17 Chic Slick Back Hairstyles for Short Hair

Slicked-back short hair can look so clean and confident, but it can also go wrong fast if it feels too wet, too flat, or it starts falling apart halfway through the day. I’ve had those mornings where I want a sharp look in five minutes, but my hair has other plans.

This post will help you get that chic, slick-back finish without the stress. You’ll find options for pixies, bobs, and shoulder-length short hair, plus tips to make each style last, even in heat or humidity.

1. Sleek Tucked-Behind-Ears Pixie

This look is smooth, neat, and super modern, with the sides tucked cleanly behind the ears. It’s great for pixie cuts when you want a dressed-up finish in minutes. It also works well for second-day hair when you need fast control.

What you need

1. Fine-tooth comb (for a smooth, even slick-back)
2. Light-hold gel (gives control without turning crunchy)
3. Shine spray (adds that polished, chic finish)
4. Mini bobby pins (optional, helps keep sides tucked)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Start on slightly damp hair or mist with water.
2. Step 2: Work a small amount of gel from roots to mid-lengths and comb straight back.
3. Step 3: Tuck both sides behind your ears and pin any short pieces if needed.
4. Step 4: Smooth flyaways with your fingertips and finish with a light mist of shine spray.

Quick tip
Use less gel than you think, then add more only where you need it.

2. Glossy Deep Side-Part Slick Back Bob

This style has a sharp side part with a glossy slick-back finish that feels classy and bold. It’s perfect for short bobs when you want a night-out look that still feels clean. It works best for straight hair or blown-out hair.

What you need

1. Rat-tail comb (for a crisp, deep side part)
2. Smoothing pomade (adds shine and hold at the roots)
3. Strong-hold hairspray (helps it stay sleek longer)
4. Duckbill clips (optional, sets the part while it dries)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Create a deep side part and clip it in place for a minute.
2. Step 2: Apply pomade to the top and sides, then comb back and slightly down.
3. Step 3: Tuck the heavier side behind the ear and pin if it slips.
4. Step 4: Spray lightly to set and smooth the edges with your comb.

Quick tip
If you want shine without looking greasy, keep pomade mostly at the roots and use shine spray on the ends.

3. Wet-Look Slick Back Micro Bob

This wet-look bob is sleek, editorial, and very chic when done cleanly. It’s great for short cuts that sit at the jawline or above. It works best for events, dinners, or anytime you want a fashion-forward finish.

What you need

1. Wet-look gel (creates that glossy finish)
2. Wide-tooth comb (spreads product evenly without clumps)
3. Edge brush (smooths the hairline neatly)
4. Strong-hold spray (locks it in place)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Start with damp hair and apply gel from roots through the top layer.
2. Step 2: Comb everything straight back, keeping the surface smooth.
3. Step 3: Press the sides down and tuck behind the ears, pinning if needed.
4. Step 4: Smooth your hairline and set with a light mist of strong-hold spray.

Quick tip
If your hair dries too stiff, mix gel with a tiny bit of leave-in conditioner for a softer wet look.

4. Slick Back Bob With Low Clip Hold

This look is sleek and controlled, with the back held in place using a low clip for extra security. It’s a great option if your bob is in that awkward growing-out stage. It’s also helpful for humid days when you need it to stay put.

What you need

1. Smoothing cream (reduces frizz and puffiness)
2. Fine-tooth comb (creates a clean slick-back)
3. Low-profile claw clip (holds the back without looking bulky)
4. Hairspray (adds hold around the crown)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Apply smoothing cream to damp hair and comb back.
2. Step 2: Gather the back slightly low, like a tiny ponytail shape.
3. Step 3: Clip it at the nape with a small claw clip.
4. Step 4: Smooth the top layer and set with hairspray.

Quick tip
Use a clip close to your hair color so it blends in and looks more polished.

5. Slick Back Pixie With Soft Volume Top

This style keeps the sides sleek while leaving a little lift on top, so it doesn’t look flat. It feels chic, confident, and easy to wear. It works best for pixies with a longer top.

What you need

1. Volumizing mousse (adds lift without heaviness)
2. Light pomade (controls the sides cleanly)
3. Blow dryer (sets the shape quickly)
4. Texturizing spray (optional, adds airy grip on top)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Apply mousse at the roots and blow-dry the top back with your fingers.
2. Step 2: Smooth pomade over the sides and comb them back.
3. Step 3: Pin any short pieces near the temples if they pop up.
4. Step 4: Add a touch of texturizing spray on top and lightly shape with fingertips.

Quick tip
If your top won’t lift, dry it in the opposite direction first, then flip it back.

