How to Do a Slicked-Back Ponytail on Every Hair Type

Slicked-back ponytails continue to be one of the most sought-after hairstyles, and there’s no sign of the celebrity-approved style going anywhere. With this in mind, it's as good a time as any to learn how to execute the perfect slick-back ponytail on every hair type. According to celebrity stylists, there are a few simple tips and tricks that will take you a long way in achieving this sleek (and chic!) updo.

Before learning how to achieve the smoothest, sleekest slicked-back ponytail, let’s talk placement. Ultimately, the height of your ponytail depends on personal preference. That said, there are a few things you may want to keep in mind. “For a snatched look, position your brush at the top of your ear following the line from your cheekbones and secure [the pony at] the crown of the head,” says celebrity hairstylist MJ Snyder. 

Celebrity hairstylist Mitchell Ramazon, the newest member of the Living Proof Stylist Squad, takes a similar approach. “I like to work off the cheekbone by placing the ponytail angled upwards above the cheekbones,” he shares. “If there’s a side part, then I like to place the ponytail lower. This is great for a more elegant look.”

Looking for a lifting, runway-inspired effect? Go high. “It’s always flattering to go right above the eye line for a lift to the face and eye area,” says celebrity hairstylist and Pureology global artistic director Gregory Russell. “Most [clients] feel too high is meant for the runway, so in the salon, mid and low are what are mostly asked for,” says NYC-based hairstylist Paul Labrecque. 

Don’t be afraid to experiment, though! “Generally, the higher the pony, the more fun you have,” exclaims hair expert and Mermade Hair founder and CEO Tara Simich. “Keep a low pony for work or going to the gym as it's easier to maintain and won't be uncomfortable. The middle of the head is perfect for a night out and when you are not going to be crushing the shape sitting on a chair or driving. A super high pony is a real statement—think Ariana Grande. Save this moment for something special, and don't be afraid to add a clip-in extension.”

Steps for Styling a Slicked-Back Ponytail

Now that you have a better idea of where to place your slicked-back pony, it’s time to learn how to make it look sleek and smooth (not oily, greasy, or separated).

Step 1: Choose your placement

“The best way to do a slicked-back ponytail is to first decide where you want to part your hair as this will define the direction you brush and how you section your hair,” Simich says. When picking your placement, think about how you’ll be spending your day or night, as well as what you’ll be wearing. Low ponytails can tangle with high collars, mid ponytails can be uncomfortable if you’re sitting on a seat with a tall back (such as in a car), and high ponytails can feel extreme for casual activities. Nevertheless, you do you. 

Step 2: Spray hairspray into a boar bristle brush

High-shine hairspray is the key to a stunning slick-back ponytail. Spraying it directly on your hair can lead to clumps and/or finish irregularities. “The Mason Pearson brush makes a fantastic tight base, and by spraying on the brush and not hair, the hair will look sleek but never wet and separated,” Labrecque explains.

If you don’t have a Mason Pearson Brush ($275) (because, cha-ching), any boar bristle brush will do (may we suggest the Machete Everyday Hair Brush in Malachite, $160, or the PATTERN by Tracee Ellis RossDouble-Sided Bristle Brush, $20?). If you prefer vegan bristles, Simich suggests opting for nylon. “The Mermade Hair Styling Brush is specifically designed to remove bumps, glide over knots, and leave a silky glass finish on the hair,” she says. Other options to consider include the Briogeo Vegan Boar Bristle Hair Brush ($28) and Olivia Garden NewCycle Styling Combo Paddle Brush ($21).

Step 3: Brush your hair into your ponytail

Starting with dry hair and using your smoothing brush of choice, comb your hair from your hairline (or your part, if you choose to maintain one) back to the crown of your head, midline of your head, or nape of your neck. (During this step, you may want to apply additional slick-back styling products, which will depend on your hair type. More on that in a bit.)

Step 4: Secure your ponytail

What you use is up to you. If you have fine hair, you may feel inclined to reach for clear elastics. If you have thick or curly hair, bungee hair ties may feel better suited. “I'm a big fan of bungee hair ties because they have a hook on either end, which is key to a clean ponytail,” Ramazon says. 

Step 5: Touch-up flyaways

Once your slicked-back ponytail is in place, give yourself a once-over. If there are any areas that could be a bit smoother, go back in with a detailing brush. Simply spritz the brush of your choice with a touch more hairspray and address the stubborn strands getting in the way of your perfectly slick style. 

