There is something instantly powerful about an editorial slicked back hairstyle. On runways, red carpets, and high-fashion campaigns, this look reads clean, intentional, and put-together from every angle. Today’s take on slicked back hair has shifted away from stiff, crunchy finishes and moved toward shine, movement, and personalization, so it looks polished but still modern and wearable in real life. Whether your hair is short, medium, or long, you can adapt the shape to your face, texture, and vibe while keeping that sharp, camera-ready feel. From tight, glossy buns to soft wet-look waves, from masculine undercuts to androgynous comb-backs, these twenty editorial slicked back hairstyles show how versatile this “simple” look can be when it is cut and styled with intention.
1. Classic Slicked Back Hair
The classic slicked back hair look is where an editorial approach really begins, because it keeps the silhouette as clean and minimal as possible while still feeling strong. Hair is combed straight back from the hairline with no visible part, which instantly opens up the face and highlights bone structure, brows, and eyes in photographs. For an editorial finish, stylists usually smooth the sides tight to the head, keep the top controlled, then dial in shine using gel or pomade that offers high hold without flaking. Modern versions avoid that helmet effect by working product mostly at the roots and mid-lengths, then leaving the very ends a little softer or slightly movable so the hair catches light naturally on camera.
2. Slicked Back Middle Part Hair
A slicked back middle part hair look feels sleeker and more directional, and it has become a runway staple because it frames the face in such a graphic way. Instead of combing everything straight back, hair is parted crisply down the center, then smoothed tight against the head on both sides so the part line becomes a visual focal point. This style works especially well with straight or slightly wavy hair and can be worn with lengths left down, tucked behind the ears, or pinned low at the nape for a subtle transition into a hidden ponytail. The key to making it editorial is glassy shine along the roots, which stylists create with flexible gel or serum so the finish looks reflective in photos but still feels lightweight and comfortable in real life.
3. Slicked Back Wet Look Hair
If you want drama, the slicked back wet look hair is a go-to editorial favorite, because it mimics that just-stepped-out-of-the-water vibe while still appearing intentional. On set, stylists saturate hair from roots to ends with gel or high-shine cream, then comb everything back so every strand looks coated and glossy without being clumpy. This technique works on straight, wavy, and curly textures and can be paired with either a clean hairline or a slightly tousled crown for more movement through the top. The secret for a wearable version is using enough product to create sheen along the surface, focusing especially at the front and sides, while keeping some natural texture through the back so it still feels like hair, not plastic, when you move.
4. Slicked Back Low Bun
A slicked back low bun is one of the most versatile editorial hairstyles, because it can swing from ultra-minimal to high-glam with tiny tweaks in finish and accessories. Hair is brushed back from the face, smoothed flat over the crown and sides, then secured right at or slightly above the nape in a compact bun that shows off the neck and jawline. Stylists often use gel and a boar bristle brush to erase flyaways and create a mirror-like shine at the roots, which photographs beautifully under bright lights. From there, the bun itself can be coiled tight for a strict ballerina effect or soft and twisted for a more relaxed, editorial feel, making this look perfect for runway, bridal, or evening shoots where the outfit needs to stay front and center.
5. Slicked Back High Ponytail
A slicked back high ponytail brings a sporty, lifted energy to editorial shots while still looking sleek and refined. Hair is pulled straight back and up toward the crown, smoothed over the sides and back so there are no bumps, then secured tightly to create that snatched effect around the face. This instantly elongates features and gives a mini “face lift,” which is why so many celebrities choose it for red carpet events and performances. For a high-fashion twist, stylists often wrap a small section of hair around the base of the pony to hide the elastic, then use a shine spray or lightweight oil through the lengths so the tail looks glossy and fluid as it swings, catching light in motion on camera.
6. Slicked Back Long Hair Down
When long hair is left down but slicked back at the roots, the result is a sleek editorial look that keeps the face open while still celebrating length. The top and sides are combed back close to the scalp with gel or cream, but from mid-length to ends, the hair falls naturally, whether it is straight, wavy, or curly. This contrast between tight, glossy roots and freer ends creates dimension in photos and works especially well with strong necklines or statement shoulders in fashion shoots. To keep it modern, stylists avoid overloading the lengths with product, instead focusing polish near the hairline and letting the rest move, which helps prevent the style from feeling too heavy, crunchy, or dated while still reading intentionally sleek.
