The slick back ponytail is a timeless hairstyle that always looks polished, intentional, and effortlessly put together. From busy workdays to nights out, it’s one of those styles that instantly elevates your look without requiring much time or effort.
The key is knowing how to slick back hair properly so it stays smooth, sleek, and frizz-free all day. With the right technique and the right products, you can create the look in just a few minutes.
All you need are three essentials from the HOLD.ME collection: the HOLD.ME Styling Cream for a smooth frizz-free base, the HOLD.ME Three-Way Hairspray to lock the style in place, and the HOLD.ME Styling Stick to perfect every edge and flyaway. Here is how to use them, step by step.
Step 1: Build a Smooth Base
Every great ponytail starts with a flawless base and that’s where this multitasking styling cream comes in. Apply one to two pumps of the HOLD.ME Styling Cream to damp towel-dried hair from mid-lengths to ends and blow dry using a paddle brush, smoothing your roots as you go.
It controls frizz, adds a weightless shine, and protects against heat up to 400°F. If you plan to curl or flip the ends later, use a round brush at the ends during the blow dry for a better finish when you style the tail.
Step 2: Brush, Shape and Secure
Brush everything into place and choose your placement. High for lift, low for quiet luxury, side for something more editorial. Once you’ve found your shape, secure with a hair tie and lock the style in with the HOLD.ME Three-Way Hairspray. Twist the nozzle to choose your hold, light for movement, medium for control, or high for a no-budge finish.
For an extra clean result, spray the hairspray onto your brush and smooth the surface before securing, rather than spraying directly onto your hair.
Step 3: Perfect the Edges
Use the HOLD.ME Styling Stick to smooth flyaways, baby hairs, and edges. The precision teardrop shape lets you swipe it exactly where you need it along the hairline or behind the ears.
Then take a small section of hair from the underside of the ponytail, wrap it around the hair tie, and pin it underneath. It hides the elastic completely and instantly elevates the whole look.
The best part about this styling cream is that It fits in your purse. The compact design makes it the ultimate touch-up tool for when you're on the move between meetings, before dinner, or mid-dance floor moment.
Step 4: Style Your Tail
Here are a few ways to wear the tail depending on the vibe you are going for:
• Glass straight and polished: Flat-iron the tail, then finish with a few drops of GLOSS.ME Hair Oil for a mirror-like shine.
• Soft waves: Use a large barrel curling iron for effortless, lived-in texture that still looks sleek at the roots.
• Big voluminous drama: Curl in sections, brush out for fullness, and lightly tease underneath for a high-impact bouncy finish.
• Retro flip: Roll the ends outward and set with a light mist of hairspray for a playful, nostalgic twist.
• Bubble ponytail: Add small elastics evenly down the tail and gently pull each section apart to create soft, rounded bubbles. Spritz a little PUFF.ME Dry Texture Spray between each bubble for extra volume and definition.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I keep a slick back ponytail from falling out?
Layer your products, apply styling cream to damp hair, spray hairspray after securing, and use the styling stick along the hairline to lock everything in place.
What is a bubble ponytail?
Small elastics are added at even intervals down the tail, with each section gently pulled apart to create soft, rounded bubbles. Set with a light mist of hairspray to hold the shape.
Can I do this on the second day of hair?
Yes, second day hair actually works in your favour. The natural oils give grip and hold that make slicking back much easier than on freshly washed hair.
