​Slick back hair has done the rounds as the finishing touch of a corporate uniform. It’s simple, clean, and says you’re here to get shit done.

You might associate it with alpha male corporate warriors and sleazy sales guys in purple suits, but slick back hair can be the perfect antidote to a stale haircut that leaves you wanting something with a bit more punch.

Slick back hair projects a mature, business-first quality, and is sufficiently timeless that it won’t be consigned to the trash heap of out-of-fashion looks anytime soon. There’s room for this beyond the office, too. By playing with different products to suit the environment, you can also adapt it for weekend adventures when the suit and tie stays in the wardrobe.

This guide will give you a follicular roadmap to achieving a no-grease, no-sleaze slick back. You’ll discover whether your hair is up to the job, what products to use, and inspiring examples of the style to digest. Then, you can go back to watching Wall Street and studying stockbroking 101.

Is Your Hair Right For The Job?

Slick back hair is ubiquitous in western culture like bad dancing and guys called James, but that’s not to say it works for everyone. The texture, density, and growing pattern of your hair can make a huge difference in determining if you can pull the style off.

For starters, you probably know already that straight hair lends itself to a slicked back style. Straight hair follows a simple pattern, which is crucial for the overall shape of the cut. Hair growth direction is important, too. For some guys, hair naturally grows forward, making it resistant to the comb-and-pomade two punch routine.

If this sounds like you, then you need to think about getting cosy with a blow dryer and investing a bit more time in ‘training’ its shape. This won’t change the natural growing pattern, but it will make it slightly more co-operative to your styling attempts.

Thick hair can be an obstacle to getting this style right. A slicked back haircut generally necessitates low to medium density hair. Anything thicker, and you’ll find it’s difficult to both slick the hair back and maintain its shape. If you’ve found that your hair doesn’t stay in place, or requires handfuls of product, then ask the barber to use thinning shears. This alleviates some of the density in your hair, making it easier to pull back with a comb. Think of it as an inconvenient blessing. It’s better to have thick hair than none at all.

For curly haired gents, you might need to tap out early. It’s unlikely you’ll achieve Draper-esque slick style without investing your house mortgage in Olympic-pool quantities of pomade. That’s not to say the show can’t go on – you will just need to adapt the style to one that suits curly hair. These styles are messy off duty looks; think curly variations of David Beckham’s or a textured quiff.

Slick Back Hair Products

You’ve been to the local salon, and the product shelf seems to go on forever. There’s endless options for product out there – clay, paste, cream, pomade, gel, wax – and you might be feeling a bit of an information overload from all the choice. You’ll have the most success, however, if you keep it simple and stick to a pomade or clay – depending on the image you want to project.

Pomade is a definitive classic. It offers old-school, vintage appeal and is also a lifesaver for windy days. Pomade can subdue unruly hair, and keep everything where you need it for sustained periods of time, due to its weight. On the other hand, too much pomade – particularly high-shine, oil based products – can lead you into Wall Street bank shark territory.

Oil based pomades don’t wash out easily, either. As a result, water-based products are the best compromise for sufficient hold that won’t overstay its welcome after a solid washing. You will also find that pomade lends itself to a more formal, buttoned-up look that looks out of place in a casual environment.

So if you want to incorporate a schmick 1950’s corporate look, pomade is the man for the job. Remember, less is more with pomade – start with a little bit, evenly through the hair, and work your way up. Handfuls of product are for lounge lizards and clueless teenagers.

Clay is a more contemporary, versatile option. Clays come in a variety of options: heavy-duty concrete stuff for thick and unruly hair, or featherweight creams for something similar-but-not-quite pomade. Unlike oil or alcohol based products, clays are usually made with natural minerals (no nasty stuff). This adds texture and volume to your hair, which is ideal for casual effortlessness.

You will need to test a few different options to find which clay suits you – thick hair needs extreme hold clays, while thin, straight hair is usually happy with a lightweight option. Clays are the natural option for the guy who doesn’t spend too much time in the corporate rat race, and doesn’t feel at home with shiny hair.

No matter how desperate you find yourself, gel should stay on the shelf. Favoured by adolescents and early 2000’s revivalists, gel is usually alcohol-based, which will dehydrate your hair. Plus, it’s flammable. It’s unlikely that you will impress the girl at the bar if your head goes up in red-hot sparks.