7. Slicked Back Bob Haircut
The slicked back bob haircut might be one of the most editorial shapes you can choose, because the strong line of the bob instantly looks graphic when it is smoothed away from the face. Whether the bob is blunt, slightly angled, or has soft layering, combing the hair straight back lets the cut’s outline do the talking while still giving the roots that sculpted sheen. Stylists often tuck the hair behind the ears and use gel along the sides, which accentuates cheekbones and gives that cool, minimal gallery-girl energy. On camera, this combination of sharp perimeter and slicked top creates clean shapes around the neck and jaw, making it a favorite for beauty editorials where the hair needs to complement, not compete with, strong makeup or accessories.
8. Slicked Back Lob Haircut
A slicked back lob haircut, which hits somewhere between the chin and collarbone, bridges the gap between a bob and long hair while still looking distinctly editorial. Because the length sits right on the shoulders or just below, slicking back the top and sides lets the ends fan out naturally, creating an interesting line that works well in both profile and three-quarter shots. This shape suits straight, wavy, and lightly textured hair, and it is especially flattering when the lob has a blunt or slightly beveled edge that reads clearly in photos. Stylists usually keep the roots smooth and shiny with gel or cream while using a bit of texturizing spray through the ends so they do not clump together, striking that balance between polished and effortless that feels very current.
9. Slicked Back Undercut Hair
Slicked back undercut hair delivers high contrast, which is why it is such a striking editorial option for men and anyone who loves a more androgynous edge. The sides and back are clipped very short or even shaved, while the top is left significantly longer so it can be combed back smoothly over the undercut. This strong difference in length creates clean lines around the head that pop on camera and emphasize the slicked top as the main focal point. For high-fashion shoots, stylists lean into shine using pomade or gel along the top, then keep the undercut matte for a subtle texture contrast, which helps the style look powerful and intentional without feeling too harsh or costume-like.
10. Slicked Back Fade Haircut
A slicked back fade haircut offers a smoother, more graduated take on short sides than an undercut, making it a favorite in modern men’s grooming editorials. The hair tapers gradually from shorter at the temples and nape to longer toward the crown, where it is then styled back using a comb and strong-hold product for a clean finish. This blended fade keeps the overall shape refined while still giving enough length on top to play with volume and direction. On set, stylists often blow-dry the top backward first to build height, then use pomade or cream to smooth the surface, so the hair looks structured yet not overly stiff, which reads especially well in close-up grooming shots and campaign imagery.
11. Slicked Back Short Haircut
Slicked back short haircut looks prove you do not need a lot of length to create a strong editorial statement. With hair kept relatively close to the head, usually just a couple of inches on top, the emphasis is on clean lines, shine, and the way the hair follows the shape of the skull. Stylists typically work product through damp hair, comb it straight back or slightly diagonally, then fine-tune with their fingers to avoid harsh comb marks that might distract on camera. Because shorter cuts dry quickly, they are ideal for wet-look or semi-wet finishes that need to last through a full shoot day, making this a practical and stylish option for editorials that require quick changes and minimal maintenance between looks.
12. Slicked Back Curly Hair
Slicked back curly hair creates an incredible texture contrast that photographers love, because the smooth roots and defined curls play beautifully with light. The styling approach usually involves applying gel or curl cream at the roots and along the sides, combing everything back close to the scalp, and then letting the curls spring freely from the crown or mid-lengths. This keeps the hairline and face open while showcasing natural curl pattern through the back and ends, which feels modern and inclusive in editorials. To prevent crunch, stylists often scrunch a small amount of lightweight oil or serum into the curls once the gel has set, so the curls look glossy and touchable while the slicked portion remains controlled and reflective under studio lighting.
13. Slicked Back Wavy Hair
With slicked back wavy hair, you get the best of both worlds: the polish of a sleek hairline and the softness of natural wave through the lengths. Hair is combed back from the face with gel or styling cream, but instead of stretching it completely straight, the product is worked in a way that encourages the existing wave to bend and curve as it falls. This creates a more relaxed, beach-meets-runway effect that feels less severe than super-straight slicked styles yet still intentional and editorial. In many shoots, stylists will clip the sides flat as the hair sets to maintain that sleek profile, then remove the clips and lightly scrunch the mid-lengths so the final result has movement, texture, and a soft, reflective sheen in photos.
14. Slicked Back Side Part Hair
A slicked back side part hair look is a classic in both men’s and women’s editorials, because that strong part line instantly adds structure and a sense of old-school glamour. Hair is parted deeply on one side, then combed back and over, with one side sitting tighter to the head and the other side creating a gentle sweep that follows the part. This asymmetry flatters many face shapes and can make features like brows or cheekbones stand out more in close-up shots. Stylists usually polish the part with gel so it looks sharp and clean, then decide how glossy to go along the lengths depending on the overall mood of the shoot, from soft and touchable to high-shine and red carpet-ready.
