slick back · pompadour
Slick Back vs. Pompadour: Which ShouldYou Wear?
Slick back vs. pompadour compared by height, length, product, and who each suits, with how to style both at home and how to ask for the right cut.
Hairover Team
A slick back combs all the hair straight back so it lies close to the head. A pompadour also goes back, but it is blow-dried up at the front to create height. The slick back looks sleek and adds no extra height. The pompadour is taller and more dramatic, and it takes more skill to style.
Side by side
| Slick back | Pompadour | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | Low | High |
| Top length | 3 to 6 inches | 4 to 6 inches at the front |
| Blow-dryer needed | Optional | Yes |
| Shine | Usually medium to high | Medium to high |
| Exposes forehead | Fully | Mostly |
| Styling time | 2 to 3 minutes | 5 to 10 minutes |
When a slick back works
It suits oval and square faces, and it works particularly well on thick, straight, or wavy hair. It also looks very smart with a suit, and modern versions with less product and some movement can work for daily wear. It does put your whole forehead on show, so if you would rather balance a tall forehead, see hairstyles for a big forehead.
When a pompadour works
A pompadour suits round faces and any face that can carry added length. It also draws attention away from the jaw and gives a more retro look. For a smaller version with less commitment, read pompadour vs. quiff.
Hair types
Very curly hair won’t lie flat for a slick back without a lot of product, though curls pushed back in a loose, textured way can look great. Fine hair can look thin when flattened against the head, so a slightly messy finish often works better than a tight one.
How to style each
Slick back: Apply a light pre-styler to damp hair. Comb straight back, blow-drying in the same direction if you want it to last. Finish with a water-based pomade, then comb through.
Pompadour: Blow-dry up and back with a round brush. Work pomade through from the back toward the front, then shape the front section upward. See our guide to pomade, clay, and wax for how to choose.
How to ask
Slick back: “A taper on the sides, and I want the top long enough to comb straight back, without many layers.”
Pompadour: “A fade on the sides, with five inches on top at the front, shortening to the crown.”
Test both before you grow your hair
Each of these takes months to grow into. Hairover lets you upload a clear photo, get a hair analysis, and try hairstyles on your own face in Style Studio, so you can see what you are growing toward.
FAQ
Do you need long hair for a slick back?
You need enough length to reach the crown when combed, usually around three to six inches. Shorter hair tends to spring forward or stick up.
Does slicking your hair back cause hair loss?
Occasional styling does not. Pulling hair back tightly and repeatedly can stress the hairline over time, so it is worth keeping it loose and avoiding a tight tie.
Which suits a long face?
The slick back, since it adds little height, though it does expose the forehead. A tall pompadour makes a long face look longer.
