Hairstyle comparison
Compare the Long Waves and Slicked-Back Hair by length, shape, finish, maintenance, salon wording, and how each changes your overall outline.
Published 10 September 2026
The short version
The Long Waves is defined by long length shaped by loose, continuous bends, while the Slicked-Back Hair uses a fully exposed hairline with the hair directed smoothly backward.
Both are rated medium for maintenance in this guide, so the stronger distinction is flowing and elongated versus swept back and controlled.
| Feature | Long Waves | Slicked-Back Hair |
|---|---|---|
| Signature | long length shaped by loose, continuous bends | a fully exposed hairline with the hair directed smoothly backward |
| Length | long | medium |
| Shape | flowing and elongated | swept back and controlled |
| Finish | wavy | glossy |
| Maintenance | medium | medium |
Long Waves
You prefer a flowing and elongated outline with a wavy finish and the defining feature of long length shaped by loose, continuous bends.
Salon wording: Ask to preserve the overall length while adding enough long layering to stop the waves from forming one heavy block.
Slicked-Back Hair
You prefer a swept back and controlled outline with a glossy finish and the defining feature of a fully exposed hairline with the hair directed smoothly backward.
Salon wording: Ask to keep enough top length to comb backward and discuss how closely the sides should follow the head.
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