How To Create a Slicked-Back Ponytail in 6 Easy Steps

Ponytails are often an essential style for anybody with longer hair—they’re versatile, easy to create, and suitable for nearly any occasion. But if your go-to pony is starting to feel a bit bland, the slick-back ponytail—which requires only a little more effort to execute—elevates the humble pony to stylish new heights.

The key to a sleek pony is, of course, creating a smooth, frizz-free texture. Often, that requires the help of a few styling products. If you’re wondering how to do a slicked-back ponytail that can hold up throughout the day, keep scrolling. Ahead, we’re sharing a six-step sleek ponytail tutorial perfect for upgrading your everyday ‘do.

What To Use To Slick Back Your Hair

Regardless of your hair type or texture, creating a slick ponytail typically requires a few styling products. A frizz-fighting styling cream or gel is a must, as is hairspray. If you’re starting with damp hair, you’ll also need a heat protectant to help shield your strands from damage when you blow dry your hair.

Having the right tools is also essential for nailing your slicked-back pony. Generally, that means having a comb, a brush, and some hair elastics on deck. In our experience, a boar-bristle brush is best for creating a slicked-back ponytail, as it can help smooth and flatten the hair for an ultra-sleek look. If you don’t have a boar bristle brush on hand, that’s okay—just go with what you’ve got.

How To Do a Slick-Back Ponytail

Once you have all the necessary tools for the job, you’re ready to master your sleek look. Keep reading for an easy-to-follow slicked-back ponytail tutorial that you’ll find yourself turning to time and time again.

Step 1. Shampoo and condition

While a sleek ponytail works well on greasy hair, we’re going to start from the very beginning (we’re nothing if not thorough). Prep your hair for the sleek look in the shower by lathering up with a hydrating shampoo, like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Shampoo. It gently cleanses and hydrates the hair without weighing it down. After shampooing, condition your lengths and ends with the coordinating L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Conditioner, which helps lock in moisture for up to 72 hours.

If you’re prone to frizz and flyaways, a smoothing shampoo and conditioner duo might serve you better. Try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz Defy Sulfate-Free Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Frizz Defy Conditioner. Both are formulated with marula oil and help protect against frizz (and humidity!) for up to 24 hours.

Once you’re done shampooing and conditioning, blot your hair dry with a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt—roughly drying your hair with a terry cloth towel can contribute to frizz and breakage.

Step 2. Detangle your hair

Before you reach for any hot tools, be sure to detangle your hair. Working with hair that’s full of knots and bumps can make the process longer and may result in a ponytail that’s more scraggly than sleek. Use a wide-toothed comb and gently comb your hair, working from the ends up, to help remove any knots or tangles.

Step 3. Blow-dry your hair smooth

Once your hair is detangled, you can begin the styling process. To make sure your ponytail is sleek and straight, you’re going to want to blow-dry your hair smooth. To protect against heat damage—which can make your hair appear dry, rough, and frizzy—we strongly recommend prepping your mane with a heat protectant. The L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Weightless Blow Dry Primer is a great pick. It helps protect against temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and offers up to 48 hours of frizz control for smooth, shiny-looking strands. Use your boar bristle brush to help smooth your hair as you dry it for smooth, straight strands—this makes all the difference in nailing your sleek ponytail. If your hair isn’t perfectly smooth after you’ve finished drying it, you can run through it with your flat iron before getting started on your pony.

Step 4. Apply a styling aid

Arguably, the most important product to nail the almost wet look characteristic of a slick ponytail is a styling cream or gel. For the best results, you’ll want to opt for something that offers workable hold and dries down without any visible residue. One option we love is the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Slick Back Lightweight Styling Cream. It’s designed specifically for sleek hairstyles and provides brushable hold, adds shine, and dries down easily without any stiffness or crunchiness. Dispense a small amount of the cream formula into your palms and work it throughout your hair, focusing around the roots, hairline, and crown.

Step 5. Create your ponytail

Next, grab your boar bristle brush and begin brushing your hair back to create a slick look. Your sleek ponytail can be placed anywhere you’d like, so this is your opportunity to experiment. If you’re going for a sleek low ponytail, gather your lengths at the nape of your neck. For a high sleek ponytail, aim to gather your hair around the crown of your head. And if you’d like to keep it classic, place your pony at the back of your head, roughly in line with the tops of your ears. Be sure to smooth over any bumps to create a sleek, snatched look.

Once you’re done brushing your hair back, secure your slick back ponytail with an elastic—bonus points if you have a silk or satin hair tie that’s gentle on all hair types. If you want, grab a half-inch wide section of hair from the bottom of the ponytail, thread it through a bobby pin, and wrap it around the base of the pony to conceal the hair tie.

At this point, you’re pretty much done. If you notice any baby hairs sticking out (or have any lingering frizz along your hairline), smooth them down with a strong-hold hair gel, like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Mega Gel.

Step 6. Finish with hairspray

Last but not least, help ensure your hairstyle stays in place throughout the day by spritzing your mane with a high-hold hair spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold, Light Hairspray Unscented. It helps protect against frizz and locks styles into place without leaving behind any crunchy residue.

Do Slick Back Ponytails Cause Breakage?

While sleek ponytails can be great for a special occasion, it’s generally best to avoid wearing tight hairstyles every day. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), constant pulling and tight holds can put stress on your scalp and strands. As such, it’s best to switch up your hairstyle regularly and take breaks between wearing ultra-tight hairstyles. If you need some inspiration, we’re big fans of a loose messy bun for laid-back occasions (or a bouncy blowout if you want to lean into your glam side). As for the slick back ponytail: save it for when you really want to make an impact.

Next Up: How To Create a Classic French Twist

Photo Courtesy of L'Oréal Paris