When it comes to slick back hairstyles, for every Eric Trump (shudder), there’s a David Beckham, smugly smouldering into the camera with the single greatest loose pompadour known to man.

This proves two things. One, its impossible for any of David Beckham’s hairstyles to look bad. And two, the devil here is almost certainly in the detail – a fractional misstep and you’re in slick back hell with hair greasier than a strippers pole.

So, if you’re looking to add the slick back look to your grooming arsenal, here’s everything you need to know to get it right.

Where Slick Back Hairstyles Came From

The slick back was arguably the most popular hairstyle in the first half of the 20th century (think Jay Gatsby and Clark Gable) as men lacquered their locks with hair products in the pursuit of a smart, controlled look.

After waning in popularity in favour of shorter military haircuts, the slick back returned at the beginning of the current decade with the more contemporary undercut in tow before briefly dipping again when flowing locks made an appearance on the catwalks.

Despite the flux, a classic slick back will always be cool, and it’s remarkably easy to do. The reason for this is that it’s less to do with the way your hair is cut, and more about what you do with it – all you really need is enough hair on top to successfully push it all back. “It’s a great way of varying up your look when some gents hairstyles can seem one dimensional,” says Denis Robinson, creative director at UK-wide barbers Ruffians. “The addition of product and slicking it back adds variation and a bit of a change to your everyday look.”

Will It Work For Me?

Classic slick back hair is relatively easy to style, so it’s a sensible option for men who have to get up and go in the mornings. Joe Mills, owner of Soho barbers Joe & Co, says that the best haircuts tend to take into consideration the lifestyles of those wearing them. “Most guys haven’t got 45 minutes every day to sit in front of the mirror blow drying their hair, or they might come out the gym and don’t want to be seen standing there with their straightening irons and hair products.”