Slick back ponytails are a classic and versatile hairstyle that can be dressed up or down. They are perfect for a variety of occasions, from a night out on the town to a day at the office. Also, this hairstyle is easy to do and only takes a few minutes to complete. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to do a slick back ponytail. Once you have mastered the slicked-back ponytail, you can then experiment with different variations. For example, you can add a braid or bun to the ponytail, or you can leave it sleek and simple.
The first step in creating a slick back ponytail is to prepare your hair. If you have oily hair, you will want to wash it and blow it dry. If you have dry hair, you can skip the washing step and simply blow it dry. Once your hair is dry, brush it to remove any tangles or knots. Next, apply a small amount of hair gel to your hands and work it through your hair from roots to tips. This will hold your hair in place while you slick it back.
Now, it’s time to slick back your hair. Use a comb to smooth your hair back from your forehead to the nape of your neck. Be sure to apply even pressure and to smooth out any bumps or lumps. Once you have slicked back your hair, secure it with a hair elastic. You can use a clear elastic or a black elastic, depending on your preference. Finally, spray your hair with hairspray to keep it in place. You can also use a shine spray to add a touch of glamour to your ponytail.
Preparation: Gather Your Tools
Step 1: Brush Your Hair Thoroughly
Before you begin styling, it’s crucial to ensure that your hair is free of tangles and knots. Use a wide-toothed comb to gently brush your hair, starting from the ends and working your way upwards. This will help to remove any potential obstructions and prepare your hair for the sleek ponytail.
Step 2: Choose the Right Brush
The type of brush you use can significantly impact the outcome of your slick back ponytail. Opt for a boar bristle brush, which is known for its ability to distribute natural oils throughout the hair, creating a smooth and shiny finish. Alternatively, a paddle brush can provide a more polished look, flattening the hair against the scalp.
Step 3: Select a High-Quality Hairspray
The key to holding your slick back ponytail in place is a strong-hold hairspray. Look for a product that is specifically designed for updos or styles that require a firm hold. A nozzle-style hairspray will allow for precise application, ensuring that the hair is evenly coated and secured without appearing stiff or crunchy.
| Product | Benefits |
|---|---|
| R+Co Bleu Super Spray | Provides a strong, weightless hold without sacrificing shine. |
| Aveda Air Control Hair Spray | Known for its flexible hold that allows for movement while maintaining shape. |
| L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray | A classic and reliable choice, offering a strong hold that lasts all day. |
Divide and Conquer: Section Your Hair
One of the key elements to achieving a sleek and polished slick back ponytail is to properly section and prepare your hair. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you conquer this crucial step:
1. Brush and Detangle
Begin by thoroughly brushing your hair from roots to tips to remove any knots or tangles. This will ensure an even and smooth application of product and make it easier to create a sleek and polished look.
2. Section Hair Horizontally
Using a fine-toothed comb, create a clean horizontal part across the top of your head, about 2-3 fingers above your forehead. Secure the top section of hair with a clip or hair tie. This section will form the base of your ponytail.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Create a horizontal part about 2-3 fingers above the forehead. |
| 2 | Secure the top section of hair with a clip or hair tie. |
| 3 | Brush the remaining hair downward to remove any tangles. |
3. Gather the Lower Section
Once the top section is secured, gather the remaining hair at the nape of your neck. Use a brush to smooth out any bumps or ridges and ensure that the hair is gathered tightly and evenly.
Tame the Tresses: Brush and Detangle
Before embarking on your slick-back ponytail adventure, it’s crucial to prepare your tresses for optimal smoothness and control. This involves a thorough brushing session to detangle any knots, ensuring your hair lays flat and pliable for the styling process. Start by using a wide-toothed comb or a detangling brush to gently remove any tangles, working from the ends to the roots.
If your hair tends to be frizzy or prone to static, consider applying a leave-in conditioner or anti-frizz serum to tame flyaways and add nourishment. This will help create a sleek, cohesive look and prevent your ponytail from appearing disheveled.
Once your hair is thoroughly brushed and detangled, it’s time to tackle any stubborn flyaways or frizz. Here are some additional tips to achieve a sleek and polished finish:
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Smoothing Gel | Apply a small amount of firm-hold gel to your fingertips and gently smooth it over any areas where flyaways tend to occur. |
| Hairspray | Mist a bit of light-hold hairspray over the surface of your ponytail to tame any remaining frizz or loose strands. |
| Edge Control | For extra control around the hairline and nape of your neck, use a small amount of edge control gel to slick down any unruly hairs and create a sharp, defined finish. |
Smooth Operator: Apply Pomade or Gel
To achieve a polished slick back ponytail, it’s crucial to prep your hair with a pomade or gel. These products provide hold and shine, ensuring that your hair stays in place all day long.