Tips by Hair Type

Fine Hair

If you have fine hair, you can avoid a stringy and/or scalpy slick style by adding a few extra products and styling techniques to the mix—and by full-on avoiding others. “For fine hair, use a volumizing spray like Unite's BOOSTA Finishing Spray ($35) at the roots to add texture before styling the slicked-back ponytail,” Snyder says. “You can also spray this directly on a boar bristle brush when slicking back the hair to tame flyaways and prevent an oily look. Its formula contains Tapioca Starch, which helps absorb excess oils.” 

Another option? Add a clip-in extension. “For those who want more volume or depth to their hair, I like to sell them the Halo Couture Pony Clip-In Extension,” Labrecque reveals. Personally, we love the Insert Name Here Ponytail Extensions ($54+), which are sold in over a dozen styles, with options for every hair type and color. As far as what to avoid, Russell says to steer clear of any heavy or greasy products, such as gels or creams. Instead, he suggests sticking to lightweight hairsprays, like the Pureology Soft Hold Hairspray ($31).

Straight Hair

The trick to achieving a slicked-back ponytail on straight hair is to provide it with enough texture to give it grip. “If your hair is straight, sometimes the pony will slip and fall,” Ramazon says, recommending the Living Proof Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray ($36) prior to slicking. After adding a touch of texture, it’s time to enhance the slick-back shine. Snyder suggests starting with a smoothing serum to control frizz. Don’t overdo it, though. You only need a pump or two, no more. 

Once you massage the serum through your strands, Snyder says to spray a medium-hold hairspray like Unite's GO365 Hairspray ($37) onto a board bristle brush and gather your hair into a pony of your height choosing. “I love this hairspray because it has an adjustable nozzle that offers three different strengths: soft, medium, and strong hold,” she says.

Thick Hair

If you have thick hair, Labrecque and Snyder say you can get away with using heavier styling products, like creams and gels. Snyder’s go-to method? Apply a styling cream or strong-hold pomade from your roots to your crown. Then, apply the GO365 Hairspray on the strong setting on a boar bristle brush and use it to gather and smooth your hair into a slick-back ponytail. 

A word to the wise: If your thick hair borders on the edge of dry, Ramazon says that first using a leave-in conditioner can help. “Slicked-back ponytails need the right amount of moisture and hold for a look that looks polished and healthy,” he says. “I prep the hair with a few pumps of Living Proof Restore Repair Leave-In ($31) for the perfect amount of moisture that won't make your hair feel greasy or weighed down.” For best results, he says to apply from the mids to the roots. 

Curly and Coily Hair

If you have curly hair, think about how you want your slicked-back ponytail to look. For a more textured approach, Simich suggests laying your curls flat. “If you have curly hair, work with your texture and flatten the curls rather than brush through them,” she says. “This will give you a real high-fashion look,” she explains.

If, however, you want the classic ultra-smooth, slicked-back look, grab your flat iron and get to work. “With curly hair, I straighten the roots a bit with an iron, then I use a dry hairspray like Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Spray ($16) to hold it there,” Labrecque says, again suggesting a boar bristle brush to smooth strands. “Then I put a hook band around the hair and let the pony be natural.”

That’s if you want to rock a natural pony on the tail end of your slick style, though. For a fully sleek pony, Ramazon recommends starting with a blowout. When drying your hair, he says to reach for a smoothing cream that will hydrate curls while protecting against heat damage and humidity. “For an extra smooth, sleek finish, I would also apply Living Proof's Smooth Styling Spray ($40),” he adds. “The formula will not only smooth the hair but also add shine. This combo of products will give you a ponytail that will turn into a blowout for the rest of the week.”

The Takeaway

Slick-back ponytails are wildly popular thanks to how easy they are to achieve, as well as how well they mask dirty, day-two hair. That said, they’re not without their faults.  “Potential downsides include tension headaches if the ponytail is too tight and hair breakage if secured too frequently in the same spot,” Snyder warns. 

Before you ward off the style altogether, consider this: Labrecque says that it’s not so much about the style itself as it is how it’s removed. “Hair will never break with a pony as long as you do not pull out the bands,” he says. “Hook bands twirl off and other bands should come off as they go on, one rung at a time.”