hair styling · updos
Slicked-Back Bun: How to Get It SleekWithout Damage
How to do a sleek slicked-back bun with gel or cream, on straight, wavy, or curly hair, how to tame flyaways, and how to avoid hairline tension.
Hairover Team
To do a slicked-back bun, apply gel or a smoothing cream to slightly damp hair, brush everything back with a boar bristle brush or fine comb, tie a ponytail, and twist it into a bun. Finish by brushing down flyaways with hairspray on a toothbrush. The look is sleek, polished, and works for both everyday and formal events. The one thing to watch is tension: keep it snug, not tight.
What you need
- Strong-hold gel (for a wet, glossy finish) or smoothing cream (for a softer finish)
- A boar bristle brush or fine-tooth comb
- A soft hair tie and a few bobby pins
- Hairspray and a clean toothbrush or spoolie
- Optional: a wax stick for baby hairs
Step by step
- Start damp. Slightly damp hair takes product evenly. On dry hair, mist it lightly with water.
- Apply product from root to mid-lengths, focusing on the hairline and crown.
- Choose your part. Middle part, side part, or no part at all.
- Brush back. Use the brush to smooth hair toward where you want the bun. Brush from several directions to catch bumps.
- Tie the ponytail. Low at the nape for an elegant look, or higher for a lifted look. Don’t crank it tight.
- Make the bun. Twist the ponytail and coil it around the base. Pin it with two or three bobby pins.
- Fix flyaways. Spray hairspray onto a toothbrush and brush down the baby hairs and any bumps.
By hair type
- Straight hair: gives the glassiest finish. Use less product so it doesn’t look greasy.
- Wavy hair: use a cream or gel while damp so waves lie flat.
- Curly and coily hair: use a curl-friendly gel or edge control at the hairline, and leave the bun itself curly and full.
- Fine hair: a smaller, lower bun looks better. Add a scrunchie to make it look fuller.
- Layered or short hair: shorter layers may poke out. Use a wax stick and a few extra pins.
Versions to try
- Low slicked bun with a middle part: elegant, good for weddings and work.
- High slicked bun: lifts the face, popular for events.
- Slicked bun with face-framing pieces: two pieces left out at the front soften it.
- Slicked braided bun: braid the ponytail before coiling.
- Slicked claw clip: the same sleek top, with a claw clip instead of a bun. See claw clip hairstyles.
Protecting your hairline
A slicked bun looks best when it’s smooth, which tempts people to pull it tight. Tight styles worn often can lead to hair loss at the hairline. The American Academy of Dermatology lists tightly pulled buns and ponytails among the styles that can cause traction alopecia, and advises changing styles often and loosening any style that hurts.
To protect your edges:
- Smooth with product, not tension.
- Use a soft hair tie.
- Wear it loose on most days and save the sleekest version for events.
- Take it down at night.
Related guides
- How to Do a Messy Bun
- Ponytail Hairstyles
- Wedding Guest Hairstyles for 2027
- Easy Updos You Can Do Yourself in 5 Minutes
See your face with your hair pulled back
A slicked-back style shows your whole face. Hairover lets you upload a clear photo, get a hair analysis, and try hairstyles on your own face in Style Studio.
FAQ
What do you use to slick your hair back into a bun?
A strong-hold gel for a wet, glossy look, or a smoothing cream or styling wax stick for a softer finish. Brush it through with a boar bristle brush or a fine comb.
How do you get rid of flyaways in a slicked bun?
Spray hairspray onto a clean toothbrush or spoolie and brush flyaways down. A wax stick also works for baby hairs and short pieces.
Can you do a slicked-back bun with curly hair?
Yes. Work in a curl-friendly gel or cream while hair is damp, smooth it back, and tie it loosely. The bun itself can stay curly.
Is a slicked-back bun bad for your hair?
Worn loosely and occasionally, it's fine. A very tight slicked bun worn every day can pull on the hairline over time, so keep it snug, not painful, and switch styles often.