6. Sleek Slick Back With Mini Side Pins

This is a simple slick-back look made prettier with a few mini pins near the temple. It feels neat but still has a fun detail that looks planned. It works well for short bobs and pixies.

What you need

1. Smoothing gel (keeps it sleek without fluff)
2. Fine-tooth comb (helps lay hair flat)
3. Mini hair pins (adds detail and holds sides)
4. Shine mist (optional, boosts polish)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Apply gel lightly to damp hair and comb it back.
2. Step 2: Smooth the sides tight to the head with the comb.
3. Step 3: Add 2–3 mini pins on one side to secure and decorate.
4. Step 4: Finish with shine mist and press flyaways down with your palm.

Quick tip
Place pins slightly above the eyebrow line for the most flattering look.

7. Slick Back Short Hair With Textured Ends

This look is sleek at the roots but keeps the ends a little textured so it feels modern, not stiff. It’s perfect if you want a clean shape while still showing off your cut. It works best for bobs and lobs.

What you need

1. Light gel (smooths the top without heavy shine)
2. Texture paste (defines the ends)
3. Wide-tooth comb (spreads product softly)
4. Hairspray (keeps the top in place)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Smooth a small amount of gel over the top and comb back.
2. Step 2: Let the ends sit more naturally instead of combing them flat.
3. Step 3: Use a tiny bit of texture paste on the ends, twisting pieces lightly.
4. Step 4: Spray the top lightly and reshape the ends with fingers.

Quick tip
Keep paste only on the ends so the slick top stays clean and not sticky.

8. Sleek Slick Back With Middle-Part Lines

This style keeps a center part but slicks both sides back for a clean, balanced look. It feels modern and sharp, especially with bold makeup or earrings. It works best for short bobs and straight styles.

What you need

1. Rat-tail comb (creates a straight middle part)
2. Sleek styling gel (holds the sides down)
3. Edge brush (smooths the hairline)
4. Strong-hold spray (keeps it set)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Part hair down the middle and dampen the sides slightly.
2. Step 2: Apply gel to the sides and comb them back tightly.
3. Step 3: Pin behind the ears if any pieces pop out.
4. Step 4: Smooth the hairline and set with strong-hold spray.

Quick tip
If the part looks too flat, lift the roots right at the crown before you set it.

9. Slick Back Short Hair With Low Twist Back

This looks slick on the front and sides, then twists the back into a tiny low tuck. It’s a great option when your hair is just long enough to gather at the nape. It feels tidy and lasts well.

What you need

1. Smoothing cream (helps hair lie flat)
2. Bobby pins (secures the low twist)
3. Fine-tooth comb (smooths and shapes)
4. Hairspray (locks the style)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Apply smoothing cream and comb hair back.
2. Step 2: Gather the back at the nape and twist it upward into a small tuck.
3. Step 3: Pin the twist tightly, hiding ends inside.
4. Step 4: Smooth the top and spray lightly to set.

Quick tip
Cross your bobby pins in an X shape for a stronger hold at the nape.

10. Slick Back Bob With Curved Ends Under

This style looks sleek on top but curls the ends slightly under for a soft, classy shape. It’s perfect for bobs that sit at the jaw or chin. It gives you a dressy finish without needing a full blowout.

What you need

1. Smoothing serum (keeps the top glossy and neat)
2. Flat iron (curves ends under quickly)
3. Fine-tooth comb (slicks roots back cleanly)
4. Flexible hairspray (holds without stiffness)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Apply serum lightly and comb the top back.
2. Step 2: Use a flat iron to curve the ends under in small sections.
3. Step 3: Tuck sides behind ears and pin if needed.
4. Step 4: Mist flexible hairspray and smooth the top once more.

Quick tip
Don’t overdo the serum, or the ends can look oily instead of shiny.

11. Slick Back Pixie With Defined Sideburn Pieces

This look is sleek overall but leaves tiny sideburn pieces styled neatly for extra detail. It feels edgy-chic while still looking clean and intentional. It works great for short pixies and tapered cuts.

What you need

1. Edge control gel (defines small pieces cleanly)
2. Small edge brush (shapes sideburn pieces)
3. Fine-tooth comb (slicks the rest back)
4. Hairspray (sets everything)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Apply a small amount of gel and comb hair back.
2. Step 2: Use edge gel on the sideburn area and shape it with an edge brush.
3. Step 3: Pin any short pieces behind the ears if needed.
4. Step 4: Set with a light spray and press flyaways down.

Quick tip
Keep the sideburn pieces soft and small so the look stays chic, not heavy.

