I mean, seriously, because I can’t remember.
If I could sum up this past year in three words it would be “WFH”, or maybe “house every weekend” (and I’t mean the song). Socialising has been replaced by social distancing. For me, that means greasy hair days are easier to hide (shout out “switch camera off” mode), and washing my hair is more of a treat than a necessity – which is actually good for your hair too, you know?
The sleek bun is one of the few hairstyles where the greasier the hair, the better the bun (in my expert opinion, at least). It’s no-fuss – one of those hairstyles that lasts all day, great for lazy, home office days – but sleek and polished, so perfect for heading out, too. Just add gold hoops, ask Hailey Bieber.
Here’s how to master it:
What you need
Repurpose an old toothbrush for smoothing flyaways. Mine is bamboo, extra points for being environmentally friendly.
Holding gel, wax or spray, to get that shiny, slick look. I’ve been “borrowing” my boyfriend’s hair gel (finally making up for all the products I’ve lost to him), but OUAI’s matte pomade – created by Jen Atkin, she’s Kim Kardashian’s stylist and a seasoned sleek burn veteran – is also pretty darn great.
A hair tie, scrunchie or large clip and some bobby pins.
The styles
Low, sleek middle-parting
The “model off-duty”, as we like to call it. Also known as, slicked back
Deep side-parting
The technique
Decide which style you’re going for, part the hair and brush it through, getting it as smooth as possible. Get a good amount of gel in your hands and smooth the hair in the direction you want it to sit. Pull your hair back into a ponytail and secure with a hair tie, the tighter the better. Smooth some gel down the length of your ponytail to make it extra sleek then split it into two. Twist the sections around each other, like a rope, then twizzle the rope around itself into a bun, using bobby pins or a second hair tie to secure. Grab the toothbrush, apply a little gel and smooth down any flyaways.
With curly hair, sectioning it out and smoothing each section with gel, working from the underneath upwards will help get that super smooth finish. Be liberal with your gel too.
By Moo Bruget
FAQs
What do you need to create a sleek bun at home?
You will need an old toothbrush for smoothing flyaways, holding gel, wax or spray for a shiny finish, and a hair tie or scrunchie with some bobby pins. Repurposing a bamboo toothbrush adds an environmentally friendly touch to your routine. These simple tools help achieve a polished and long-lasting look.
Which sleek bun styles can you try for everyday wear?
You can go for a low, sleek middle-parting style or a deep side-parting. Both are easy to create, look polished, and hold up well throughout the day. The “model off-duty” and slicked-back versions are great for busy routines or stepping out.
How do you get your sleek bun to stay smooth all day?
Start by brushing and parting your hair, apply a generous amount of gel, and smooth everything back tightly with a hair tie. Finish by twisting your hair into a bun and using bobby pins to secure it. Smoothing down flyaways with a toothbrush helps keep the style sleek throughout the day.
What tips work best for making a sleek bun with curly hair?
Section your hair and smooth each part with gel, starting from underneath and working upwards for a super smooth finish. Use plenty of gel to control texture and keep everything in place. This technique ensures curly hair looks polished in a sleek bun.