The Aussie slick back bun has become a firm favourite for a reason. However, the slick, shiny hairstyle can be taken to its next level with this one £12 product that you can buy today
The Aussie slick back bun has been a staple for the girls on the go since its comeback a few years ago, with tutorials on the viral hairstyle averaging well over 2 million views each on TikTok. However, some are still struggling to perfect the slick-back look.
Phillip Downing the Creative Director of Bed Head tells The Mirror that the Aussie slick back is a “super feminine hairstyle” that can level up an entire look. And a wax product, such as Bed Head’s Wax Stick – which is just £12 at Boots and Superdrug – can help.
He says: “I think the reason why it’s so popular right now is down to how it combines functionality with elegance. It can easily be dressed up as a chic hairstyle paired with an evening look, or dressed down too, as it keeps the hair off the face, which is practical when you’re at the gym, or out and about.”
However, one £12 product may be the only thing you need to achieve the hairstyle in no time at all. Downing said: “When it comes to nailing a sleek hairstyle like this, there are three key areas to focus on: slickness, hold and gloss.”
The hair guru shared his expertise, detailing the products and steps to get the look to last all day. He said you should start with untangled hair, use a comb to section and part two equal sized front pieces of hair, keeping them aside to help frame the face and complete the style later.
Then, gather and snatch the rest of the hair together using a soft brush, keeping the hair as close to the scalp as possible – as the real success to a refined ponytail is a taught and tight hairline perimeter, vs. loose baby hairs.
Secure the hair into a ponytail, using your free hand to press and smooth the hair as you go, taming any frizz and maintaining tightness. Deciding where the pony falls on the head makes a big difference to the overall look.
Consider a higher ponytail for a sporty, fun look, or opt for lower if you’re going for more formal, elegant vibes. Once you’ve tied your pony, use the back of a comb to slot through the middle of your hair and subtly lift. This will add body and create a more volumised look at the crown.
Then comes the hero product. Applying a wax product, like Bed Head’s Wax Stick, to slick down the sides of your hair helps you achieve that glossy, iridescent finish. Start at the front of your head and glide the wax ergonomically back until you reach the pony, guided by the head shape. Downing tells us that the wax stick product is perfect for taming flyaways without making hair stiff or greasy.
For the final touch, spray hairspray all over the head. This will not only support the ponytail but give you a vinyl effect, particularly where the wax is applied.