1. High Glossy Slick Buns
Two high buns near the crown, smoothed to a mirror shine with gel, give the boldest and most striking slick-back look, all clean lines and glossy surface. The high placement and streak-free finish read sharp and confident, which is why it photographs so well. This suits going-out nights, events and statement looks on straight, wavy or smoothed hair. Apply strong-hold gel in sections and smooth each with a brush from the part outward for an even, streak-free shine, then set the buns high and finish with a drop of shine serum.
Who it suits: Going out and statement looks.
Tip: Apply gel in sections and smooth with a brush for a streak-free shine.
2. Low Elegant Slick Buns
Sleek buns set low at the nape give an elegant, grown-up take on the slick-back, trading the boldness of a high placement for something more refined and understated. The smooth finish and low position read as quietly polished, which makes it ideal for a smart event, a wedding or the office. It suits formal occasions and work on smoothed medium to long hair of any texture. Gel and brush the hair flat from the part, gather two small buns low at the nape, keep them level, and lay the edges for a clean, sophisticated line.
Who it suits: Formal occasions and work.
3. Slick Buns with Laid Edges
Styled, swirled baby hairs laid around the hairline frame the face and complete the slick look, the detail that makes a slick-back read truly finished rather than simply pulled back. Well-laid edges are the signature of a great slicked style, adding artistry and softness against the glossy buns. This suits anyone who loves a styled-edge finish and works across textures for going out and photos. Shape the baby hairs into neat curves with edge control and a small brush, then set with a scarf.
Who it suits: Anyone who loves a styled-edge finish.
Tip: Use edge control and a small brush to lay and swirl your edges.
4. Middle Part Slick Buns
A crisp, glossy middle part running straight to the crown keeps slick buns balanced and sharp, the clean line down the centre doing the work of making the whole look symmetrical and polished. Against a slicked base the part reads especially precise, which is what gives the style its editorial edge. It suits anyone whose features suit a centre part and works on smoothed hair of any texture. Draw the part with a rat-tail comb before applying gel, smooth each side flat from the line outward, and match the two buns so the symmetry stays perfect.
Who it suits: Anyone who suits a center part.
5. Side Part Slick Buns
A deep side part gives slicked buns a modern, editorial edge, with a glossy sweep of hair falling dramatically across one side of the forehead before the length gathers into the buns. It feels more fashion-forward and asymmetric than a centre part, adding a touch of drama to the clean finish. This suits anyone wanting a modern twist and works on smoothed hair of most textures for events and photos. Part deeply to one side, smooth the swept section flat with gel, and set the two buns so they stay level despite the offset line.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting a modern twist.
6. Slick Buns with Braids
Leading a sleek, gelled braid into each bun keeps the whole look glossy while adding an intricate detail, so you get texture and interest without breaking the clean, slicked finish. The braid reads as a considered upgrade, which makes this a lovely choice for weddings, parties and dressed-up events. It suits smoothed medium to long hair of any texture. Gel and smooth the hair first, braid firmly so the plait stays flat and shiny, feed the tail into each bun, and lay the edges to keep the finish sharp and cohesive from front to back.
Who it suits: Events and dressed-up looks.
7. Slick Bubble Buns
Segmenting the slicked ponytails with a row of small clear elastics and puffing each section into bubbles before the buns adds a trendy, playful texture on top of a polished, gelled base. The contrast of the ultra-smooth roots against the rounded bubbles is what makes this sleek-meets-fun look so eye-catching. It suits trend-forward, playful occasions on smoothed hair with a little length. Slick the roots flat first, then space the elastics evenly down each ponytail, gently puff the segments outward, and coil the ends into neat buns at the top.
Who it suits: Trend-forward, playful looks.
8. Slick Curly Buns
Slicking just the roots smooth with gel while leaving the buns themselves full and curly creates a gorgeous contrast of glossy, flat scalp against soft, natural texture. It is a clever way to enjoy the slick-back trend without stretching or hiding your curls, so the look stays chic and full of personality. This suits curly and coily hair especially well for going out and events. Use a soft gel that will not dry your curls, gather gently by hand, and coil into loose buns.
Who it suits: Curly and coily hair.
Tip: Smooth roots with a soft gel that will not dry out your curls.
9. Slick Half-Up Buns
Slicking the top section into two glossy buns while keeping the length below sleek and straight gives a polished half-up look that reads elegant and modern. You get the clean slicked detail at the crown while your smooth length stays on show, balancing structure and flow. This suits anyone who wants to keep their length visible and works best on straight or straightened hair for events and photos. Gel and smooth the top section into two neat buns, then flat-iron or brush the loose length below to a shine so the whole look stays cohesive and sleek.
