If there's one hairstyle that's dominating red carpets, runways and our feeds right now, it's the slicked-back bun. This cool-girl hairstyle has been gaining momentum for a while. With the rise and rise of the "clean-girl" aesthetic, it seems like the super-sleek bun is everywhere right now.
Supermodels such as Bella Hadid and Rosie Huntington-Whitely have been seen wearing the snatched bun both on and off the runway, while cool girls Hailey Bieber and Simone Ashley have also worn the hairstyle on many a red carpet from the Met Gala to the Oscars.
And you only have to open your Instagram feed to see the trend everywhere right now—and it makes for the easiest everyday autumn hairstyle. In fact, it's one of the easiest hairstyles you can create, but it looks like you've put a lot of effort into it.
Bella Hadid has become synonymous with the slicked-back bun, both on the runway and off duty.
It's no wonder that the slicked-back bun has become so popular—it's a versatile look. It works for running errands in the daytime but looks equally elegant for a dinner or evening event.
And the best part is, it often works better on second-day hair, making it a great option when your hair wash schedule hasn't lined up with your social events or you don't have time for hours of heated styling. It can also be easily created on freshly washed hair with a couple of key products and tricks.
Rosie Huntington-Whitely proves a slicked-back bun is the perfect wedding guest hairstyle.
However, while the slicked bun looks totally effortless, there are some tips and tricks to know about. So I reached out to expert hairstylists, Jemma Mewies at Mewies & Co and Jake Wanstall at Larry King to get their top tips on how to get the slicked-back-bun look.
Slicked-Back-Bun Tutorial
Hailey Bieber's sleek-bun hairstyle taps into the '90s trend with face-framing tendrils left out.
1. Prep Your Hair
"For the perfect slicked-back look, start with clean hair and blow-dry in a light product with flexible hold. This will help give the hair more grip and texture without making the hair too heavy," says Mewies.
This styling cream provides hair with a medium hold to help set the base for your sleek bun.
2. Straighten Your Hair
"Once dry, part the hair in the centre for this look and straighten (after applying heat protection) in small sections to help eliminate frizz and create a cleaner, smoother finish," says Mewies. "Make sure to get the irons close to the head, especially around the hairline."
This cult GHD styler creates sleek styles in a matter of minutes.
3. Apply Hair Oil
"Once straight and cooled, apply your go-to hair oil to smooth the hair and create a high shine," says Mewies, who recommends looking for something super lightweight. "Be sure to brush the product through as this helps to get an even distribution."
This oil smoothes the lengths to create an ultra-sleek look.
4. Secure Your Bun
"Next, it's time to secure your ponytail," says Mewies. "Position is so important, so don't go too high or too low in the nape. The middle of the back of your head is where you want to be," she says. "Once secured, twist and bend the ponytail into shape, winding around the hair tie and pinning as it starts to bend. Allow the hair to move in its own direction. Don't force it too much into a shape it doesn't want to go!"
A bungee hair tie will make creating this style much easier, says Wanstall. "A bungee tie will get the ponytail super tight. Then use grips to pin in the bun to make sure it's super clean," he says.
A bungee hair tie will allow you to wrap the hair tie around the hair multiple times before hooking onto the other end, allowing a better hold than standard hair ties.
5. Fix in Place
"Once in place, make sure all pins are hidden and then smooth over any flyaways around the hairline using a hairspray or cream," says Mewies. "Use a pomade to give super shine and strong hold without overburdening the hair."
Smooth edges and tame flyaways with this handy cream and brush.
Shop More Slicked-Back Bun Products
The smoothing nozzle on this hair dryer helps to deliver seriously shiny hair and smooth lengths.
This pomade is loved for nourishing the hair as it holds.
Make sure your slicked bun doesn't cause unnecessary breakage by using a bonding treatment, like this cult product from Olaplex. Simply apply through the lengths of wet hair and before shampooing.
A natural bristled brush is ideal for catching all your hair as you pull it back into a bun, leaving a smooth, bump-free finish.
Thanks to its mascara brush-like applicator, this lightweight but strong hold gel is perfect for smoothing down frizz and flyaways while on the go.
The perfect finishing touch to a sleek bun? Shine. This extra-fine mist adds just the right amount, so hair never looks greasy.
