I've Perfected My Slick-Back Bun Routine. Here's Everything I Use

There's a reason the slicked-back bun has become the go-to style for everyone from models to beauty editors. It's chic, polished, and effortlessly elevated – the kind of look that signals you have your life together, even when you're running late. For me, it's become an essential part of my routine, particularly because I'm protective of my hair. With regular gloss colour treatments and keratin straightening, I wash my hair just once a week to preserve the colour, shine, and that glossy finish I've worked hard to maintain. The slicked-back bun gives me that professional, stylish look on non-wash days while keeping my hair healthy and protected. But the real secret to nailing this style isn't technique; it's the products you choose. After trying countless options, these have become my tried-and-tested essentials.

Briogeo Style and Treat Sleek Stick

Here's the truth about most sleek sticks: they can break you out, leave residue along your hairline, or become impossible to brush out the next day. This one does none of those things. It smooths flyaways and edges without the greasy finish or buildup that plagues other products in this category. What sets it apart is that it actually feels like it's treating your hair while styling it. Briogeo has managed to create a product that delivers hold and nourishment simultaneously, which is rare in this space.

Emi Jay Styling Brush

This brush is specifically designed for edges, and it's a game-changer. The slim design makes it perfect for tidying up your hairline and slicking back those baby hairs with precision. It's small enough to keep in your bag for on-the-go touch-ups, which I love. When you're maintaining a sleek bun throughout the day, having a brush that can quickly smooth flyaways without disturbing the entire style is essential.

Emi Jay Mini Boar Bristle Brush

This is the brush I reach for every single day. It lives on my vanity, and it's perfect for slicking hair back after I've applied my styling gel. The boar bristles distribute product evenly while smoothing the hair without causing static or frizz. Unlike plastic bristles that can snag or create friction, boar bristles work with your hair's natural texture to create that sleek, glossy finish. It's the kind of tool that makes the process feel luxurious rather than rushed.

Hair By Sam McKnight Hairspray

This hairspray is non-negotiable in my routine. It holds your hair exactly where you want it without that stiff, crunchy feeling I absolutely hate. The hold is just enough to keep your bun in place all day without making your hair feel shellacked. It's incredibly lightweight, and the signature Sam McKnight scent makes using it feel like a small luxury. For a slicked-back bun, you need a hairspray that can lock in the style without leaving residue or weighing hair down, and this does exactly that.

Djerf Avenue Beauty On-The-Go Styling Gel

This gel delivers amazing hold without being too firm, which is the balance every slicked-back bun needs. You want your hair to stay in place, but you also want to be able to brush it out the next day without a struggle. This gel does both beautifully. It feels lightweight on the hair and has the most gorgeous scent, not that chemical, overpowering smell some gels have. The "on-the-go" aspect isn't just marketing; the size and formula genuinely make it perfect for touch-ups or creating the style when you're travelling.

Heaven Mayhem Knot Earrings

A slicked-back bun creates the perfect clean canvas for jewellery, and the Heaven Mayhem Knot earrings are my go-to for finishing the look. Their minimalist design complements both casual and elevated outfits without overwhelming the simplicity of the hairstyle. When your hair is pulled back, earrings become a focal point. These strike that perfect balance between statement and subtle, adding polish without trying too hard.

What makes this style so appealing is its versatility. It works for the office, evening events, or those days when you need to look put-together in minutes. I always finish the look with a pair of Heaven Mayhem earrings. The clean lines of a slicked bun are the perfect canvas for statement jewellery.