How to conquer the sleek, slicked-back ponytail

Ponytails are one of those hairstyles that instantly elevate your look, and when slicked-back, they give a polished and sophisticated appearance. This hairstyle has remained a firm favourite for decades, ever since style icons like Audrey Hepburn introduced slicked-back strands. Today, it's still going strong, with A-listers like Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya, Gigi Hadid, and Elsa Hosk embracing the refined look.

The best part? This style is simple to achieve at home. All you need are layers of hair gel (or other styling product of your choice), a sturdy hair tie, and the secret weapon: a boar bristle brush. The slicked-back ponytail is also a great option for taming unruly and frizzy locks on bad hair days, or when you've skipped a hair wash. Plus, it’s surprisingly sweat and heat-proof.

Scroll on for Vogue Scandinavia's step-by-step guide on how to achieve the perfect slicked-back ponytail.

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When aiming for the sleekest slicked-back ponytail, doing the prep work is essential. If you're planning to use heat tools, don’t forget to shield your tresses with a heat protectant spray or serum to prevent damage and maintain hair health. Before diving into the ponytail process, those with curly or coily hair might want to straighten or blow-dry their strands to achieve that silky-smooth finish.

Before you start styling your ponytail, it's crucial to give your hair a thorough brush to eliminate any tangles. A wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush, like our favorite, the boar bristle brush, works wonders here. Boar bristle brushes are the one hair care tool you didn't know you needed – perfect for creating sleek, polished ponytails or coiffures while keeping flyaways in check.

Next, decide where you want to place your slicked-back ponytail – this can vary depending on your mood or the occasion. Going for a snatched look? A high ponytail gives you that extra lift, perfect for a night out or when you're aiming for a scene-stealing hairstyle. A mid-level ponytail is versatile and suits any outfit and occasion – don't hesitate to play around with different partings for this one. An elegant, low ponytail is ideal for the office but can easily transform into a fashion-forward evening look.

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Determine where you want your parting – middle, side, or perhaps no part at all? For a classic look, a centre or no part is typically preferred, but it ultimately depends on the aesthetic you’re aiming for. You can also get playful: think the ’00s zig-zag part, which will instantly add some intrigue to your look. When creating any parting, use a fine-toothed, long-stemmed comb to finesse it and achieve the cleanest part.

Then, it’s time to brush your hair up. Hairspray, mousse, hair pomade, gel... choose your favourite formula or combine a few to create your preferred sleek texture. The goal is to ensure each strand is in place and securely held, so don’t skimp on the portion. If you’re using hairspray (we recommend a high-shine one) or volume spray for extra oomph, spritz it directly onto your boar bristle brush rather than your hair – this helps avoid any white residue on your strands. If you’re using gel (go for strong-hold) or pomade, apply it to the roots and the top layer of your hair, spreading it evenly with your fingers or a brush.

Next, depending on where your part is, work your way from your hairline or part towards the top of your head, the middle, or down to the nape of your neck. Add more products if you need extra hold.

Once you've ensured there are no bumps, it's time to secure your slicked-back ponytail. Depending on your hair type – thick, fine, curly, or coily – choose the appropriate hair tie. For fine hair, a transparent elastic can do the trick, while for thicker, more unruly hair, a sturdier number is advisable to ensure your ponytail is firmly fastened and the hair tie won't break. For an extra sleek finish, wrap a small section of hair around the hair tie and pin it underneath with a bobby pin, hiding the tie and adding a polished touch.

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This step is optional, but if you’re going for a fun look or want an extra dash of flair for your get-up for the night, consider adding an accessory to your slicked-back pony. From scrunchies to hair clips and bows, the list of accessory ideas to pimp your look is long. However, if you want to leave the spotlight on your perfectly divided centre parting, consider choosing those that will be placed at the back of the head. Or, if you’re in the mood to truly embrace the '00s fever, face-framing clips at your fringe (especially if butterfly-shaped) will do the job.

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After your slicked-back pony is all set and accessories added, check for any flyaways or bumps that need smoothing. If you spot any, grab a detailing brush or another brush of your choice, spray some hairspray onto it, and go over the hair, taming any unwanted bits back into place.