Who it suits: Anyone who wants to keep length on show.
10. Slick Buns with a Scarf
Winding a silk scarf around each slicked bun adds a luxe, retro-chic detail that sits beautifully against the glossy, gelled base, hiding elastics and giving the look a vintage-glamour feel. The fabric brings colour and softness to what is otherwise a very sharp style, so it reads elegant and eye-catching. This suits anyone who loves a chic accessory and works across textures once the roots are smoothed. Slick the base first, wrap the scarf firmly around each bun, tuck the ends underneath, and pick a silk print that complements the polished finish.
Who it suits: Anyone who loves a chic accessory.
11. Mini Slick Buns
Tiny slicked buns with the rest of the hair smoothed down give a minimalist, refined take, where the two small buns are more of a subtle detail than a statement. The pared-back scale against a glossy base reads sophisticated and understated, perfect when you want polish without drama. This suits minimalist styles on smoothed hair of most textures for work or a quiet event. Gel sleek all over, take a small section each side into a mini bun, and smooth the rest flat.
Who it suits: Minimalist, refined styles.
12. Slick Buns with Gems
Placing a few small gems or pearls along the glossy part turns slick buns into a dressed-up, party-ready look, with the embellishments catching the light against the smooth surface. The sleek base does the heavy lifting while the gems add an easy hit of glamour, so a simple slick-back becomes event-worthy in seconds. This suits parties and special occasions on smoothed hair of any texture. Slick and part the hair first, then use a dab of lash or cosmetic glue to set small gems or pearls evenly along the part, spacing them so both sides balance.
Who it suits: Parties and special events.
13. High-Shine Serum Buns
A finishing shine serum smoothed over already-slicked buns takes them to an ultra-glossy, wet-look finish that reads genuinely expensive and high-fashion. That extra layer of shine is exactly what separates an everyday slick-back from a runway-worthy one, giving the surface a polished, reflective sheen. This suits anyone wanting maximum gloss on smoothed hair of any texture for photos and events. Complete the slick-back and lay your edges first, then smooth a small drop of shine serum over the surface of the buns as the very last step, keeping it off the roots so it looks glossy, not greasy.
Who it suits: Anyone wanting maximum gloss.
Tip: Smooth a drop of shine serum over the buns as the final step.
14. Slick Buns with Bangs
Pairing slicked buns with smooth, pressed bangs keeps the whole look cohesive and polished, so the sleekness carries right through to the front rather than stopping at the hairline. The straight fringe frames the face while the gelled buns sit sharp behind, making the style read sleek from every angle. This suits anyone with bangs and works best on straight or straightened hair for events and photos. Smooth and press the fringe flat first so it sits glossy, then gel and slick the rest into the buns, keeping the bangs separate and sleek.
Who it suits: Anyone with bangs.
15. Asymmetric Slick Buns
Setting the two slicked buns at different heights or off to one side gives an editorial, fashion-forward feel while the glossy gel keeps everything clean and deliberate. The asymmetry stops the look feeling predictable, reading modern and striking rather than classic and symmetrical. This suits editorial and fashion-forward looks on smoothed hair of most textures for shoots, events and nights out. Slick the base flat, then place one bun higher or further to the side than the other on purpose, keeping the finish sharp so the asymmetry looks intentional, not accidental.
Who it suits: Editorial and fashion-forward looks.
16. Slick Twisted Buns
Twisting the slicked ponytails into tight ropes before coiling them into buns adds a subtle, defined texture to the glossy finish and helps the buns grip and hold. The twist reads as a quiet detail against the smooth base, and it stops the length slipping loose, so the style stays neat and secure through a long night. This suits long days and anyone wanting extra hold on smoothed hair of any texture. Gel the roots flat, twist both ponytails in the same direction, coil each into a bun, and pin the tail so the rope stays wound and shiny.
Who it suits: Long days and anyone wanting hold.
17. Slick Buns on Relaxed Hair
Relaxed or pressed hair takes a slick-back beautifully, its natural smoothness giving an ultra-glossy, poker-straight finish with very little effort. The already-flat texture means the gel glides on evenly for a sharp, elegant result without lumps or frizz. This suits relaxed and pressed hair for events, work and photos where you want a clean, refined look. Use a light gel to smooth without buildup or dryness, brush from the part outward for an even sheen, set the buns high or low, and finish with a touch of shine serum to enhance the natural gloss.
Who it suits: Relaxed and pressed hair.
