Slick-back hairstyles are still one of the easiest ways to make your hair look polished with minimal effort. From a sleek ponytail to a snatched bun or slick braid, these styles work just as well for the gym as they do for brunch, work or an evening out.
The look first became closely associated with the clean-girl aesthetic, but it has continued to evolve. In 2026, slicked-back hair is still everywhere, with ponytails, buns and braided styles offering plenty of ways to make the trend your own.
Our original inspiration came from the sporty tennis-girl aesthetic, where clean styling, minimal beauty and slicked-back up-dos became part of the look. Beauty and wellness booking platform Fresha teamed up with hair experts to share three easy slick-back hairstyles you can recreate at home.
3 Slick-Back Hairstyles to Try
1. The Slick-Back Ponytail
The slick-back ponytail is one of the simplest ways to achieve a polished look while keeping your hair completely off your face. It works for everything from a workout to an evening out and can be worn high, low or with a centre parting.
Take inspiration from Poppymarchh on TikTok.
- For a middle-parted slick-back ponytail, begin by separating two small sections at the front of your hair and clip them out of the way.
- Detangle the rest of your hair thoroughly. This will help prevent bumps when you start brushing it back.
- Brush the hair firmly towards the position where you want the ponytail to sit and secure it with a strong hair tie.
- Bring the two front sections back smoothly and secure them near the base of the ponytail.
- Finish with a small amount of hairspray or styling product to smooth flyaways and help the style stay in place.
Top tip: Keep a clean spoolie or small edge brush in your bag. It is useful for smoothing flyaways without having to redo the entire hairstyle.
2. The Slick-Back Bun
The slick-back bun has become one of the most recognisable versions of the trend. It is neat, practical and particularly useful when you want your hair off your face while still looking put together.
- Gather your hair into a smooth ponytail at the height where you want the bun to sit.
- Check for bumps and gently smooth the hair before tightening the ponytail.
- Twist the ponytail around its base to create the bun.
- Secure it with a hair tie, pins or both depending on the thickness of your hair.
- Use a small amount of gel, pomade or hairspray around the hairline to smooth any remaining flyaways.
Top tip: If you prefer a softer look, leave a couple of fine face-framing pieces loose instead of slicking every strand back.
3. The Slick-Back Braid
If you like the sleekness of a ponytail but want something with a little more detail, a slick-back braid is an easy upgrade. It keeps the polished finish at the front while adding texture and movement through the length of the hair.
- Create a slick-back ponytail using the steps above.
- Apply a small amount of styling product through the length of the ponytail to help control flyaways.
- Separate the ponytail into three even sections and braid them down to the ends.
- Secure with a small hair tie or scrunchie.
- For a different finish, try a fishtail braid or divide the ponytail into several smaller braids.
Top tip: Keep the front of the style sleek and let the braid provide the texture. That contrast is what gives the look its polished finish.
What Products Do You Need for a Slick-Back Hairstyle?
You do not need a huge collection of products to create a slick-back hairstyle. A few basic tools usually do the job:
- A smoothing brush or boar-bristle brush
- A strong but comfortable hair tie
- Hair gel, styling cream or pomade
- A clean spoolie or edge brush
- Hairspray for extra hold
- Hair pins for buns and loose sections
The exact products you use will depend on your hair texture and how much hold you need. Start with a small amount of styling product and add more only where necessary.
How to Avoid Damage From Slick-Back Hairstyles
Slicked-back hair looks polished, but repeatedly wearing very tight styles can put unnecessary tension on the hairline and scalp.
Try not to pull the hair tighter than necessary, avoid wearing the exact same high-tension style every day and give your hair breaks between slicked-back looks. Soft hair ties and gentle styling products can also help reduce unnecessary pulling and breakage.
Are Slick-Back Hairstyles Still in Style in 2026?
Yes. Slick-back hairstyles remain popular in 2026, particularly sleek buns and ponytails. The appeal is simple: they are practical, polished and easy to adapt for different occasions.
Whether you prefer a classic slick-back ponytail, a clean bun or a braided version, the key is choosing a style that works with your hair rather than forcing every strand into an unnecessarily tight finish.
This guide was created with styling advice supplied by beauty and wellness booking platform Fresha.
