For a sleek ponytail, smooth a little styling product over dry or slightly damp hair, brush everything back with a dense bristle brush while your other hand gathers the hair at the height you want, secure it with a firm elastic, and then brush the surface once more to flatten any bumps. Finish the hairline with a small amount of gel on the brush. The brush does the smoothing. The product only helps it stay.
What do you need?
- A slick back brush: a narrow brush with dense, firm bristles
- A strong hair elastic or bungee
- A smoothing product: gel, styling cream, wax stick or pomade
- A tail comb for the parting
- Hairspray, optional
Why use a slick back brush and not a regular one?
| Brush | What happens on a ponytail |
|---|---|
| Paddle or detangling brush | Widely spaced pins leave ridges and miss short hairs |
| Comb | Leaves visible tooth lines and can snag |
| Dense bristle slick back brush | Closely packed bristles lay every hair flat, including short ones at the hairline |
How to do a sleek ponytail, step by step
- Start with detangled hair. Day-old hair grips better than freshly washed hair. If yours is very clean, mist it lightly with water.
- Decide on the parting. Draw a center or side part with a tail comb, or plan to brush straight back with no part.
- Apply product to your hands first. Rub a small amount between your palms and smooth it over the surface from the hairline back. Add a little along the sides and nape.
- Brush the top back. Hold the brush flat against the head and sweep from the hairline to where the ponytail will sit.
- Brush the sides. Sweep from the temples and above the ears, back and slightly upward for a high ponytail, straight back for a low one.
- Brush the nape upward. Tip your head forward a little so the hair underneath lies smooth.
- Gather as you go. Keep your free hand around the base, tightening your grip after each stroke.
- Secure it. Wrap the elastic firmly. Hold the base with one hand while you wrap, so it does not slide down.
- Smooth again. Brush lightly over the surface toward the elastic to flatten bumps.
- Finish the hairline. Put a touch of gel on the bristle tips and smooth the baby hairs and flyaways.
High, mid or low?
- High: the base sits on the line running from your cheekbones up past the tops of your ears. It gives a lifted look.
- Mid: level with the tops of the ears. The most comfortable for all-day wear.
- Low: at the nape. Smooth and understated, and the gentlest on the hairline.
How do you get rid of bumps?
- Loosen the elastic slightly, brush the bumpy area toward the base, and tighten again.
- Work in three zones, top, sides and nape, instead of trying to gather everything at once.
- For a stubborn bump on top, slide the tail of a comb under the surface near the elastic and ease the slack back into the ponytail.
- Use the brush flat, not on its edge.
A brush made for sleek styles
The Uexim bristle slick back hair brush is made for slicking hair back into sleek ponytails and buns and for smoothing baby hairs and flyaways. It is also described as suitable for edge control and backcombing. It is made of plastic, comes in black, pink, purple and pink leopard print, and is sold singly or in 4-piece packs.
Which product should you use?
- Gel: strongest hold and a glossy finish. Use sparingly to avoid a stiff, wet look.
- Styling cream: softer hold, natural finish.
- Wax stick: easy to swipe over the surface and good for flyaways.
- Light hairspray: spray the brush, not your head, then smooth.
How do you keep it comfortable?
A sleek ponytail should feel secure, not painful. Very tight styles worn day after day put strain on the hairline. Vary the height, loosen the style when you can, take it down before bed, and choose a soft, strong elastic over a thin one that digs in. If your scalp aches, it is too tight.
Common mistakes
- Too much product at once. It looks greasy. Add in small amounts.
- Brushing only the top. The sides and nape need the same attention.
- Letting go to grab the elastic. Keep it on your wrist before you start.
- Brushing tangled hair back. Detangle first.
Frequently asked questions
Should hair be wet or dry for a sleek ponytail?
Dry or very slightly damp. Soaking hair stretches and can dry with bumps.
How do I make a sleek ponytail last all day?
Start with day-old hair, use a firm elastic, and smooth the surface with a little gel or hairspray on the brush.
Does this work on curly hair?
Yes. Smooth the top and sides with product and the brush, and leave the ponytail itself curly, or stretch the hair first for a fully sleek look.
How do I clean a slick back brush?
Remove hair, wash the bristles in warm water with a little shampoo to dissolve product, rinse and dry bristles-down.
The bottom line
A little product, a dense brush held flat, three zones brushed toward one point, and a firm elastic. Smooth once more after tying and the ponytail will stay sleek.
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