12. Slick Back Short Hair With Headband Finish

A headband makes a slick-back look feel instant, neat, and a little more styled. It’s great for short hair that won’t stay tucked behind the ears. It also works well for weddings, dinners, or work events.

What you need

1. Smoothing cream (keeps hairline neat)
2. Padded headband (adds a classy finish)
3. Fine-tooth comb (slicks hair back)
4. Hairspray (keeps it set)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Apply smoothing cream and comb hair straight back.
2. Step 2: Place the headband slightly behind the hairline.
3. Step 3: Tuck sides behind ears and pin if needed.
4. Step 4: Spray lightly and smooth flyaways with fingertips.

Quick tip
Choose a satin or velvet headband for a more dressy look.

13. Slick Back Bob With One-Side Ear Tuck

This style is sleek and simple, but the one-sided tuck gives it a nice shape and shows off earrings. It feels polished without being too serious. It works great for short bobs and lobs.

What you need

1. Light gel (controls the top and sides)
2. Fine-tooth comb (smooths everything back)
3. Bobby pins (keep the tuck secure)
4. Shine spray (optional, adds a clean finish)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Apply gel and comb hair back with a smooth surface.
2. Step 2: Choose one side to tuck behind the ear.
3. Step 3: Pin the tucked side right behind the ear to stop slipping.
4. Step 4: Finish with a light shine spray and smooth flyaways.

Quick tip
Pin under the top layer of hair so the bobby pin stays hidden.

14. Slick Back Short Hair With Bubble Mini Pony

This look slicks the top back and turns the back into a tiny bubble ponytail, which feels fun and trendy. It’s great for short hair that can fit into a small ponytail. It works best for bobs and lobs.

What you need

1. Smoothing gel (keeps the top sleek)
2. Mini elastics (creates the bubble sections)
3. Fine-tooth comb (smooths and shapes)
4. Hairspray (sets the style)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Smooth hair back with gel and comb it clean.
2. Step 2: Gather a small ponytail at the back and secure with an elastic.
3. Step 3: Add a second elastic an inch down to create a bubble shape.
4. Step 4: Loosen the bubble slightly and mist with hairspray.

Quick tip
If your hair is very short, do just one bubble for a cleaner look.

15. Slick Back Lob With Low Sleek Ponytail

This is a clean, classy slick-back ponytail for shoulder-length short hair. It’s a great choice when you want something that looks sharp and stays neat all day. It works best for lobs and longer bobs.

What you need

1. Smoothing brush (keeps the top sleek)
2. Anti-frizz cream (helps with humidity)
3. Hair elastic (secures the ponytail)
4. Bobby pin (optional, for a wrapped base)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Apply anti-frizz cream and brush hair back smoothly.
2. Step 2: Secure a low ponytail at the nape.
3. Step 3: Wrap a small piece of hair around the elastic and pin it underneath.
4. Step 4: Smooth the top and set with a light mist of hairspray.

Quick tip
For a more “done” look, keep the ponytail straight and glossy instead of wavy.

16. Slick Back Short Hair With Scarf Tie

A scarf adds instant style to a slick-back look and makes it feel more put-together. It’s great for summer days, brunch, or travel, and it also helps hold shorter layers back. It works best for bobs and lobs.

What you need

1. Smoothing cream (keeps roots neat)
2. Fine-tooth comb (slicks hair back cleanly)
3. Silk scarf (adds style and holds hair down)
4. Light hairspray (sets flyaways)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Smooth hair back with cream and comb it flat.
2. Step 2: Tie the scarf around your head, knotting it at the nape or top.
3. Step 3: Tuck loose pieces under the scarf and pin if needed.
4. Step 4: Spray lightly and smooth the hairline.

Quick tip
Choose a scarf with one main color so it looks chic and not too busy.

17. Slick Back Short Hair With Glossy Finish

This is the simplest slick-back style, focused on clean lines and a glossy top layer. It looks chic with almost any outfit and works for day or night. It’s especially helpful when you want a fast style that looks intentional.

What you need

1. Light gel or pomade (adds hold and smoothness)
2. Fine-tooth comb (creates that sleek surface)
3. Shine spray (boosts a glossy finish)
4. Flexible hairspray (keeps it in place without stiffness)

How to style it

1. Step 1: Start with slightly damp hair or mist with water.
2. Step 2: Work product through the top and sides, then comb straight back.
3. Step 3: Tuck behind ears and pin any short pieces that won’t stay put.
4. Step 4: Finish with shine spray and a light mist of flexible hairspray.

Quick tip
If your hair looks too wet, blot your hands with a towel and lightly press the top to take down extra shine.