To do a slick back ponytail, follow these expert steps for a polished, sleek look:
- Prep Your Hair
Start with either dry or damp hair. You can work on natural texture or lightly mist with water or leave-in spray to help manage flyaways and add some hold
- Part Your Hair
Choose your parting style: middle, side, or no part at all. Brush the hair back smoothly from the front toward the back of your head where you want the ponytail to sit (high, mid, or low)
- Brush and Smooth
Use a boar bristle brush or a soft bristle brush to smooth out bumps and tangles. This helps create a sleek surface. For extra control, apply a pomade, hair wax, or styling gel to tame flyaways and baby hairs, especially around the hairline
- Gather Hair and Secure
Collect all your hair at the desired height and secure it with a damage-free hair tie or elastic. Use two hair ties if needed for extra hold. Tighten the ponytail to avoid bumps but be ready to smooth out any that appear
- Refine the Look
After securing, use a rat-tail comb or brush to smooth out any bumps or flyaways. Apply hairspray generously over the entire head to lock the style in place. Use a soft brush to lay down the hair and smooth the surface further
- Final Touches
For any short hairs that don’t reach the ponytail, use hairspray and a brush or bobby pins to keep them in place. You can also tease the ponytail lightly if you want extra volume or texture
Recommended Products & Tools
- Boar bristle brush for smoothing
- Pomade stick or hair wax for slicking down edges
- Damage-free hair ties to avoid creases
- Hairspray for hold and flyaway control
- Rat-tail comb for precise smoothing
This method can be done in about 2 to 5 minutes once you get the hang of it, and it works well on both wet and dry hair
. This slick back ponytail is a timeless, chic hairstyle perfect for any occasion, offering a clean and polished look with minimal effort.