For a finishing touch, remember that hairspray can lock your hair into place. But please, use it sparingly. Most hairsprays add a glossy finish (too much of which will make your hair look like a helmet). They’re also about as flammable as a remix of Stayin Alive. A spray or two at key points, and nothing more.

Tools & Equipment

The Undercut
Arguably the most popular short hairstyle of the last five years. Thanks to Boardwalk Empire and just about every other show with a stylish leading man, the undercut has done the rounds among the young and trying-to-stay-young as the haircut of the moment.

To achieve this, you will need to spend a chunk of time growing out the front with a tapered crown. Maintain blended sides and a medium fade, until you can slick the top over to the back of your head. Otherwise, the cut will look tropical-fruit disproportionate.  Afterwards, it’s a case of choosing a low or high fade. We recommend sitting somewhere in the middle.

A super low fade can lead you into 80’s finance territory, while a high fade can unfortunately exaggerate the shape of your head. That being said, the undercut is doing the rounds for a reason. It’s as versatile as.

​
You can slick it back with pomade, or use clays for a more natural approach. Works well for the 9-5 and off duty fun. Straight, medium-density hair is the ticket here, but it can work with curly hair if you’re not chasing the Jimmy Darmody look.
 
This article first appeared on D'MARGE

Need More Motivation…
Growing hair out, men?   Check below for Medium Length hairstyle ideas for men.

​If you’re a bit of a goldilocks when it comes to your hair – not too short, not too long, but in between – then you’ll be pleased to know there is plenty of inspiration when it comes to men’s medium hairstyles.

In fact, medium length hairstyles are amongst the most popular with your favourite male celebrities. Just take Chris Hemsworth’s effortless blonde tresses, Leonardo DiCaprio’s ever changing hairdos, Bradley Coopers sharp and slicked back hair or Colin Farrell’s edgy mid-length style.

With medium length hair, whether you’re rocking it long on top and sharp on the sides, or leaving at tousled and fuss-free, you’re open to more styling options that can be part shaved, straight, wavy and of course, with as little or as much product in your hair as you like.
 
Check out some of the men’s medium hairstyles and haircuts below.

How To Grow Out Your Hair Without Looking Like You’ve Given Up On Life
First things first, there’s something we need to make very clear. As you’ve probably seen with many a male celebrity, there is a world of difference between simply deciding not to cut your hair one day, and growing your hair out with actual effort.

And yes, you can tell the difference between the two. There are a few things you can do to make sure you don’t fall into the former category though, starting with…

Get As Many Opinions As Possible
Before you decide to go full-Fabio, do a serious evaluation as to whether the product of your spent time and effort is actually gonna look good or not. Take a look in the mirror, use a snapchat filter, ask your family, ask your Mrs, ask your mates, ask anyone how they reckon you’d look with long hair.

Also, don’t be afraid to cut it back if you don’t think it’s going to go as well as you thought. There’s no shame in trying, but we can’t all be Chris Hemsworth.

Match Your Style To Your Features
There’s a few things that can determine just how good your mane is likely to look, and they all rest on your face. Having thicker hair in certain places (for instance a heavier top and thinner sides, or vice versa), can help accentuate or balance the features of your mug, meaning it’s important to get everything proportioned correctly.

If you have large features (big nose, big lips etc.) or a rounder face, go for bigger, larger, more textured styles to soften them. Early Mick Jagger is a good example. If you have smaller features and a thinner face, a thinner, longer style is probably more suitable. Think Zlatan or Jared Leto.

Adjust Your Style As It Grows
Of course, before you reach a glorious mane you’re going to go through months of awkward lengths, styles and unruliness that’ll make you question whether or not you want to continue.

The answer to this issue is twofold. One, make sure you’re giving your hair the best chance to grow healthily by eating a decent diet and using conditioning products as it grows. Two. Don’t be afraid to get a little product involved to keep things looking presentable.

It’ll take time for your hair to reach a long enough length to weigh itself down and look properly natural, so you may have to compromise for a while.

Once It’s Grown, Let Your Barber Take the Reigns
If you’ve grown your hair out right, it should need as little maintenance as possible to make it look good. If you want to blow dry it, go for it, but lay off on the styling products, unless of course you’re trying out for a Motley Crue tribute act.

