How to Get a Sleek, Slicked-Back Ponytail at Home
October 18, 2022![Person with sleek high ponytail](/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/mdc/americas/us/articles/2022/october/18-slicked-back-ponytail-how-to/sleek-pony-hero-mudc-101722.jpg?cx=0.5&cy=0.5&cw=705&ch=529&blr=False&hash=6A4C127FDFDCDD0526D621F62A7FD2FE)
You can never go wrong with a killer ponytail. To be clear, we're not talking about the casual type of hairstyle you'd wear to the gym, but a sleek, slicked-back look suitable for date nights, evenings out with friends, or — as we've seen time and time again — the red carpet.
So what's the secret to getting the ultra-polished look at home? We tapped Nick Stenson, celebrity hairstylist for Ulta Beauty, for the professional's tips on DIY-ing a slicked-back ponytail on your own. Ahead, he breaks down how to master the look depending on your hair type.
Fine Hair
For fine hair, start by blow-drying your strands smooth after applying a handful of medium hold foam all over the hair, says Stenson. Then, once it’s dry, “apply a small amount of oil (we love the Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hydrating Hair Oil Serum) from your mid-lengths to ends.” After that, use a boar bristle brush to firmly brush your hair straight back from your hairline and gather it into a ponytail, finishing by securing it with an elastic.
Medium-Texture Hair
For medium-textured hair, start with a medium hold gel like the Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Styling Gel, applying it all over wet hair and then blowing it dry smooth, advises the pro. Then, "apply a small amount of medium hold foam from mid-lengths to ends on dry hair and use a boar bristle brush to firmly brush your hair straight back from your hairline and gather it into a ponytail, finishing by securing it with an elastic.
Thick or Textured Hair
For thick hair, blow dry your hair after applying a firm hold gel all over your strands. Then, use a boar bristle brush to “stretch the texture as smooth as possible," he says. "Once dry, take small sections and flat iron to remove any unwanted texture." Next, “apply a generous amount of oil evenly throughout your hair and using the same brush, take sections and spray them with a finishing spray,” like the L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray. Finish by brushing the pony into place using “firm tension” and “secure with an elastic.”
Pro Tip: If you are in a hurry, Stenson says another option is to skip the blow-drying step altogether; just be sure to still follow the other steps, like applying hair gel and utilizing a boar bristle brush. "The finished look won't be as flawless, but it's a quick alternative when you don't have time and still want to look great," he says.
![Person with sleek high ponytail holding L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray](/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/mdc/americas/us/articles/2022/october/18-slicked-back-ponytail-how-to/sleek-pony-body-mudc-101722.jpg?cx=0.5&cy=0.5&cw=705&ch=705&blr=False&hash=045E5923D58FAD98903648883C0F8EEC)
Read more
![Loading](/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/mdc/shared/baseline/icons/loading-icon.gif)