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24 Sleek Slicked-Back Short Hair Ideas for a Polished Look

Slick back hairstyles bring a clean, confident vibe to short hair. They’re sleek, bold, and perfect for both casual days and formal events. With the right styling products, short hair can be smoothed back easily for a fresh, put-together look.

This style works well with pixie cuts, bobs, and cropped styles, highlighting your face and creating a sharp silhouette. In this article, we’ll go through slick back hairstyle ideas for short hair that feel strong, stylish, and effortlessly cool.

Sleek Wet-Look Bob with Slicked-Back Volume

Source – bethany_amber_x

This sleek slicked-back bob channels a clean, confident style with just the right edge. The hair is smoothed away from the face, creating a wet-look effect that enhances the facial structure.

Subtle volume at the crown adds dimension, while the blunt bob length keeps the style polished and minimal.

The ends flip slightly outward, giving a subtle, relaxed finish. Ideal for formal or editorial-inspired looks, this hairstyle strikes a balance between sharp sophistication and effortless ease.

Slicked-Back Curly Ponytail with Defined Edges

Source – styling_w_adri

This slicked-back ponytail showcases a flawless blend of sleek control and curly texture. The hair is brushed smooth and tight to the scalp, emphasizing the natural wave pattern with expertly styled swooped edges.

The ponytail itself bursts into defined, springy curls that add volume and personality. A wrapped base conceals the band for a clean finish. This style is ideal for highlighting curls while keeping the front neat and polished, perfect for both casual days and special occasions.

Minimalist Slicked-Back Blonde Crop

Source – ednalugo

This minimalist slicked-back crop is all about clean lines and understated elegance. The blonde hair is combed back tightly, creating a smooth, sculpted finish that hugs the scalp.

The short length at the nape keeps the style sharp and modern, while the glossy texture adds a refined edge.

This look works well for showcasing facial features and suits both professional and high-fashion settings. With its bold simplicity, it’s perfect for those who love sleek styles with a striking, no-fuss attitude.

Title: Deep Side-Part Slicked-Back Bob

Source – im__krazy

This deep side-part slicked-back bob combines structure with subtle movement for a modern, fashion-forward look.

One side is sleekly combed back with product, adding shine and definition, while the rest flows into a chin-length bob with slightly textured ends. The visible contrast between the slicked and loose sections creates visual interest and adds attitude.

This hairstyle is ideal for someone who wants to maintain short hair with a bold, polished edge that transitions effortlessly from daywear to evening glam.

Glossy Slicked-Back Wet Look with Flared Ends

Source – renee_musestudiocollective

This high-shine slicked-back style brings a daring, editorial flair to short hair. The strands are gelled from root to mid-length, creating a glossy, almost wet appearance that holds the hair close to the head.

The ends flare out slightly at the nape, adding playful movement and edge. With its clean shape and sculpted finish, this look balances sleek precision with a fashion-forward twist.

It’s ideal for bold statement-makers who want to elevate their short cut with runway-inspired styling.

Slicked-Back Bixie with Tucked Sides

Source – bbheartburlyq

This slicked-back bixie blends classic control with modern edge. The hair is combed back smoothly, following the head’s natural shape, while the tucked sides maintain a clean and structured profile.

The nape remains soft and slightly layered, giving the style a relaxed yet refined finish. This look works well for anyone wanting short hair with a professional yet bold aesthetic.

It’s a low-maintenance choice that keeps things polished while letting facial features take the spotlight.

Sleek Slicked-Back Low Bun

Source – mckenzie_berg

This slicked-back low bun offers timeless elegance with a modern, polished edge. The hair is smoothed tightly from the hairline to the nape, emphasizing clean lines and facial structure.

Gathered neatly into a low bun, it creates a sleek silhouette that’s both refined and practical.

The glossy finish adds a touch of glamour, making it a go-to for evenings out, formal events, or elevated everyday looks. It’s a versatile hairstyle that balances sophistication with minimal effort.

Classic Slicked-Back Short Bob

Source – clipper.variant

This classic slicked-back short bob features a smooth, clean finish that emphasizes natural texture and structure. Hair is brushed straight back from the forehead and held close to the scalp, giving it a sleek, glossy appearance.

The cut sits just above the nape, slightly tapered for a neat silhouette. It’s a refined look that combines timeless shape with contemporary styling.

Ideal for those who want a low-maintenance yet sharp aesthetic, this hairstyle balances casual ease with minimalist sophistication.

Slicked-Back Blonde Undercut Pixie

Source – lovesalonpdx

This slicked-back blonde pixie features a bold undercut and a glossy, sculpted crown. The top layers are brushed back smoothly, giving the style volume and shine, while the shorter sides stay clean and tight for contrast.