The hallmark of a grown-out hairstyle that works is that it should look good sitting naturally. If it doesn’t, then let your barber fix it or consider a change of style altogether.

That being said, take care of your hair. Short hair might let you get away with being a little more relaxed on the shampoo and conditioner, but as any girl will tell you, long hair won’t afford you that luxury.

Always Keep It In Check
Keeping your hair healthy often boils down to making sure you’re touching it as little as possible, but depending on how long you decide to go, you’re gonna have to figure out ways to make sure it’s not going everywhere when you’re playing sport, doing manual labour or even just walking in a windy day.

The key here is to experiment with what suits you. Take as much inspiration as you’d like when it comes to buns, ponytails, headbands, bandannas or whatever, as long as you’re avoiding the top knot.
 
This article first appeared on D’MARGE

Now, some men are thorough when it come to how they look; and while many have given advice to dress up for the job, what they didn’t add is to apply the same principle with hairstyles.

Working professionals such as yourself shouldn’t stick with the notion of just suiting up to impress, you also have to get yourself cleaned up to keep up a respectable image.

And that goes for what hairstyle you are currently going for.

There are some guys who can easily pull-off a ragged look and just as easily turn it into a sleek, classy style the next, they have no qualms when it comes to rocking an office haircut which is a talent in itself.

So for those, who are still a little bit lost on how to present themselves with utmost confidence, here are some tips for you on how you can pull off a cool haircut at work!

Know Your Hair & Face and Familiarize

Ask yourself first, if the current hair trend you want is applicable to the type of hair you are sporting. You definitely need to determine what type of hair style goes well for you. We’re talking about the texture of your hair, the shape of your face, and your facial features.

A lot of guys make a mistake on just winging their haircuts just because they find the hairstyle cool but when they attempt to copy the look it just doesn’t work for them.

Whoever said taking a big leap without thinking is a good way to go, he doesn’t know what he’s talking about.

Don’t fall into the trap. Familiarize yourself with the overall structure of your head: hair and face.

The Right Hairstyles

Don’t be discouraged that just because you have curly hair doesn’t mean you can’t have that clean-swept and sleek hairdo.

You’d be surprised there are ways to accomplish a certain hairstyle without jeopardizing your current look.

All you need to do is look for some comparison. You already have a good resource for this – the Internet.

Go through some styles which you think are right for you and will make you look dapper and respectable.

Consider Your Work Environment

While a youthful and extraordinary hairstyle certainly have its merits, it is also important to be mindful of your surroundings, your work environment in particular.

So if you are considering a striking change of style, just be sure that it would be appropriate for your current job and how will your co-workers, bosses, and clients perceive your chosen look.

Ask the Experts

If your indecisions are still holding you back from achieving that perfect work style, it’s time to ask the experts.

Take the time to understand on what they have to say because they can help you identify what type of look would best suit you.

It also helps if you brought some of the photos of hairstyle you’re eyeing on so that they have an idea what you also want, that way it’s more of a collaborative work.

Stick with the Classics

Despite the fact that there are plenty of hairstyle trends suitable for a modernize look, we can’t deny that the classics still resonates with us the most.

Take inspiration from all the classics. You have a number to choose from! Not to mention that the vintage are making a comeback this year but with a modernized spin to it. This will surely give you a sense of professionalism with an addition of the ‘classic’ appeal.

You want a fail-safe look? Then your top answer would be to go for a classic cut!]

This article first appeared on The Manliness Kit

The last 30 seconds of the game. The hilarious way he put one over on his best buddy at work. Beer. There are lots of topics that men love to discuss. His hair is usually not one of them. For most guys, the stuff on the top of their heads is SO no big deal. It gets washed in the shower, combed right, cut when absolutely necessary. End of story. Now you adore your guy but his hair? Maybe there’s room for some improvement. Undoubtedly he admires your exquisite taste (after all, why else would he be with you?) so stay alert for the opportunity to weigh in on his hair cut and style. To prepare, here are tips for every type of men’s hair, plus some common male strand situations.

Style Choices
It’s true—the haircut needle moves slowly for guys. It seems once they find a cut they like, they stick with “the usual,” and suddenly several decades have elapsed. Granted, the spectrum for men’s hairstyles is much narrower than for women, but every now and then, whether he’s a classic suit and tie man, or more of the artsy type, an update is in order. Here are some suggestions.

