slick Back Taper is a stylish and versatile haircut that combines a sleek, smooth appearance with tapered sides. In this haircut, the hair on top is combed back and kept in place using a pomade or gel, while the sides gradually shorten towards the neckline. This creates a polished yet modern look suitable for various occasions.
The popularity and appeal of the Slick Back Taper lie in its timeless and adaptable nature. It suits different hair types and face shapes, making it a preferred choice for many. Whether you’re attending a formal event or a casual gathering, the Slick Back Taper offers a refined look that is both sophisticated and easy to maintain.
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The Slick Back Taper hairstyle has its origins in the early 20th century, where it was popular among men who wanted a clean, polished look. This style involves combing the hair back smoothly and tapering the sides, creating a sharp contrast. The slicked-back look became a staple among gentlemen and was often associated with sophistication and elegance.
Over time, the Slick Back Taper has evolved to fit modern tastes while still retaining its classic appeal. Today, it remains a popular choice for men looking for a versatile and stylish haircut. The hairstyle has adapted to current trends by incorporating varying lengths and textures, making it suitable for different hair types and occasions.
Why Choose a Slick Back Taper?
A Slick Back Taper is a versatile hairstyle that seamlessly combines classic and modern looks. It’s perfect for those who want a polished and sharp appearance with minimal effort. This style works well for various hair types and face shapes, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to switch up their look stylishly and effortlessly.
One of the main advantages of a Slick Back Taper is its professional and casual appeal. Whether you’re heading to a business meeting or a weekend outing, this hairstyle fits any occasion. It offers a neat and sophisticated look for the office while maintaining a relaxed and trendy vibe for social settings, making it an all-around perfect hairstyle for every scenario.
Different Types of Slick Back Taper
Classic Slick Back Taper
The classic slick back taper is a timeless haircut that suits almost everyone. It involves tapering the hair on the sides and back while keeping the top longer. With the longer hair slicked back, this style gives a refined and clean look. Perfect for any occasion, this haircut exudes confidence and elegance.
Modern Slick Back Taper
On the other hand, the modern slick back taper is a trendy variation of the classic style. It combines the slick back look with modern, edgy elements. The sides and back are tapered, but the top can feature a bit of texture. This style merges traditional refinement with a contemporary twist, perfect for those who want the best of both worlds.
High Taper
For a more pronounced and stylish look, a high taper could be the right choice. This haircut involves tapering the hair higher up on the head, providing a sharp contrast between the lengths. The sleek back of the top hair complements the high taper, resulting in a striking and dynamic appearance. It’s an excellent choice for individuals who like to make a bold statement.
Low Taper
Conversely, the low taper maintains a subtler charm. It involves tapering the hair closer to the natural hairline. The slick back at the top blends seamlessly into the low taper, creating a sophisticated and polished aesthetic. This haircut delivers a neat yet relaxed vibe, ideal for both casual and formal settings.
Skin Fade Taper
Lastly, the skin fade taper offers a clean and modern finish. This hairstyle features a fade that goes down to the skin on the sides and back, creating a sharp contrast. Paired with a slick back top, the skin fade taper delivers a sleek and fresh look. This haircut is perfect for individuals seeking a contemporary and fashionable style.
How to Get a Slick Back Taper
Getting a slick back taper involves a combination of the right barber and effective communication. First, it’s crucial to choose a barber who is skilled and experienced, particularly with the style you desire. To find the right barber, look at online reviews, ask friends for recommendations, and check out social media profiles of local barbers. Once you have selected your barber, ensure you clearly communicate your vision. Bring photos, be specific about the length and style, and ask questions to understand the barber’s approach.
The key techniques for a slick back taper include using high-quality clippers and scissors to achieve the taper and combing the hair back while wet to set the style. Your barber will likely use a combination of these tools and techniques to create the clean, professional look that defines a slick back taper. To maintain your style, invest in quality hair products like pomade or gel to keep the slicked-back look in place throughout the day. Regular visits to the barber are also important to keep the taper sharp and well-defined.
Maintaining Your Slick Back Taper
Maintaining a Slick Back Taper is all about consistency and proper care to keep your hairstyle looking sharp and polished every day. To achieve this, start with a daily care routine that includes washing your hair with a good quality shampoo and conditioner. After washing, apply a small amount of hair pomade or gel to damp hair, then use a comb to slick it back smoothly. Consider using a blow dryer for a fuller effect, and finish with a styling spray to lock everything in place.
For the best results, it’s recommended to use high-quality products specifically designed for slick hairstyles. Opt for a strong-hold pomade or gel that doesn’t leave your hair feeling too stiff or greasy. It’s also beneficial to use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair healthy and manageable. Regular trims will help maintain the taper, ensuring a clean and defined look. With the right products and routine, your Slick Back Taper will remain stylish and well-groomed.
Styling Tips for a Slick Back Taper
Styling a slick back taper haircut involves a few key techniques and products to achieve that sleek, polished look. Start by washing your hair and using a heat protectant to prevent damage during styling. Once your hair is dry, apply a small amount of pomade or gel evenly throughout. This will help hold the style in place. Use a fine-tooth comb to brush your hair back smoothly, making sure to follow the natural direction of your hair growth. Pay special attention to the tapered sections for a clean finish.
To perfect the look of a slick back taper, you might need to experiment with different styling products until you find the one that works best for your hair type. Products like pomades and gels specifically designed for slick back styles can offer the strong hold and shine you’re aiming for. Techniques such as blow-drying your hair while brushing it back can add volume and ensure it stays in place longer. Regular trims will maintain the taper and keep your hairstyle looking sharp.
