How to Make the Perfect Slick Back Ponytail

From the best slick back brushes and gels to tips for keeping flyaways in place all day: a teen’s guide to the perfect slick back ponytail.

Every once in a while, the team needs a teen to give them some insight into high school life.

So, I’m the lucky daughter of Esti Waldman here to give you the ultimate guide to slick back ponytails. From brushes to gels, mousses to ponytail holders, here’s pretty much everything you need to know in order to make the perfect slick back. Enjoy!

The Best Slick Back Brushes

For starters, you’ll definitely need a “slick back” brush. GranNaturals Boar Bristle Slick Back Hair Brush is a good choice. This will smooth the top of your ponytail, and your hair will lie flat more easily.

There are some mini brush options, like the EcoTools Slick Back Small Hair Brush, that are great for on the go or for flyaways. 

Or, you can get a set with a regular size brush and a mini brush to stick in your backpack or locker. The Slick Back Hair Brush Set comes with multiple different sizes and a comb too, which is great if you like to get your part perfectly straight!

Gel vs. Wax Stick for a Slick Back

To hold hair into place, most girls either use gel or wax sticks. They pretty much accomplish the same thing, with gel hardening more, and wax remaining more or less the same throughout the day. Gel also tends to leave some white pieces in your hair after it hardens, but is easier than wax to apply smoothly to hair.

These are some tried-and-true gels that many girls use: Eco Style Gel Olive Oil Styling or Garnier Fructis Hair Styling Gel. Some wax stick options include SNTE Wax Stick and Brush (this one includes 3 different sized brushes), TIGI Hair Wax Stick or Briogeo Styling Sleek Stick.

The Best Products for Flyaways and Frizz

Hair mascara gels are very popular options for flyaway and frizz control especially throughout the day. They’re small and easy to keep in your purse, locker etc. 

Some girls also use hair mascara gels instead of gel or wax sticks. This gives the option of a less slicked style. Some good options include Funan Hair Finishing Stick, Garnier Fructis Frizz Tamer.

Another favorite product which isn’t really mascara gel, but accomplishes the same thing is T is for Tame Hair Taming Cream Wand. This one leaves the least amount of dried residue at the end of the day.

Mousse for Curly Hair

Some girls like to use mousse for the actual ponytail, especially if they have curly hair.

TRESemmé Bouncy Curls Air Dry Foam is one of the most popular, but TRESemmé has many different mousse options that focus on achieving volume, curls, or definition. Garnier Fructis Curl Construct Creation Mousse is another great one.

You should also make sure you are using soft ponytail holders that don’t tear your hair.

Some important tips to remember when making slick backs:

1. Don’t make a slick back if you plan on wearing your hair down later in the day. Once you’ve used gel or wax, your hair will look greasy, hard and the product will probably start peeling.
2. Many girls think that in order to have a perfect slick back, you have to pull your hair super, super tight. False! While, of course, you need a tight ponytail, you don’t have to walk around with a stretched forehead and a headache all day. It only damages your hair.
3. Never wear a slick backed ponytail to sleep. While it may make your morning routine easier, it pulls at your hairline and causes more broken hairs.
4. Slick backs definitely take some time to get perfect. It doesn’t have to be a daily routine for everyone. You can make them every once in a while or on days that you have more time.