If he’s an edgy guy…

Thin Hair: A Dramatic Fade Hairstyle
The thing about fine hair is that it tends to be unevenly fine. A closely-clipped fade haircut keeps the existing hair evenly distributed. Some length on the top and a strong part make a dramatic statement. A neatly-clipped beard serves as a balancing element for the big picture. Tip: When hair is this short, all brow, nose and ear hair should be impeccably groomed! 

Thick Hair: Over Swept Pompadour
Lucky guy, with hair to spare! It’s the perfect texture for a modern pomp. Rock and roll birthed this men’s cut, and decade after decade, it never goes out of style. It always makes an irresistible “artist/bad boy” statement. The cut should be trim on the sides and in back with enough length on top to lift and mold with pomade. 

Curly Hair: High and Tight
Clipped and faded sides and back, a finely-etched hairline and a squared-off top produce a crisp and masculine effect. Curls can have a softening effect on a guy’s features, so it’s best to keep the shape of the haircut angular.

If he’s a classic guy…

Thick Hair: Carefully Controlled
The good news is thick hair pretty much looks good no matter how it’s cut. But if you and your guy can find a barber or stylist who knows how to prune it a bit, it will look even better. That could mean using shears to thin out the sides and back, and to texturize the top by snipping out random sections. The snipping creates some movement in a solid shape, and can be further defined with styling crème or pomade.

Curly Hair: Perfectly Proportioned
Well-tailored side and back sections with a boyish, eye-grazing fringe place curls in their best light. It’s important to keep the outline nice and square, with a gradual taper to avoid clumps or bumps. 

Must-Have Products
Here’s the thing that most guys don’t realize. Shampoo isn’t enough. Adding one or two styling products to his daily regimen is the secret to looking well-groomed, no matter how he wears his hair. There are options for every hair type.

Fine Hair
After shampooing, apply a light holding product like mousse to damp strands, comb the hair into place and let it dry completely.  This ‘sets’ the hair and controls the texture.  Next, break up strands with a brush or with the hands and add a dab of light pomade for shine and unfussy texture. 

Thick Hair
Prep thick, damp hair with a leave-in conditioner or styling crème before it dries. Then there’s another step once the hair is dry, that will help control this hair type. Select a strong-hold pomade that will make the hair firm but not sticky.  Work up from the back and sides and finally through the longest top sections, using the hands to form the final shape.

Curly Hair
Curly hair is thirsty hair so moisture is critical.  Styling should start with a cocktail of leave-in conditioner and hair crème applied to damp hair.  (If hair is super-dry and frizzy, add a few drops of styling oil to the mix.)  Keep in mind that every curly texture is different so your guy may have to experiment with his cocktail to get the perfect recipe.  Massage into hair and then, hands off!  The moisture in the products will encourage a controlled and consistent curl formation and tame the frizz. Touching curls once they’re dry will just mess up the curl pattern.

Special Circumstances

Dry Scalp
Most docs don’t even know what causes scalps to become dry and flaky, but no guy wants to sport white stuff on his collar. One thing that is for certain—his flakiness isn’t about clean hair (or not) it’s about the skin on his scalp, which is producing and turning over skin cells at a too-rapid rate. The fix is pretty simple. Look for a scalp-treatment shampoo and conditioner that keep the scalp hydrated and irritation-free. They may contain natural anti-bacterial and calming ingredients like mint leaf or rosemary.

More Salt than Pepper
If backed against a wall, most guys would admit they don’t much care for their gray hair. Gray may be a good look for a professor or CEO who wants to give the impression of wisdom and experience, but not so much for a guy still competing for the promotion, raise, new job, etc. Covering a guy’s gray with hair color has become fairly quick and painless, thanks to professional demi-permanent hair color formulas that subtly blend the silvers, rather than covering them like shoe polish. These products also prevent the dreaded orange effect, they process in just 10 to 20 minutes, and since they fade gradually with subsequent shampoos there’s never a grow-out line.

Where Did All The Highlights Go?
When he was the cutest lifeguard on the beach, the sun did a heck of a highlighting job. Now the main light he’s exposed to is from his laptop, and that sun-kissed blonde has turned to mouse beige. Again, professional hair color to the rescue. A few swift, hand painted highlights after each haircut will transport him back to his Baywatch glory days, and no one will be the wiser. 

This article first appeared on Matrix.com