How to conquer the sleek, slicked‑back hairstyles Copenhagen street stylers love

Come sun, sweat or sudden shower, slicked-back hair remains the most dependable style in our beauty arsenal. Rain-wicking, sweat-slick, and surprisingly versatile, the look morphs with mood and occasion: a taut ponytail for precision dressing, an unbothered bun when between washes.

“Slicked-back hair has always been a fixture because it can take on so many characters – fierce, sporty, classic – depending on placement and product,” says Copenhagen-based backstage veteran and celebrity hairdresser Cim Mahony. It’s that adaptability, paired with its Scandinavian practicality, that has us returning to the slick-back again and again. And, as anyone following Copenhagen Fashion Week will tell you, this isn’t a fleeting trend. In fact, it’s fast becoming the seasonless signature of the street-style set.

As long-time fans of the look, we’ve honed our technique to an editorial shine. Below, discover the three slicked-back hairstyles we’re wearing on rotation this summer – plus our foolproof five-step guide to achieving that glossy, slicked-back finish at home.

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If there’s only one hairstyle to master in 2025, let it be the slicked-back ponytail. A runway-to-real-life staple, it’s long been favoured by Copenhagen’s fashion faithful – see our very own columnist Verona Farrell and her swinging ’60s spin on the style.

Equal parts polished and pragmatic, this ponytail hairstyle ticks every box: it sculpts the face, resists humidity, and holds up from desk to dinner. High and taut gives an instant lift, while low and sleek leans quiet luxury. “I always use a bungee elastic,” says Mahony. “It takes a little practice at home, but once mastered you’ll have a pro-looking pony.” The best part? Once you've got the technique down, this slicked-back hair look takes under five minutes.

Related: How to get the Alaïa power pony, according to the experts

If you consider yourself part of the bun brigade, you know that there's an art to the slicked-back bun. Less flash than the ponytail, but just as sculptural, it's the sort of shape-shifting style that adapts to the mood of the moment. Whether perched high on the crown or nestled low at the nape, it’s practical, protective and perfect for high-stakes days where control is key.

For a professional finish that belies the effort, Mahony suggests building structure from the base: “Braid the hair tightly, either wet or with gel, then coil it into a bun,” he explains. “It gives you that polished look in minutes, even if you’re styling solo.” And while the silhouette leans sleek, its true expression lies in the details. Earlier this year, at Copenhagen Fashion Week, accessory-savvy street stylers braided in ribbons, tied in scarves, or tucked in the occasional paintbrush (yes, really), proving that there’s no limit to how you can personalise a simple knot.

Related: 10 easy summer up-dos to beat the humidity, courtesy of Copenhagen’s cool girls

While a gel-slicked style might seem to restrictive, there’s far more to slicked-back hair than the usual ponytail or bun. In fact, spoilt for choice. Case in point: cropped cuts slicked back without a bobble and sculpted instead into intricate fingerwaves. Half-up half-down hairdos offering balance without feeling rigid, and curly-haired connoisseurs smoothing only face-framing layers or the top section for a playful, polished twist.

In short, there’s far more to slicked-back hair than the usual ponytail or bun. Some of the most striking takes come from those who veer off script entirely.

Related: The hairstyle home run at Copenhagen Fashion Week? Gestuz's bubble ponytail

1. Prep and prime

A glossy, long-lasting slicked-back hairstyle starts with groundwork. First, blow-dry your hair in the direction you want it to lay, taming any flyaways as you go. If heat styling is on the menu, remember to coat your strands in a heat protectant—your hair will thank you later. If your locks are curly or coily, you might want to lightly straighten or blow-dry for a smoother base, but a touch of natural texture can lend beautiful dimension.

Before styling, ensure your hair is completely detangled. A wide-tooth comb or boar-bristle brush works wonders at preventing snags and taming rogue bits. “I use my Mason Pearson brush to slowly add product while brushing,” notes Mahony. “Patience is important and prep is king.”

2. Parting and placement

Now, decide what look you’d like – ponytail, bun, fingerwaves, or something in between? Placement is particularly important. High for a lifted effect, versatile mid-level for desk-to-dinner transitions, or low for subtle sophistication. If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with half-up, half-down combos or side-swept silhouettes.

As for your parting: middle, side, or none at all? A neat centre part is always a classic choice, but a deep side part or retro zig-zag can inject personality. Use a fine-toothed comb to carve out the cleanest line.

3. Add product

Time to load up on hold. Whether you reach for gel, pomade, mousse, or hairspray, the goal is a sleek, stay-all-day finish. If using hairspray, try spritzing it onto your brush rather than directly onto hair to avoid residue. For firm grip, apply a strong-hold gel or pomade at the roots and distribute evenly.

“One of the biggest mistakes,” Mahony says, “is not getting it smooth enough before securing the elastic — and not getting rid of flyaways.” He recommends the Mascobado Gel from Less is More, a natural formula that brushes out completely even after a total wet look.

4. Lock in place

Happy with your shape? Secure it accordingly. For a ponytail, use the aforementioned bungee elastic. For buns or half-up styles, use bobby pins to keep everything anchored. If you’re working with fingerwaves, coax and pin each wave into place. Finish by wrapping a slim strand of hair around any visible elastic and tuck discreetly underneath.

Mahony also advises rotating tie placement: “Using good quality snag-free elastic bands, clean gel, and varying the spot where you tie the elastic helps avoid damage.”

5. Final touches

Flyaways, meet your match. Use a detailing brush or clean toothbrush spritzed with hairspray for precision smoothing. “To finish,” Mahony says, “I use a natural-bristle toothbrush for edges and my hairdryer’s flyaway attachment to kill flyaways.”

And once the look comes down? “A good scalp massage before and after helps restore circulation. Especially if you’ve worn a tight ponytail all day,” he notes. “Using a clean or natural gel can also double as a soft treatment.”

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How do you get a slicked back ponytail without bumps?
Start with a boar-bristle brush and slowly work in product as you go. Secure with a bungee elastic for tension without tugging. According to Mahony, brushing as you build is key to a smooth, professional finish.

Can curly hair be slicked back?
Absolutely. Mahony recommends slicking it while wet with gel, then drying with a diffuser to preserve texture while achieving a clean hairline and crown.

How do you keep slicked-back hair from flaking?
Use a clean, alcohol-free gel like the Mascobado Gel from Less is More. Apply to damp hair, not dry, and finish with a light oil or serum before setting with hairspray to prevent crunch or residue.

Is slicked-back hair damaging to your scalp?
Not if you rotate the placement of your ponytail or bun and use snag-free elastics. Post-style, massage the scalp to promote circulation and apply serum to nourish follicles.