Types of Pomades and Gels:
- Water-based pomades: Easy to wash out, providing a medium hold with a natural shine.
- Oil-based pomades: Heavier hold, higher shine, and can be difficult to remove.
- Gels: Strongest hold, creates a wet-look finish, but can be crunchy if used in excess.
Application:
- Start with damp or towel-dried hair for better product absorption.
- Apply a small amount of product to your palms and rub together.
- Run your hands through your hair from roots to tips, distributing the product evenly.
- For a more defined slick back, apply additional product to a comb and use it to sleek back your hair section by section. Focus on the sides and top of your head, ensuring that every strand is smoothed back.
Pro Tip: Avoid using too much product, as it can weigh down your hair and make it look greasy. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
Keep It In Place: Use Hairspray
Once you’ve achieved the desired slick back, it’s time to secure it with hairspray. This will prevent frizz and flyaways, keeping your ponytail in check throughout the day.
Type of Hairspray: Opt for a strong-hold hairspray that dries quickly and provides a firm hold without leaving a sticky residue.
Application:
- Hold the hairspray can about 10-12 inches from your head.
- Spray the hairspray evenly over your ponytail, focusing on the top and sides.
- For extra hold, spray a second coat after a minute or two.
Ponytail Perfection: Secure the Tie
Taming your tresses for a sleek and polished ponytail requires a tight and secure base. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your ponytail stays put all day long:
5. Perfect the Tension
Adjusting the tension of the hair tie is crucial for achieving a polished look. Here’s how to find the sweet spot:
| Tension Level | Effect on Ponytail |
|---|---|
| Tightly Pulled | Creates a lifted and crisp look; can be uncomfortable or damaging if pulled too tightly |
| Moderately Tight | Ensures a secure hold without undue tightness; provides a polished and elegant appearance |
| Loosely Pulled | Allows the ponytail to fall more naturally; may be less secure and prone to slipping |
Experiment with different tension levels to find what works best for your hair texture and desired style. Remember to avoid pulling the hair tie too tightly, as this can cause breakage and discomfort.
Slick It Back: Brush Upwards
To achieve a sleek back ponytail, start by brushing your hair upwards from the nape of your neck. This will help to create volume and lift at the roots, giving your ponytail a more polished and sophisticated look.
To brush effectively, use a boar bristle brush or a wide-toothed comb. Begin by brushing the hair at the back of your head, then gradually work your way forward until all of your hair is brushed upwards.
As you brush, be sure to apply gentle pressure to the hair. This will help to smooth out any tangles and create a more cohesive look. Once your hair is brushed, you can proceed to the next step of styling.
Tips for brushing upwards:
| Use the right brush: | Choose a boar bristle brush or a wide-toothed comb for best results. |
|---|---|
| Start at the back: | Begin brushing at the nape of your neck and work your way forward. |
| Apply gentle pressure: | Brush with gentle pressure to smooth out tangles and create a cohesive look. |
Finishing Touches: Control Flyaways
Once your ponytail is in place, you may notice a few stray hairs that refuse to stay in line. To achieve a perfectly smooth and polished look, here are some tips for controlling flyaways:
1. **Use a hairspray with hold:** Apply a strong-hold hairspray to the roots of your ponytail, focusing on the flyaway-prone areas. This will help keep the hairs in place and prevent them from escaping.
2. **Use a boar bristle brush:** Gently brush your ponytail with a boar bristle brush to smooth down any frizz or flyaways. The natural oils in the boar bristles will help to tame unruly hairs.
3. **Apply a hair serum:** A small amount of hair serum can help to weigh down flyaways and make them less noticeable. Apply a pea-sized amount to the palms of your hands and distribute it evenly throughout the ponytail.
4. **Use a hair tie:** If the above methods are not sufficient, you can use a small hair tie to secure any persistent flyaways. Simply tie the hair tie around the base of the ponytail, making sure to include the flyaways in the knot.
5. **Use a bobby pin:** Bobby pins are a more subtle way to control flyaways. Slide a bobby pin into the ponytail, parallel to the hair tie, and tuck any loose hairs underneath.
6. **Use a headband:** A headband can be a stylish way to hide flyaways while also adding a touch of glamour to your hairstyle. Simply place the headband over your hairline and adjust it to cover any unruly hairs.
| Flyaway Control Method | How to |
|---|---|
| Hairspray | Apply to roots and flyaway-prone areas |
| Boar bristle brush | Gently brush down flyaways |
| Hair serum | Apply a small amount to palms and distribute evenly |
| Hair tie | Tie around base of ponytail to secure flyaways |
| Bobby pin | Slide into ponytail and tuck flyaways underneath |
| Headband | Place over hairline to cover flyaways |
Stay in Place: Use Bobby Pins
Once you’ve gathered your hair into a high ponytail, it’s time to secure it in place. Bobby pins are essential for keeping a slick back ponytail in place all day long. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using bobby pins effectively:
Step 1: Choose the Right Bobby Pins
Select bobby pins that match the color of your hair for a seamless look. If your hair is thick, use larger pins; if your hair is fine, use smaller pins.