Tip: Use a light gel to smooth without buildup or dryness.
18. Slick Buns with a Swoop
Leaving a smooth, gelled swoop of hair curving across the front adds a retro-glam detail to slicked buns, nodding to old-Hollywood and pin-up styling. That single sculpted wave softens the sharp pull-back and gives the look a chic, vintage feel that stands out from a plain slick. This suits anyone who loves a retro-glam touch on smoothed hair of most textures for events and photos. Section off a piece at the front before slicking the rest, shape it into a smooth S-swoop with gel and a comb, and pin it in place until it sets firm.
Who it suits: Anyone who loves a retro-glam touch.
19. Clean Double-Elastic Buns
Securing each bun with clear elastics and smoothing every section meticulously gives the cleanest, most defined slick bun shape, with crisp edges and no stray hairs to break the line. Using two elastics per bun locks the shape and makes the whole style look precise and intentional, almost sculptural. This suits anyone who loves a crisp, defined finish on smoothed hair of any texture for events and photos. Smooth thoroughly with a brush, use clear elastics so nothing distracts from the shape, and cross bobby pins under each bun to keep the outline sharp all night.
Who it suits: Anyone who loves a crisp, defined finish.
20. Glam Going-Out Slick Buns
Ultra-glossy high buns with meticulously laid edges and a pair of statement earrings pull together a full, head-turning going-out look where the slicked hair becomes part of the outfit. The clean pull-back deliberately bares the ears and neck, so bold earrings sit centre stage and the whole effect reads chic and photo-ready. This suits nights out and events on smoothed hair of any texture. Slick and shine the high buns, lay your edges into neat swirls, then finish with statement earrings, since slicked hair shows them off beautifully against the clean line.
Who it suits: Nights out and events.
Tip: Pair with statement earrings - slicked hair shows them off beautifully.
How to Get the Perfect Slick-Back
A great slick-back is all about product and technique. Start with damp or dry hair and apply a strong-hold gel in sections, smoothing each with a boar-bristle or slick-back brush to avoid streaks and lumps. Work from the part outward toward each bun, keeping the tension even. Once smoothed, gather and secure the buns, then lay your edges with edge control and a small brush. Finish with a shine serum or spray for that glossy, expensive look. The smoother and more even the gel application, the sharper the result.
Products You Need
For a clean slick-back you need a strong-hold gel or slick-back cream, a smoothing brush (a boar-bristle or dedicated slick brush), edge control and a small edge brush or clean toothbrush, and a shine serum or spray to finish. Clear elastics keep the buns looking seamless, and a few bobby pins secure them. If your hair is very curly or coily, choose a gel that smooths without drying, and consider a lightweight oil to keep the lengths healthy under the gel.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest slick-back mistakes are using too much or too little product - too much flakes and looks greasy, too little leaves it fuzzy and un-sleek, so build up gradually. Applying gel unevenly causes streaks and lumps, so smooth thoroughly with a brush. Skipping the edges leaves the look unfinished, and forgetting shine at the end makes it look dry rather than glossy. Finally, do not pull so tight it hurts; a clean slick-back comes from smoothing, not painful tension.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you slick back space buns?
Apply a strong-hold gel in sections, smoothing each with a brush from the part outward. Gather and secure the buns with clear elastics and pins, lay your edges with edge control, and finish with a shine serum for a glossy result.
What gel is best for slick back space buns?
A strong-hold styling gel or a dedicated slick-back cream works best. For curly or coily hair, choose a smoothing gel that will not dry out your hair, and add a lightweight oil underneath to keep the lengths healthy.
How do I lay my edges for space buns?
Apply a small amount of edge control to your baby hairs and use a small edge brush or clean toothbrush to shape and swirl them into curves that frame your face. Set with a scarf for a few minutes for extra hold.
Do slick back space buns work on curly hair?
Yes - you can slick the roots smooth while keeping the buns curly for a beautiful sleek-meets-textured contrast, or smooth everything for a fully sleek look. Use a gel that smooths without drying your curls.
How do I keep slick back space buns from looking greasy?
Use the right amount of gel - build up gradually rather than piling it on, and smooth thoroughly with a brush. Finish with a shine serum rather than more gel, and avoid touching the hair once it is set.
Which space buns look are you saving?
Slick back space buns are all about that clean, glossy finish - the gel, the shine and the laid edges are what make them look expensive and intentional. Smooth thoroughly, set well, and add shine to finish. Save your favourites for going out and photos, and keep a good gel and edge brush on hand. A little product goes a long way.