Slick Back Taper for Different Hair Types
Straight Hair
The Slick Back Taper is a stylish and versatile haircut that suits various hair types. For straight hair, this look is particularly sleek and polished. The straight strands naturally help achieve a smooth and refined slick back taper, making it ideal for formal and casual settings. With the right hair products, like pomade or gel, individuals with straight hair can easily maintain the look throughout the day while exuding confidence and elegance.
Wavy Hair
Wavy fringe hair makes the Slick Back Taper appear textured and dynamic. This hair type naturally adds volume and a bit of a tousled, relaxed vibe to the slicked-back style. Using a lightweight mousse or a sea salt spray can enhance the natural waves, giving the haircut a more laid-back yet sophisticated appeal. It’s perfect for those who want a balance between a controlled haircut and a free-spirited, natural look.
Curly Hair
For those with curly hair, the Slick Back Taper provides a unique twist to the conventional style. Curly strands tend to add more volume and body to the slick back taper, offering a bold and eye-catching appearance. A strong-hold gel or leave-in conditioner can help manage the curls and keep them in place, creating a standout look that merges ruggedness with refinement. This version of the haircut is ideal for anyone looking to embrace their curls bowl cut while maintaining a sharp and modern edge.
Slick Back Taper for Different Face Shapes
Oval Face Shape
The slick back taper is a classic and versatile hairstyle that suits various face shapes. For those with an oval face shape, the slick back taper can be an excellent choice. This face shape is already well-proportioned, so the hairstyle enhances the overall balance and symmetry. The slicked-back look adds a touch of sophistication while the tapering at the sides and back provides a neat finish, making it ideal for both casual and formal settings.
Round Face Shape
For individuals with a round face shape, the slick back taper can help create the illusion of length. By slicking the hair back and adding volume on top, the face appears elongated, making it less round. The tapered sides and back also contribute to a slimming effect, which can be very flattering. This hairstyle can add definition and angles to round faces, boosting confidence and style.
Square Face Shape
When it comes to a square face shape, the slick back taper can soften the strong jawline while maintaining a polished look. The evenly slicked-back hair draws attention to the forehead and cheekbones, enhancing the facial structure without overpowering the natural features. Additionally, the taper adds a contemporary twist, ensuring the hairstyle looks modern and sharp, perfect for those looking to make a sophisticated impression.
Heart Face Shape
For those with a heart face shape, the slick back taper can be particularly appealing. This hairstyle helps balance the wider forehead and narrower chin characteristic of a heart-shaped face. By slicking the hair back, the focus shifts from the forehead to the eyes and cheekbones, creating a harmonious look. The tapering effect reduces volume at the sides, making the hairstyle sleek and elegant, ideal for both professional and casual appearances.
How to Transition from Other Hairstyles to a Slick Back Taper
Transitioning from other hairstyles to a slick back taper can be straightforward with the right steps. Initially, focus on growing out your hair to the required length, typically around 4 to 6 inches on top. It’s essential to maintain your hair during this phase by keeping it healthy with regular trims and conditioned to avoid split ends. Patience is key, as you’ll need to allow your hair to gain sufficient length for the slick back taper style.
As your hair reaches the desired length, you can experiment with intermediate styles to manage the transformation better. Styles like a textured quiff or a side part can keep your hair looking neat and stylish. When your hair is long enough, visit a professional barber who specializes in slick back taper haircuts. The barber will cut and taper the sides and back while leaving the top long enough to slick back, creating a polished and professional look that’s easy to maintain.
Pros and Cons of the Slick Back Taper
Advantages
The Slick Back Taper hairstyle has gained popularity for its polished and professional look. One of the main advantages of this style is its versatility; it can be suitable for both formal and casual settings. The sleek appearance gives a neat and tidy impression, which can be particularly beneficial in professional environments. Additionally, the Slick Back Taper is relatively low maintenance, requiring only a bit of pomade or gel to keep the hair in place throughout the day.
Disadvantages
On the flip side, there are a few disadvantages to the Slick Back Taper. Achieving this look often requires frequent visits to the barber to maintain the taper and ensure the sides are kept short. Moreover, the use of hair products like pomade or gel can sometimes lead to build-up, which may require special shampoos to remove. Not everyone has hair that naturally sits well in a slicked-back style, making it less suitable for those with very curly or unruly hair. Despite these cons, many find the Slick Back Taper to be a stylish and manageable choice.
Conclusion
In summary, the slick back taper hairstyle combines a classic, sleek look with a modern twist, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. Its key points include easy maintenance, a polished appearance, and the ability to work with various hair types. This style seamlessly transitions from casual to formal settings, making it a popular choice among men.
Final thoughts on the slick back taper highlight its timeless appeal and adaptability. It provides a clean, refined look that enhances confidence and style. By choosing the slick back taper, you can achieve a sophisticated appearance that suits both professional and social environments, ultimately making it a valuable addition to your grooming routine.
People also Asked
1.Is a taper good for a slick back?
The classic slick back taper fade is a timeless hairstyle that has stood the test of time. This hairstyle involves shorter hair at the sides and back, smoothly transitioning into longer hair at the top of the head. The result is a neat and bold look for men.
2.What fade is best for a slick back?
In getting a Slick Back, the main differentials to the cut are the length on top and the sides. To get this particular look, ask for a mid-to-high skin fade, keeping it tight on top with no overhang.
3.What to tell a barber for a slick back?
What to ask for: Ask your barber for a slick back (if they don’t know what that is, you might be in the wrong place). Ask them to keep the length all over but to taper it around the sides so you can keep it nice and clean. What to style it with: For a slick back, you can’t go wrong with Deluxe Pomade!
4.What type of taper is best?
Choosing between a low taper and a high taper haircut ultimately comes down to your personal style and comfort level. If you prefer a subtle, understated look, a low taper might be the way to go. If you’re all about making a bold statement, a high taper could be your perfect match.