Step 2: Section Your Hair
Divide your hair into three equal sections: the top, middle, and bottom. This will help you distribute the bobby pins evenly and prevent the ponytail from looking bulky.
Step 3: Secure the Top Section
Take a bobby pin and insert it into the hair at the crown of your head. Push the pin through the hair and bring it out the other side. Cross the pin over the base of the ponytail and push it back into the hair. Repeat this process with a second bobby pin.
Step 4: Secure the Middle Section
Repeat step 3 for the middle section of hair, placing the bobby pins slightly lower than the ones you used for the top section.
Step 5: Secure the Bottom Section
Repeat step 3 for the bottom section of hair, placing the bobby pins slightly lower than the ones you used for the middle section.
Step 6: Cross-Pin the Bobby Pins
To ensure a secure hold, cross the bobby pins in each section. Take the first bobby pin and insert it into the hair next to the second bobby pin. Push the pin through the hair and bring it out the other side. Cross it over the second bobby pin and push it back into the hair.
Step 7: Repeat
Repeat step 6 for all the bobby pins in each section.
Step 8: Hairspray and Fluff
Once all the bobby pins are in place, spray your ponytail with hairspray to keep the hair in place. If desired, you can lightly fluff the ponytail for a more voluminous look.
Hold Steady: Protect Your Slick Back
9. Tame Flyaways with Hairspray
Flyaways are the bane of any sleek hairstyle, but they’re especially noticeable in a slick back ponytail. To banish them and keep your hair looking polished, arm yourself with a strong-hold hairspray. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using it effectively:
- Hold the hairspray can about 6-10 inches away from your hair.
- Spray the product lightly and evenly over the flyaways, focusing on the areas near your hairline and the edges of your ponytail.
- Allow the hairspray to dry completely before touching or styling your hair further.
- Re-apply the hairspray throughout the day as needed to keep flyaways at bay.
Additional Tips:
- For thicker hair, use a hairspray with a firm hold.
- For finer hair, opt for a hairspray with a medium hold to avoid weighing your hair down.
- Apply hairspray to a toothbrush and gently brush it over flyaways to tame them without spraying the rest of your hair.
- To achieve a longer-lasting hold, use a hairspray with a flexible finish that allows you to restyle your hair throughout the day without compromising its sleekness.
- Avoid using too much hairspray, as it can make your hair look stiff and unnatural.
| Hairspray Hold Strength | Hair Type |
|---|---|
| Firm | Thick, Coarse Hair |
| Medium | Fine, Thin Hair |
| Flexible | All Hair Types |
Style Variations: Personalize Your Ponytail
10. Asymmetry and Edge-Up
Embrace asymmetry by slicking back one side of your hair and styling the other into an elaborate ponytail. Consider adding an edge-up for a modern and edgy touch. This asymmetric style creates a captivating and unique look that demands attention.
To achieve the asymmetry and edge-up:
1. Part your hair deeply to one side, creating a clean line.
2. Slick back the side with less hair using pomade or gel.
3. Gather the hair from the remaining side and secure it into a ponytail.
4. Add an edge-up design to the hairline for a sharper and more defined look.
| Styling Tip | Desired Effect |
|---|---|
| Use a strong-hold gel or pomade | Ensures a sleek and polished finish |
| Create a deep side part | Emphasizes the asymmetry |
| Experiment with different edge-up designs | Adds a touch of individuality and personality |
How to Do a Slick Back Ponytail
The slick back ponytail is a sleek and stylish hairstyle that can be worn by both men and women. It is perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual to formal. To achieve this look, you will need the following: a comb, a brush, hairspray, and a hair tie.
Begin by combing your hair to remove any tangles. Then, brush your hair back into a ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. Once the ponytail is in place, use a comb to smooth any flyaways and to create a sleek, polished look. Finally, spray your hair with hairspray to hold it in place.
People Also Ask
How to slick back hair without hairspray?
There are a few ways to slick back hair without using hairspray. One method is to use a styling gel. To do this, apply a small amount of gel to your hair and comb it back into a ponytail. Another method is to use a blow dryer. To do this, blow dry your hair back into a ponytail while using a brush to smooth out any flyaways.
How to slick back ponytail with short hair?
To slick back a ponytail with short hair, you will need to use a strong hold gel. To do this, apply a small amount of gel to your hair and comb it back into a ponytail. You may need to use a blow dryer to help smooth out any flyaways.
