How to Do the Perfect Slick Back Ponytail: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

5 photos of girls with slick back bun ponytails

By Mauve Juliette van Marle


Do you ever look at those flawless slick back hairstyles and think to yourself, "How can I do that?" Well, it's your lucky day because I'm going to show you how to do the perfect slick back bun!


It might seem hard at first, but trust ME! Once you get the hang of it, your hair will be so sleek it will almost look bald (in the best way possible!).


Things You'll Need

  • Spray bottle
  • Hair gel
  • Hair elastics
  • Boar bristle brush or comb
  • Detangling brush (a regular brush works too!)

Let’s get started!

Step 1: Detangle Your Hair

Start by brushing your hair with your regular brush until there are no knots left. You should be able to run your fingers through your hair easily.


If you have curly hair, this step can be a little trickier. I recommend lightly wetting your hair first to make brushing easier. 


Step 2: Part Your Hair

Part your hair wherever you want your slick back style to be. Once you've done that, grab your spray bottle and wet the top of your head. Make sure you get the roots too. They're super important for getting that smooth, sleek look!


Step 3: Brush It Slick

Now listen up because this is the trickiest step!


Take your boar bristle brush or comb. Starting at your hairline, brush your hair back while using your other hand to hold it in place. Keep brushing from your hairline all the way toward the ponytail until every section is smooth and slick.


Don't worry if it isn't perfect the first time. Keep brushing until you're happy with it!


Image of a girl slick back ponytail with wooden comb

Step 4: Tie It Up

Tie your hair into a ponytail or bun and fix any bumps you see.


Now grab your hair gel but don't go too crazy with it! Use about a pea-sized amount and smooth it over the top of your hair. You can use any hair gel you like. Some gels simply hold longer than others.


One important tip: Skip the hairspray! Gel gives you a smoother finish without making your hair feel crunchy.

Photo of girl with slick back ponytail with pink flower on the side


Extra Tips for the Perfect Slick Back

  • You don't need mousse for this hairstyle, but you can use it if you want to.
  • Don't completely drench your hair. Wetting about 60% of it is plenty.
  • If your boar bristle brush feels stiff, that's actually a good thing! The stiffer the brush, the better it helps smooth your hair.
  • Practice makes perfect! The more you do your slick back, the easier it gets.

Final Thoughts


And there you have it, a quick and easy slick back routine that's perfect for school, sports, dance, or just hanging out!


If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out The Ideal Wash Day Routine for Tweens with Straight or Wavy Hair for even more hair tips. You’ll probably also love my articles on the The Ultimate Beauty and Self-care GuideAnd if you want me to post more hair tutorials, head over to my Contact Me page and send me your suggestions. I'd love to hear what you'd like to see next!

I'll continue adding new articles on beauty, musicrecipesproduct reviews, and tips on my blog, so be sure to check back for more! Follow me on:



💕 – Mauve Juliette


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