How to conquer the rain-proof sleek, slicked back hairstyles Copenhagen street stylers love

Come sun or sudden shower, a slicked back style is the ultimate hairdo. Both wet- and sweat-wicking, a taught ponytail or tightly wound bun will stay in place no matter what – just ask Copenhagen’s street style savvy crowd who could be seen sporting slick strands all throughout the autumn/winter ‘25 season.

As fervent fans of the trend, we’ve become quite the experts in these glossy, hold-fast styles. So below, discover the three slicked-back looks we’re longing to wear this spring – plus the foolproof five-step guide to conquering them at home.

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If you only have room for one hairstyle in 2025, make it the slicked-back ponytail. A runaway favourite among Copenhagen’s fashion faithful (just look at our very own columnist Verona Farrell's swinging ‘60s version) it ticks every box for perk, practicality, and all-around head-turning potential.

Whether you plan on keeping it high and tight for an instant facelift, or low-slung for effortless appeal, the beauty of the slicked-back pony is that it takes about five minutes yet looks like you spent an hour perfecting it.

Meanwhile, the bun brigade was out in force, braving the freezing Nordic temperatures with aplomb. Whether perched high on the crown or settled low at the nape, these buns ran the gamut from classic to wildly inventive. Some accessory-savvy tastemakers wove in micro braids or even paintbrushes (yes, really!) – proving that there’s no limit to how you can personalise a simple knot. Practical and polished, the slicked-back bun is your best friend when you need to keep your hair under strict control without sacrificing style points.

While a gel-slicked aesthetic might seem to restrict you to a bun or ponytail (braided or loose), Copenhagen’s street stylers showed us you’re, in fact, spoilt for choice. Case in point: cropped cuts slicked back without a bobble, sculpted instead into intricate fingerwaves. Others opted for a half-up, half-down do (ideal for those of us who can’t decide between wearing our hair up or down), while curly-haired connoisseurs pinpointed the importance of precision, smoothing only face-framing layers or the top section for a playful, polished twist.

Ready to nail a slicked-back style – whether you’re going for a ponytail, bun, fingerwaves, or even a half-up-half-down hybrid? Follow these five steps for a foolproof, Copenhagen-approved finish.

A glossy, long-lasting slick-back starts with groundwork. First, blow-dry your hair in the direction you want it to lay, taming any flyaways as you go. If heat styling is on the menu, remember to coat your strands in a heat protectant—your hair will thank you later. If your locks are curly or coily, you might want to lightly straighten or blow-dry for a smoother base, but a touch of natural texture can lend beautiful dimension.

Before styling, ensure your hair is completely detangled. A wide-tooth comb or boar bristle brush works wonders at preventing snags and taming rogue bits. Trust us: once you try a boar bristle brush, you’ll never look back.

Now, decide what look you’d like – ponytail, bun, fingerwaves, or something in between? Placement is particularly important when making your choice. High for a lifted effect, versatile mid-level for desk-to-dinner transitions, or low for subtle sophistication. If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with half-up, half-down combos or side-swept silhouettes.

As for your parting: middle, side, or none at all? A neat centre part is always a classic choice, but a deep side part or a retro zig-zag can inject personality. Use a fine-toothed comb to carve out the cleanest line and refine any finishing touches.

Time to load up on hold. Whether you reach for gel, pomade, mousse, or hairspray, the goal is a sleek, stay-all-day finish. If you’re using hairspray, try spritzing it onto your brush rather than directly onto your hair to avoid any visible residue. For a firmer grip, apply a strong-hold gel or pomade at the roots, distributing it evenly with your fingers or a brush.

Smooth your strands into place – back, up, or around – depending on the style you’re creating. And don’t be shy about adding more product if you need extra control.

Happy with your shape? Secure it accordingly. For a ponytail, use a hair tie that suits your hair thickness; for a bun or half-up style, grab bobby pins to keep everything anchored. If you’re rocking fingerwaves, gently coax each wave and pin in place until it’s set. For extra flair, wrap a slim section of hair around any visible tie or band, tucking it discreetly underneath for a polished finish.

Finally, address any stray flyaways or bumps. A detailing brush or even a clean toothbrush spritzed with hairspray can smooth everything into a mirror-like shine. If you need more precision, pick up a wax stick for targeted taming.

And there you have it: your rain-ready, weatherproof style is complete, no matter which slicked-back variation you choose to flaunt. With a few strategic steps, a solid product lineup, and a dash of creative flair, you’ll be ready to take on wind, rain, or a high-intensity schedule all while channelling that Copenhagen cool.