The undercut enhances the sleek shape and emphasizes the face, creating a sharp, contemporary silhouette.

This look is perfect for anyone wanting short hair with edge and sophistication. It’s an effortless yet powerful style that balances cool attitude with modern polish.

Slicked-Back Precision Lavender Bob

Source – kayleigh_anotherdimension

This slicked-back lavender bob blends bold color with sculpted control. The hair is smoothed away from the face, emphasizing the clean, rounded shape of the cut.

Tapered under the ears and slightly curved at the ends, the style creates a polished silhouette with a modern edge. The subtle gradient of soft purple tones adds depth without distracting from the sleek structure.

This hairstyle is perfect for those who want a fashion-forward, short haircut with refined detail and a pop of personality.

Slicked-Back Textured Bob with Natural Flow

Source – lisasatornhair

This slicked-back bob combines structure with soft texture for a chic, effortless vibe. The hair is brushed back using light product, creating separation and natural movement through the strands.

The bob grazes the jawline with a slightly curved edge, giving the look a gentle, flattering finish.

It’s ideal for those who want a short hairstyle that feels polished without being overly rigid. This style offers a balanced look — part refined, part undone — perfect for modern, everyday wear.

Edgy Slicked-Back Bob with Face-Framing Contrast

Source – chrisweberhair

This edgy slicked-back bob features bold contrast and sleek definition. Dark roots flow into lighter blonde strands, adding depth and dimension to the overall look.

The hair is brushed back with a light hold, creating a controlled yet natural finish that highlights the face. The ends are slightly textured, hitting just below the chin for a flattering silhouette.

This style merges classic bob structure with a rebellious twist—perfect for those who love polished hair with a bit of attitude.

Slicked-Back Braided Mini Bun

Source – jackiechanhair

This slicked-back braided mini bun offers a clean and controlled finish with a touch of creative flair.

The hair is tightly slicked back from the hairline and gathered at the nape into a neat braid. This is then coiled into a compact bun. The glossy surface keeps the look sharp and polished, while the braid adds subtle texture and structure.

This is a hairstyle for active days or formal settings, this style blends sleek precision with a minimalist, elegant twist.

Wet-Look Slicked-Back Bob with Natural Layers

Source – elevatedfm

This wet-look slicked-back bob is sleek yet relaxed, with a high-shine finish that gives it a modern edge.

The hair is combed straight back from the hairline using styling product, creating visible separation and texture throughout. It tapers just below the ears, with soft layers that fall naturally around the neck.

The style offers a balance of control and movement, perfect for anyone who wants a contemporary short cut that feels both fashion-forward and effortless.

Glossy Slicked-Back Bob with Flipped Ends

Source – artesalonnyc

This glossy slicked-back bob is bold, sculpted, and runway-ready. The hair is saturated with product for an ultra-sleek, wet-look finish, combed straight back with visible precision.

It hugs the scalp smoothly, while the ends subtly flip outward, adding a playful twist to the otherwise sharp silhouette.

The shape is clean and controlled, perfect for creating a high-impact style with minimal effort. It’s great for editorial looks or statement nights out, this hairstyle balances drama and polish beautifully.

Sculpted Slicked-Back Pixie with Artistic Finger Waves

Source – creativeheadmag

This avant-garde slicked-back pixie is sculpted into precision with glossy control and artistic flair. The ultra-short cut is styled with deliberate finger-wave-like curves that sweep over the forehead in bold, graphic lines.

Each section is placed with intention, turning the hair into a wearable work of art. The finish is ultra-sleek, with high shine from root to tip. Perfect for editorial shoots or fashion-forward statements, this look transforms a short cut into a dramatic and expressive masterpiece.

Slicked-Back Undercut with Voluminous Top

Source – shorthairfan20

This slicked-back undercut delivers bold contrast and strong structure. The sides and back are shaved close, while the top remains long and brushed back for volume and height.

The slick styling enhances the silhouette, creating a dramatic lift that adds confidence and edge. The fade between the shaved sections and the longer crown is clean and sharp.

Perfect for anyone craving a powerful, fashion-forward look, this style combines sharp lines with sleek texture for a striking modern finish.

Simple Slicked-Back Bob with Clean Part

Source – christie_dyball_hairdresser

This slicked-back bob embraces minimalism with a tidy, natural finish. The hair is parted cleanly and combed back on both sides, creating a smooth surface without heavy product buildup.

The bob grazes just below the chin, offering a soft yet structured silhouette.

This look balances polish and ease, making it perfect for daily wear or low-key professional settings. It’s ideal for those who want a practical short style that still feels sleek and intentional.