A sleek ponytail is one of the best styles when looking for something different but still simple.
There’s something about it that’s classy and sexy, and there are so many styles that you can do.
No, you don’t always have to do a low ponytail or a side ponytail; not that there’s anything wrong with those, but there is a wider variety outside of them.
What can I use for a sleek ponytail?
For a sleek ponytail, you want to make sure you apply products that fight frizz and won’t revert your hair.
Specific products depend on your hair type and what your hair responds best to.
Stay away from curling gels or any product with the word ‘curl’ in it, even shampoos and conditioners.
You want a completely sleek style and curling products will do the exact opposite.
As long as you are careful not to use products that will revert your hair to curly, you can quickly achieve a sleek ponytail.
It’s optional, but wigs or weaves can be used to create sleek ponytails, and you can also reuse them in the future if you want to make the style again.
Every person is different and their hair will have different needs but there’s nothing wrong with starting with the basics.
Some of the most popular products for slicking down natural hair are Gorilla Snot (Not Gorilla Glue!), Eco Style Gel, and edge control.
Use your discretion on which products you think you need for your style, but these three are the best place to start.
Do some research on Youtube before starting because you may find someone doing a similar style with a hair type that matches yours. Youtube is the best place to find tutorials on how to create a sleek ponytail.
How do you get the perfect sleek ponytail?
To create a perfectly sleek ponytail, having it straightened, or stretched will produce the best results.
It will make it a lot easier and less time-consuming.
Of course, this is not the only way to create the style, but if you’re looking to save yourself some time, try blowing it out first.
This will ensure that the ponytail lays flat and perfectly sleek.
With non-straightened hair, you can still achieve a sleek ponytail, but there is a high chance that the ponytail will have waves due to the curls.
How long will a sleek ponytail last?
If covered at night and taken care of, a sleek ponytail can last at least two weeks.
Protect your roots and edges with a scarf, so you don’t ruin the style in your sleep.
Pin the ponytail part up, too, so it does not get tangled and destroyed in your sleep.
Having a scarf to tie down your hair will keep the style in place making it last longer.
As opposed to just a bonnet which will protect your hair but it won’t protect a sleek style.
If you’re using a wig or ponytail piece, make sure to put it up in a safe place and keep it from getting tangled.
Taking it off while you sleep will help to maintain it longer because it won’t be tangled while sleeping.
Keeping the ponytail in for a prolonged time is not recommended due to the tension it can cause to the scalp and roots, especially if it’s too tight.
What do you need for a slick ponytail?
Every sleek ponytail style is different and unique, so you may need other things for each one, but the essential tools and products required for a sleek ponytail are very simple.
You first want to make sure your hair is clean, so make sure to shampoo and condition it before anything.
You may also choose to have a blow dryer to stretch your hair and make your hair lay flatter.
However, if you decide against it or don’t like to heat style, then skip this step.
Before you attempt this style, make sure you have a gel or styling cream on hand.
It’s essential not to use any products that may revert your hair as some gels can tend to make the hair curl back up, so be aware of that.
Edge control is also an excellent tool as its main purpose is to slick hair back and get rid of flyaways, so definitely make sure you have some of this.
Use an edge brush to get the edges just right and slick down the stubborn hairs that a regular brush can’t seem to get.
Speaking of a regular brush, make sure to have one of these to complete the look.
You don’t have to use a specific brush, but a brush with stiff bristles can tackle our hair so much easier.
Obviously, for a ponytail, you’re going to need something to hold it together. Make sure you have plenty of elastic hair bands just in case one of them breaks.
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1. Sleek Low Bun
I don’t see a single flyaway or frizzy hair! To achieve this bun style, use a sock bun or “donut bun” to create a perfectly round bun.
Also, use tons of edge control to get it as flat as this. Make sure to tie it up at night with a scarf to make it last longer.
2. Sleek Curly Bun
You can never go wrong with a sleek ponytail that also has some curl to it.
Wrap your hair loosely around the elastic, and don’t forget to leave a few curly pieces out to create this sleek look.
3. Sleek Bun with a Swoop
A swoop is such a popular and cute look for a sleek ponytail.
All you need to do is create a side part that will make it easier to create a swoop.
A swoop also goes so great with a low bun.
4. Slicked-Back Braids and Long Ponytails
Instead of a bun, try a braid or a curly ponytail, or even wrap a ribbon around it!
These are three simple ways to glam up your sleek ponytail or go for something simple.
5. Sleek Side Bun
Side buns are so underrated, and I think we should see them more often, especially this one.
It’s a style you can wear anywhere for any event.
All you’ll need for this style is a few elastics to keep the ponytail and the bun from unraveling.
6. Sleek Bun with Hair Chopsticks
When was the last time you saw hair chopsticks?
We should definitely bring this look back!
