The slicked-back ponytail is easily the best invention since the Dyson Airwrap and the entirety of Rare Beauty. Greasy hair? Slicked-back ponytail. Forecasted drizzle? Slicked-back ponytail. A booked 'n' busy 24 hours that would make Molly-Mae Hague wince? You guessed it! A slicked-back ponytail.
Now, it's not just because we have been tired since 2012 and for practical, get-my-hair-off-my-face-type reasons. A super, sleek ponytail can also be good for your hair's overall condition, too. As well as not having to touch the hair with your trusty ghds, a lot of products are infused with nourishing hair ingredients to leave your split ends a little less frazzled.
Turns out, Love Island's Samie Elishi has discovered the ultimate product for a slicked-back ponytail and it's currently half-price on Amazon.
heat's best products for a slicked-back ponytail at a glance
Editor's Choice: L'Oreal Elvive Hydra Hyaluronic Acid Serum - View offer on Boots
Best for all hair types: SLICK STICK™ DOUBLE PACK - View offer on SLICK STICK
Best for mega-sleek ponytails: Eco Style Olive Oil Styling Gel Green - View offer on Boots
Best for multipurpose: OLAPLEX Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 - View offer on Sephora
The 22-year-old revealed all in a TikTok video captioned, 'My go-to quick slick back low pony! ✨🐴 The best to do when it's hair wash day but you really can't be asked😂'
Fans noticed she was armed with the L'Oreal Elvive Hydra Hyaluronic Acid Serum and it's just £6.49.
As well as helping you achieve that perfect slicked-back look, the affordable serum is enthused with hyaluronic acid which weightlessly coats the hair, leaving it plump and hydrated for up to 72 hours.
One fan commented on Samie's video, 'I use that spray every day, it's a lifesaver😭, especially for the gym!'
Another added, 'One thing about our girl Samie is she's going to slay a slick back'
Now we've established the slicked-back ponytail is pretty ace, here are the best products that will ensure your hairstyle is both seamless and unfaltering. You are very welcome.
7 highly-rated products for a slicked-back ponytail
Editor's Choice
On Sale
www.boots.com
This product is suitable for all hair textures: curly, wavy, straight, and coloured hair and can be used like a daily moisturiser on wet or dry hair, at any time of day. What makes this perfect for a slicked back ponytail? This product has been designed for stressed, damaged hair and the non-greasy formula of this spray will keep your ponytail slicked back and frizz-free.
Pros
- Hair looks visibly plumped, bouncy and shiny
- 2% Care Complex with Hyaluronic Acid
- Weightlessly coats hair to keep it feeling hydrated for up to 72 hours
Cons
- For best results it's recommended you use the full hyaluronic range
Best for staying in place all night long
On Sale
The Girls Bathroom's Sophia Tuxford and Cinzia Baylis-Zullo's hairdresser use this hard-working formula on the girls for event-worthy slicked-back up-dos. Customers loved how it's nice and light' whilst holding styles all day.
Pros
- Lightweight formula but strong hold
- Photographs extremely well
Cons
- Not everyone will love the spray can design
Best for all hair types
uk.slickhaircompany.com
This handbag-sized hair wand helps tame flyaways without leaving your hair oily or crunchy. What's more, the formula contains nourishing jojoba and evening primrose which can easily be brushed out for styling the next day. Achieve the ultimate slick hair style with our Slick Stick™ anti-flyaway hair wand that is formulated to hold your hair in place all day without leaving your hair oily, hard, crunchy or dirty all whilst proudly being cruelty free, vegan friendly and suitable for all hair types.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty free
- No need for hairspray and bobby pins!
Cons
- These sell out super fast - so if they're in stock grab them quick!
Best for mega-sleek ponytails
www.boots.com
A non-sticky, non-greasy styling gel which keeps your hair in place all day long. Perfect for achieving mega-sleek hairstyles including the iconic slicked-back ponytail. It's very affordable, too. Love Island's Olivia Hawkins recently shared on Instagram stories how this was her holy grail for up-dos in the villa.
Pros
- Non-sticky
- Non-greasy
Cons
- Need to work out the amount to suit your hair yourself - but practice makes perfect!
Best for multipurpose
www.sephora.co.uk
Olaplex is known and loved for transforming damaged tresses but it also works brilliantly for a slick back ponytail.
Pros
- Undoes damage
- Renowned for its amazing results
Cons
- An investment if you don't already have this to hand.
Best for hold
B000141L58
redirect.viglink.com
The TikTok-loved wax stick is formulated with beeswax and Japan wax for great hold and texture. It's easy to apply, and style your hair with and contains Castor oil to condition the hair and ensure it remains totally frizz-free.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Conditions the hair whilst keeping it slicked back
Cons
- None that we can think of!
Best for taming baby hairs
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
For smoothing away fine baby hair, this loved formula is packed with beeswax to add volume and texture, together with kaolin clay that gives it its supreme holding prowess.
Pros
- Strong hold and grip
- Sleek matte finish
Cons
- Need to warm product in palm of hand to fully activate
Aimee Jakes is the shopping editor across heat and Closer. As well as mainly writing about skincare launches, high-street fashion and gym bag essentials, she also regularly chats to celebs about their wellness routines for heat's Self-Care Sunday.