The 13 Best Slicked-Back Hair Products for Buns and Ponytails
Smooth things over with these top expert picks
Reported by Harper's Bazaar.
A slicked-back bun or ponytail looks deceptively simple — which is exactly why it requires the right arsenal. The difference between a style that holds through a full day and one that surrenders to humidity by noon comes down to product selection, application order, and a few tools most people overlook. According to Harper's Bazaar, the experts doing this best aren't reaching for just one product — they're layering strategically.
Celebrity hairstylist Ursula Stephen is firm on one foundational rule: always start with damp hair when using gel. "Beginning with damp hair allows the product to spread more easily and prevents you from overusing it," she explains — a small adjustment that makes the difference between a sleek finish and product buildup. For gel, Got2B Ultra Glued is a strong-hold, no-flake option that delivers. For a less structured alternative, wax sticks — like those from Nexxus or Bed Head by TIGI (whose beeswax-and-castor-oil formula actively fights humidity) — give pliable control without the crunchy, greasy aftermath. Swedish brand Maria Nila's shea butter and olive oil pomade is another editor-approved standout for adding shine without weight.
The Tools Are Just as Important as the Products
Stylist Raven Hurtado of Maxine Salon singles out the boar bristle brush as non-negotiable for smoothing hair back cleanly — specifically La Bonne Brosse's N.01 Universal Brush, which distributes scalp oils evenly for natural shine. Mason Pearson's iconic bristle-and-nylon pocket brush, a go-to for stylist Guido Palau, is the investment version with a cushioned rubber pad that makes the process feel effortless rather than combative. Once your style is set, celebrity hairstylist Jill Buck recommends locking it down with R+Co's Vicious Strong Hold Hairspray for high shine without flaking — and using multiple elastics to truly anchor a bun or ponytail. Her method: establish the base behind the ears first, then secure the remaining front sections separately, adding product as you go.
For finishing work, Pattern's Edge Tool handles baby hairs, parts, and flyaways in one swipe, while Dae's Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream — complete with a built-in wand applicator — is ideal for on-the-go touch-ups. The most unexpected recommendation? A silk scarf. Stephen uses one as a final step to set the style under gentle tension, minimizing frizz and preventing the look from shifting once complete.
The slicked-back look isn't high-maintenance — it's high-intention, and the right products make every step count.
Read the original at Harper's Bazaar.
