How to Achieve the Slick Bun Look
BY GEORGIA ROSE
My favourite hairstyle of all is having a real moment.
15 JAN - 2023
While the slicked-back bun has always been my go-to, the hair style is having a serious moment ahead of summer.
It requires little hair tools, and is super low maintenance during the day, while still appearing stylish. Perfect for nights out, bad hair days and the humid season it’s so versatile and chic.
A few important things before you go slicking back..
- Hair Ties make a difference. You might not know it, but hair ties can cause a lot of damage on the hair, especially when pulling tightly. It’s best to avoid anything with high-grip, rubber band texture. Opt for small scrunchy-like hair ties or a soft band (we suggest some below)
- A little product goes a long way. There’s no need to overdo it on the hair gel, unless you’re looking for the ‘wet’ look too. Start small and work the product into the hair before it dries, adding a little more in places that need it.
- For a bit of shine, opt for a styling creme over a traditional gel or pomade. Finish with a little hairspray to hold everything into place.
- Not all products work for all hair types. If you can, head into your local beauty store and feel a few different formulas. Thin hair will better react with lighter formulations, whereas thicker hair will be able to take thicker pomades.
Bed Head Hair Stick
This is the hair ‘glue stick’ that originally went viral on TikTok - starting the trend! It’s hard to get your hands on in NZ - but we’ve found a link that won’t have you using Amazon and a shipping forwarder.
Evo Gansta Grip
This resin-based gel is a hard worker. Freelance hairdresser Madison Finn favourite product for “being slicked back for two days straight, easily!” Don’t be scared by the word ‘resin’ it’s a light gel formulation that is easily reactivated with water for further styling.
Schwarzkopf Got2b Farewell Flyaways
If you’re not too concerned about a full slick look, using a hair wand will catch all your little baby hairs so it looks like you’ve put in a lot of effort.
Premium Mulberry Silk Hair Ties
Special hair ties might not be key to achieving a slicked bun, but they are essential for protecting against minimal damage when pulling the hair tight! If you’re regularly seeing breakage on your hair ties, this might be the perfect excuse to try a silk hair tie with your hair type.
Evo Tyler Boar Brush
You may find the bristles in your hair brush don’t catch all the fly aways. A boar brush, traditionally used for backcombing, is perfect for smoothing down all the little hairs with a bit of product. You can also use the plastic end to help with parting!
OUAI Matte Pomade
Jen Atkin wasn’t messing round. Containing beeswax and kaolin clay, a fine white clay that can help prevent breakage and control dandruff, the Ouai Matte Pomade has serious staying power. A bonus is that it adds volume, perfect for those needed an extra oomph.
Oribe Gel Serum
The price is worth it just for the beautiful bottle, but even better when the results are worth it. Just like a serum for the face, it’s super lightweight and moisturising for the hair. It’s been formulated to bring hold with shine rather than stiffness.
