The slicked-back look is a surprisingly controversial style.
Some disdain the hairline-boasting, back-breaking and sore arm-inducing coiffure, which isn’t as easy as it looks to achieve on one’s own. Others have undergone life-changing glow-ups after being exposed to the low-maintenance, smart-casual look – with some even discovering the traffic-stopping power of their natural face shape for the first time.
Previously limited to the realm of ballerinas, gymnasts, underwater dancers and flight attendants –the slicked-back bun look was always accompanied by one of those dastardly doughnut-shaped styling accessories which could be found at the back of Claire’s Accessories. Far from producing a natural, carefree and luxurious-looking hairstyle, slicked-back buns were instead synonymous with demanding and time-consuming up-dos resigned to the world of working professionals and athletes.
The last few years have seen an incredible rise in the popularity of the slicked-back hairstyle, in conjunction with popular natural beauty trends including dewy skin and barely-there makeup. Not only does having your hair neatly scraped up into a tight bun or ponytail look incredibly chic, but it highlights the naturally beautiful contours of your face for the world to see.
The slicked-back hairstyle has become so interwoven with the ‘model off-duty’ look - and not just because it’s been favoured by the likes of Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner and Sofia Richie. Rather, we think it has something to do with the effortlessly elegant aesthetic that it creates while taking the pain, struggle and thermal damage out of traditional day-to-day styling antics. That is, once you’ve got the hang of using a boar bristle brush and extra-tight hairbands.
Tackle the slicked-back hairstyle with our selection of the essential products you’ll need to purchase before embarking on your styling journey.
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VO5 Mega Hold Styling Gel 50ml
We know what you’re thinking “I haven’t seen a bottle of VO5 since 2008”, yet the brand has had something of a comeback and the Mega Hold Styling Gel boasts the same glue-like hold that you once knew and loved.
Offering a whopping 24 hours of indestructible protection, the unbelievable power of this gel is capable of producing a naturally slicked-back look with the help of a dense boar bristle styling brush.
A value-for-money option that is yet to fail us, we’re also big fans of the miniature travel-sized bottles you can grab in the airport before heading abroad to ensure flyaway-free hair no matter the weather.
Buy now £2.00, Boots
Tigi Bed Head Wax Stick
If you simply can’t handle the sticky situation your hands are left in after a styling session with VO5, wax sticks are all the rage among the celebrity hairstylists responsible for the original slicked-back, model-of-duty look.
This TikTok-viral product offers a soft and malleable application which can be used for creating unique hairstyles and textures, as well as for slicking back your just-woke-up hair.
Buy now £17.75, lookfantastic
Larry King Haircare Flyaway With Me Kit
Whether you’re looking for a product to help you with on-the-go touch-ups, or simply prefer a more natural approach to the slicked-back look – expert hairstylist Larry King has got you covered. Use the dedicated double-headed tool to take care of pesky baby hairs and flyaways for your sleekest, most ballerina-ready look yet.
Buy now £20.00, Cult Beauty
Gisou The Final Touch Set
If your slick-backed hairstyle preference usually errs on the side of the wet hair look, Gisou’s sumptuous and versatile Final Touch set is a fantastic kit to add to your styling arsenal.
The Polishing Primer helps to reduce frizz and ensures optimal hold for whatever style you go for, while the honey-infused hair oil keeps your locks feeling happy, healthy and nourished.
Buy now £57.00, Gisou
John Frieda Volume Lift Lightweight Hairspray
The key to any slicked-back hairstyle is a good hair spray. Our trick? Spray the hairspray directly on your boar bristle brush while combing your locks into position for the best results.
This lightweight option from John Frieda will deliver that essential extra hold without making your hair feel like a helmet made from concrete.
Buy now £6.99, Sephora
Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum 90ml
Give your constantly slicked-back hair some much-needed TLC with Olaplex’s No.9 Bond Protector. Packed with restorative antioxidants, this magical substance protects and softens your hair – making it more manageable and far less frizzy.
Buy now £38.00, Cult Beauty
Hair By Sam McKnight Cool Girl Superlift Volumising Spray 150ml
For fine hair, use this product alongside, or as a substitute for, your hairspray of choice for styling perfection powered by a cocktail of powerful active ingredients. Far more pleasant smelling than a traditional and more featherweight, the Cool Girl Superlift Volumising Spray by Sam McKnight delivers a signature, irresistibly smelling botanical aroma as well as essential texture and hold.
Buy now £26.00, Cult Beauty
Cantu Up Do Brush with Natural Bristles
Though not suitable for vegans, this extra-dense natural boar bristle brush from Cantu has been designed with curly, coily and afro hair textures in mind. You can be sure it’ll be able to tame your luscious locks and smooth down those edges with the utmost ease, no matter what styling product combination you go for.
Buy now £7.50, lookfantastic
Saya The Vegan Brush
An alternative, vegan-friendly option, this innovative styling brush from Saya has been crafted using FSC Beech Wood and Tampico Fibre, making it antistatic and brilliant at taming frizz.
Buy now £22.00, Saya
