Slicked Back Flow

TL;DR

• Best for: Oval or square faces who want a polished, longer style with control
• Avoid if: Fine hair, hate using product daily, or prefer a casual aesthetic
• Ask your stylist: "Slicked back flow — keep the length, clean up the shape, I want it swept back with product"
• Maintenance: Trim every 6–8 weeks, daily product required

Who Does It Suit?

The slicked back flow is for men who've grown their hair out and want to look intentional about it. It's the bro flow's more put-together older brother.

Ideal for:

• Men with strong facial features (the swept-back style exposes everything)
• Square or oval faces that benefit from an open forehead
• Professionals who want longer hair that still reads as polished
• Thick or wavy hair that holds shape with product
• Men who enjoy a daily grooming ritual

Hair types:

• Straight: Achieves the sleekest, most controlled look
• Wavy: Natural waves add movement and prevent the style from looking flat
• Thick: Ideal — enough body to hold the shape without excessive product

Avoid If...

• Fine or thin hair → looks stringy and flat when slicked back
• You hate daily product use → this style needs product every single day
• Round face → pulling hair back exposes the full face width
• Receding hairline → the swept-back direction highlights recession
• Very curly hair → curls resist the slicked direction, try a curly flow instead

What is a Slicked Back Flow?

Medium-to-long hair (5–8 inches) combed or brushed straight back with product, creating a smooth, controlled flow. Unlike a standard slick back (which is shorter and tighter), the slicked back flow has enough length to move and flow while maintaining a swept-back direction.

The key difference from a bro flow: product and intention. The bro flow is loose and natural. The slicked back flow is directed and polished.

Slicked Back Flow vs Bro Flow vs Slick Back

Bottom line: Slicked back flow = polished with movement. Bro flow = natural and free. Slick back = tight and controlled.

Measurements

• Top/Front: 5–8 inches
• Sides: 4–6 inches (blended, not undercut)
• Back: 5–7 inches (natural taper to collar)
• Trim: Every 6–8 weeks for shape

Face Shape Tweaks

This style exposes your entire face — choose wisely.

• Oval: Perfect canvas — the balanced proportions handle full exposure
• Square: Excellent — the swept-back style showcases a strong jaw
• Diamond: Good — the length at the back balances wide cheekbones
• Heart: Can work — the volume at the back balances a narrow chin
• Round: Risky — full face exposure emphasizes width. Add volume on top if you try it.
• Oblong: Avoid extreme slicking — keep some volume at the sides

Hair Type Tweaks

• Straight: Use a medium-hold pomade for shine and control; blow dry back first
• Wavy: Embrace the wave — use a cream or light pomade, don't fight the texture
• Thick: May need thinning to prevent bulk; use clay for matte control
• Fine: Difficult — volumizing products at roots + light pomade, but it may not hold
• Asian: Hair may resist the direction — blow dry against natural fall, use stronger hold

Building the Slicked Back Flow from a Short Cut

If you're starting from a short haircut, here's the growth timeline:

• Month 1–2: Too short to slick. Wear it as a standard short style.
• Month 3–4: Awkward phase. Use product to push hair back, wear a cap when needed.
• Month 4–5: Starting to reach. Can slick back with product but won't flow yet.
• Month 6–7: The flow begins. Enough length for the hair to sweep back and stay.
• Month 8+: Full slicked back flow. Maintain with regular trims for shape.

What to Tell Your Stylist

"I want a slicked back flow: keep the length at 6–7 inches, clean up the ends, thin out any bulk, and shape it so it sweeps back naturally. I want it polished but with movement."

How to Style

Daily (3–4 minutes):

1. Towel dry to 80%
2. Apply medium-hold pomade or cream to damp hair
3. Comb or brush straight back
4. Blow dry on medium heat while directing back
5. Finish with fingers for natural movement

Quick Refresh (1 minute):

1. Dampen hair with water or spray
2. Reapply small amount of product
3. Comb back into place

Maintenance Timeline

• Week 1–3: Perfect shape. Length is ideal, product holds the direction.
• Week 4–5: Still looks great. Slightly more length but the flow improves.
• Week 6–8: Time to book. Ends getting scraggly, shape losing definition.
• Week 8+: Overdue. The polished look becomes a messy long style.

Pro tip: Unlike short cuts, the slicked back flow actually improves slightly as it grows — more length means more flow. But past 8 weeks, the shape deteriorates.

Common Mistakes

• Using too much product Fix: The "flow" part means movement. If your hair is rigid, you've over-produced it.

• Fighting your natural texture Fix: Waves and slight curls add character. Don't straighten everything out.

• Neglecting the ends Fix: Split ends and scraggly tips ruin the polished look. Trim regularly.

• Skipping the blow dry Fix: Product alone won't train the direction. A quick blow dry sets the sweep.

• Confusing this with a standard slick back Fix: The slicked back flow has length and movement. If it's short and rigid, it's a different style.