<\/p>\n
A slicked-back bun looks<\/em> simple. In theory, you create one by just pulling your hair back and twisting it into a knot. Voil\u00e0: instant model-off-duty elegance, right?<\/p>\n In reality, you\u2019re standing in front of a mirror a half hour after you were supposed to be out the door with a mysterious bump and countless flyaways. The entire point of the style is for every strand to look intentionally (and impossibly) in place, which can make achieving it feel like a test of both patience and upper-body strength.<\/p>\n Despite the frustrations that come with creating one, a truly sleek bun doesn’t require growing a third arm and relentless yanking of your strands. The right styling products and tools from prep to finish will do most of the work. We spoke with hairstylists and Allure<\/em> editors who regularly wear their hair in the updo about what makes the difference between a smooth, polished bun and a messy, uncooperative lump. Ahead, they break down exactly which products to use at each step, with tips tailored to different hair types.<\/p>\n Meet the experts<\/strong><\/p>\n To get the best results, you can\u2019t just jump into yoinking back your strands. If you prioritize the prep process and tailor it to your hair type, you can help ensure a smoother experience with less damage. Hairstylist Chris Russell recommends first spritzing your strands with a heat-protectant spray, then rough-drying your hair. (The Bumble and Bumble Heat Shield Thermal Protection Hair Mist is one of our favorites for reducing frizz and defending against breakage.) Then he suggests running a thermal brush (like the Sutra IR Infrared Thermal Brush) through your hair, saying it helps ensure \u201ceven texture, controlled shine, and a seamless finish before pulling your hair back.\u201d<\/p>\n Our resident slicked-back-bun pros and Allure<\/em> editors don\u2019t all reach for a hot tool after drying their hair. Allure<\/em> content director Sophie Panych, whose hair is naturally fine and straight, will occasionally touch things up with a flat iron. Social media manager Bianca Richards, who blew out her thick, naturally wavy hair before creating her slicked-back bun, says she reaches for the Wavytalk Thermal Brush for added sleekness. Commerce production assistant Hailey Roy, who has 3C curls, actually skips a hot tool altogether. \u201cI\u2019ve always done slicked-back buns with my natural hair,\u201d she says, adding that she tries her best to keep her strands away from heat.<\/p>\n Content director Sophie Panych creates her middle part<\/p>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n Social media manager Bianca Richards smooths her hair with a thermal brush<\/p>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n Commerce production assistant Hailey Roy massages hair oil into her curls<\/p>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nPrep<\/strong><\/h2>\n