They make any style so much cooler, especially a sleek ponytail.
Just be careful not to poke someone’s eye out with these.
7. Sleek Double Bun
Why do one bun when you can do two? This style will last just as long as a regular sleek ponytail with one bun.
It might be a little hard to sleep with these in, but it’s so worth it!
Make sure to wrap the buns carefully so they do not unravel during the process. Keep plenty of elastics and bobby pins handy.
8. Designed High Bun
Sleek styles can sometimes be a little too basic- add some fun to it with some colorful rubber bands to create a design to get everyone talking.
Add them to the back of your hair, so that you can show off the sleekness in the front.
It’s like the best of both worlds.
9. Floor-Length Sleek Ponytails
Some people like to be unique and daring with popular natural styles. Floor-length hair is daring as well as a fashion statement.
It’s not something we see every day. Make sure when you’re tying up your hair to protect the sleek part, protect the ponytail too.
A long ponytail like this can incur many types of damage if not taken care of and looked after properly.
10. Sleek Low Knot
Getting creative with your hair can also mean adding bright, vibrant colors to it. That’s definitely one way to spice up your sleep ponytail look.
I know some naturals are afraid of dying, but it’s okay.
Try some hair paint to try out color without committing to it. Hair paint washes out and is not damaging to our hair at all because it is not permanent.
11. Slicked-Edge Design
Sometimes you might not want to slick down your whole head, but you still want to try out the trend.
It’s okay to start small by just slicking down the edges.
Even edges sometimes need a little practice before they come out perfect.
Before going all the way with clicking down your hair, start with your edges first and get great at that.
12. Sleek Bun on Medium-Length Hair
You don’t have to add a ponytail or weave to your sleek hairstyle.
Our natural hair is capable of being slicked down, too without any extra.
Consider having the basics (gorilla snot, eco style, edge control) to make this process smooth because as we all know sometimes our hair has a mind of its own.
13. Two-Toned Sleek Ponytail
Sleek ponytails can be so unique with a different color ponytail added.
It’s such a simple style that will still turn heads because of the unexpected pop of color.
You can also use this as an excuse to get creative with the colors and try blue, green, purple, or even a mix of every color of the rainbow.
14. Sleek Middle Part
Usually, the sleek ponytail styles will see are with a swoop or straight back, but we should see more of this: a sleek ponytail with a middle part.
It takes no time at all to do and doesn’t require much at all.
Tie it up into a low bun and it’s really that simple. Not all sleek styles require an all-day time slot.
15. Sleek Bubble Ponytail
Bubble ponytails are not just for the runway. They can be worn by anyone anytime anywhere.
All you’re going to need for this style are elastics to create the bubbles and keep them in place.
Make sure to space them out evenly and give enough room in between to create the bubbles.
You may have to fluff out the hair to get more volume.
16. Sleek Pigtails
Why have one curly ponytail when you can have two? Pigtails are not just a style for the playground.
They can be a grown-up style as long as you know how to do it. Baby hairs are not just for babies either.
We can take styles from our childhood and flip them in a way that works for us in adulthood.
17. Red Sleek Ponytail
Sleek buns are all the rage, but have you ever thought about trying it in red?
Red is a hair color that really looks good on everyone so there’s no need to be afraid of trying it out. Sometimes, we worry so much about damage that we forget that our hair is a lot stronger than we think.
So get the hair color and have fun with it.
18. Low Braid Sleek Ponytail
A sleek style with a braid is not only a great way to style your hair, but a great way to protect it as well.
Braids are a great protective style for natural hair and while it’s not box braids, it can still protect your hair while it’s in the style.
Braids can also last a long while, so as long as you’re covering it at night, you have a style that you can wear for up to 2 weeks or more.
19. High Ponytail Sleek Ponytail
We’ve seen so many sleek styles with low ponytails but I don’t think high ponytails get enough credit.
Who wouldn’t want their ponytail to swing in someone’s face as you walk away?
You can also drape it over your shoulder as a throwback to the 90s.
Wrapping the hair around the ponytail part so the elastic doesn’t know is also a subtle nod to 90s culture.
20. Top Knot Sleek Ponytail
High ponytails are the best and deserve more recognition. A perfectly sleek style like this doesn’t even require much at all.
Even adding curly side bangs doesn’t require much outside of the basic tools.
For a top knot like this, you need to carefully wrap the hair and stack it on top of itself for it to be lengthy and tall.
Secure it with bobby pins and elastics to ensure that it does not unravel.
No matter how you style your sleek ponytail, our hair looks good in every way.
You don’t have to straighten your hair to create a sleek look, and you can also wear a wig or weave to create it.
The possibilities are endless so don’t let anyone discourage you from doing it. Don’t think that your hair type can’t be put into a sleek ponytail because it can.
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