Sure, when you’re aiming for a sleek hairstyle, one of the best shampoos and hair straighteners will be your best friend, but when it comes to up-dos, the classic slicked-back bun is in a league of its own.
Aside from bringing out our favourite dry shampoo, a slicked-back bun makes a quick and easy style to scrape your hair into between wash days.
Someone who has undoubtedly nailed the hairstyle is Hailey Bieber - in fact, a slicked-back bun is pretty much her signature style. We were luckily enough to sit down with the star last year and ask her all of her beauty tips and tricks.
Aside from her skincare routine and her go-to make-up products, we were desperate to know how she does her iconic slicked-back bun.
It's no secret that Hailey's hairstyles are always on point, and her slicked-back buns are no exception. Every time she appears on our Instagram feed, there isn't a hair out of place, and luckily, she shared the exact product she uses to help tame those flyaways.
Interested? We thought so. Apparently, it's all down to the Tigi Bed Head Wax Stick.
According to Hailey, for the perfect slicked-back bun, "you need to use a wax stick."
"The Tigi Bed Head one is great, and that's what I use. But the only thing I'll say about wax sticks is that you need to use a clarifying shampoo to get them out. But for slicking down flyaways and baby hairs, they're the best."
We love these sticks as they are super easy to use, and you can chuck them in your bag and take them with you wherever you go.
Here at Marie Claire UK, we are big fans of the slicked-back hairstyle. Not only does it look chic, but it's easy to do and you don't have to worry about how greasy your hair is. In fact, the greasier the better.
That being said, we have often struggled with flyaways ourselves, and we've tried our fair share of waxes, gels and oils to help keep them under control. Therefore, we thought it was only right that we shared our top products with you, to help you achieve that sleek finish.
Keep on scrolling for our top picks, and for more hair inspiration, don't forget to check out our guides to the best hair oils and best hairsprays too.
The best slicked-back bun products: tested by team MCUK
1. Eco Style Olive Oil Styling Gel
Our Social Media Editor, Alice Carter, swears by this styling gel for keeping her slicked-back bun in place. It's designed to help reduce flyaways, and the olive oil will help to hydrate your hair.
2. got2b Glued 4 Brows & Edges 2 in 1 Vegan Gel
Alice also loves this gel for popping in her bag and keeping her hair in place throughout the day. This product is great as it can be used on your hair and your eyebrows, and comes with a two-sided fibre brush for easy application.
3. OUAI Matte Pomade
Our Beauty Contributor, Grace Lindsay, has quite thick, naturally curly hair, so likes something a little heavier to keep her bun in place. This OUAI Matte Pomade does just the trick, but be warned - a little bit goes a long way.
4. Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil
Grace also loves going over her flyaways with an oil for that shiny look. Her go-to is the Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil, as it's nice and lightweight on the hair.
5. AnWoor Hair Wax Stick
If you want a stick product like Hailey, our Producer, Sofia Piza, loves this one by Anwoor. In fact, she loves it so much that she even used it on her wedding day. "I have naturally oily hair so I tend to avoid waxes and gels that might make my hair look greasy rather than polished. I have found these wax sticks deliver lasting results and are simple to use."
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