15. Slicked Back Half Up Hair
Slicked back half up hair gives you the control of a sleek hairline with the ease and softness of loose lengths, making it perfect for editorial looks that need balance. The top section, from the temples up, is combed back tightly and secured at the crown with an elastic or hidden pins, while the rest of the hair falls freely down the back. This setup highlights the face and keeps hair away from makeup or statement earrings, but still lets you show off texture, length, or color through the lower half. For high-fashion shoots, stylists often keep the slicked portion very glossy and tight, then enhance the loose section with waves, curls, or subtle volume so the overall look feels polished yet not overly severe.
16. Slicked Back Braided Ponytail
A slicked back braided ponytail combines the clean simplicity of slicked roots with the visual interest of a braid, which always photographs beautifully. Hair is brushed back from the face, smoothed along the sides with gel or cream, and tied into a ponytail that sits at the mid or high back of the head, depending on the desired silhouette. The ponytail is then braided down to the ends, creating a long, sculptural shape that holds up well during movement-heavy shoots. Because the roots are slick and glossy while the braid adds texture and structure, this style works especially well in editorials where the wardrobe is clean and minimal, giving the hair its own moment without overshadowing the clothes.
17. Slicked Back Top Knot Hair
Slicked back top knot hair is bold and editorial by nature, because it stacks height right on top of the head while keeping the rest of the silhouette very tight. Hair is pulled straight up and back, then twisted or wrapped into a compact knot or small bun that sits at or just above the crown, with the sides smoothed clean. This draws attention upward and can make the neck and shoulders look longer in photos, which is why it pairs nicely with strapless or structured necklines. Stylists often keep the knot itself slightly textured or loosely wrapped while maintaining a glassy finish at the roots, so the style reads modern and sculptural rather than too severe or flat against the head.
18. Slicked Back Pixie Cut
A slicked back pixie cut may be short, but it delivers huge editorial impact because every detail is visible and intentional. With cropped sides and back and a bit more length through the top, the hair can be combed or finger-styled straight back with gel, pomade, or wax to create a sleek, head-hugging shape. This look puts facial features completely on display and is especially striking with bold brows or graphic makeup in beauty shoots. To keep it from looking flat, stylists usually push a little extra height through the front or crown, then use shine-enhancing products just on the surface so the hair catches studio light without appearing greasy, giving that cool, high-fashion finish.
19. Slicked Back Old Money Hair
Slicked back old money hair taps into that polished, understated luxury trend that has become so popular in recent men’s and gender-neutral grooming. The cut typically keeps medium length on top with soft, tailored sides, then relies on blow-drying and product to sweep the hair back with gentle volume rather than a harsh, plastered finish. The result is smooth, controlled, and shiny, but still has a bit of movement, almost like a modern twist on classic Hollywood grooming. On camera, this look reads confident and expensive without trying too hard, which is why it shows up so often in campaigns that emphasize tailoring, minimalism, and timeless wardrobe pieces rather than loud trends or edgy details.
20. Slicked Back High Fashion Hair
Slicked back high fashion hair is less about a single formula and more about pushing the slick concept into something sculptural, experimental, and editorially bold. In this category, stylists might exaggerate height at the front, carve graphic shapes into the slicked surface, or combine wet-look roots with unexpected textures, braids, or accessories. The common thread is a tight, glossy base at the roots that creates a clean canvas, allowing creative elements to sit on top without looking messy. These looks are designed for runway and high-concept shoots where practicality matters less than visual impact, so they often rely on strong-hold products, precise sectioning, and strategic shine to make sure the hair looks intentional and artful from every camera angle.
Conclusion:
Editorial slicked back hairstyles remain a favorite across runways, red carpets, and beauty campaigns because they highlight the face while giving hair a strong, modern outline. Today’s versions go beyond stiff, lacquered finishes and focus more on shine, movement, and personalization, whether that means pairing sleek roots with loose lengths or combining smooth surfaces with braids, buns, and knots. From classic comb-backs and old money grooming to undercuts, fades, and high-concept sculptural looks, you can tailor slicked back hair to almost any length, texture, or gender expression. With the right cut, strong yet flexible products, and a bit of practice with comb direction and tension, these styles are surprisingly achievable at home while still delivering that high-impact, editorial finish you see in magazines and on runways.
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