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    1. Beauty
    2. Hair

    This is Hailey Bieber's go-to £13 wax to create a slicked-back bun—plus 5 more products to do the job

    The Queen of the slicked-back bun has spoken

    Grace Lindsay's avatar
    By Grace Lindsay
    Last updated 16 February 2024 In Features

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    Hailey Bieber with a slicked-back bun
    (Image credit: Getty Images)
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    • The best slicked-back bun products: tested by team MCUK
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    Sure, when you’re aiming for a sleek hairstyle, one of the best shampoos and hair straighteners will be your best friend, but when it comes to up-dos, the classic slicked-back bun is in a league of its own.

    Aside from bringing out our favourite dry shampoo, a slicked-back bun makes a quick and easy style to scrape your hair into between wash days. 

    Someone who has undoubtedly nailed the hairstyle is Hailey Bieber - in fact, a slicked-back bun is pretty much her signature style.  We were luckily enough to sit down with the star last year and ask her all of her beauty tips and tricks. 

    Aside from her skincare routine and her go-to make-up products, we were desperate to know how she does her iconic slicked-back bun. 

    It's no secret that Hailey's hairstyles are always on point, and her slicked-back buns are no exception. Every time she appears on our Instagram feed, there isn't a hair out of place, and luckily, she shared the exact product she uses to help tame those flyaways.

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    Interested? We thought so. Apparently, it's all down to the Tigi Bed Head Wax Stick.

    Tigi Bed Head Wax Stick - slicked-back bun

    Tigi Bed Head Wax Stick
    £13.31 AT LOOKFANTASTIC


    According to Hailey, for the perfect slicked-back bun, "you need to use a wax stick."

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    "The Tigi Bed Head one is great, and that's what I use. But the only thing I'll say about wax sticks is that you need to use a clarifying shampoo to get them out. But for slicking down flyaways and baby hairs, they're the best."

    We love these sticks as they are super easy to use, and you can chuck them in your bag and take them with you wherever you go.

    Here at Marie Claire UK, we are big fans of the slicked-back hairstyle. Not only does it look chic, but it's easy to do and you don't have to worry about how greasy your hair is. In fact, the greasier the better.

    What to read next
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    That being said, we have often struggled with flyaways ourselves, and we've tried our fair share of waxes, gels and oils to help keep them under control. Therefore, we thought it was only right that we shared our top products with you, to help you achieve that sleek finish.

    Keep on scrolling for our top picks, and for more hair inspiration, don't forget to check out our guides to the best hair oils and best hairsprays too.

    The best slicked-back bun products: tested by team MCUK

    1. Eco Style Olive Oil Styling Gel

    Eco Style Olive Oil Styling Gel

    (Image credit: Amazon)

    Eco Style Olive Oil Styling Gel

    Best gel for a slicked-back bun
    Today's Best Deals
    £5.97 at Amazon

    Our Social Media Editor, Alice Carter, swears by this styling gel for keeping her slicked-back bun in place. It's designed to help reduce flyaways, and the olive oil will help to hydrate your hair.

    2. got2b Glued 4 Brows & Edges 2 in 1 Vegan Gel

    got2b Glued 4 Brows & Edges 2 in 1 Vegan Gel

    (Image credit: Amazon)

    got2b Glued 4 Brows & Edges 2 in 1 Vegan Gel

    Best gel for on the go
    Today's Best Deals
    £4.49 at Amazon

    Alice also loves this gel for popping in her bag and keeping her hair in place throughout the day. This product is great as it can be used on your hair and your eyebrows, and comes with a two-sided fibre brush for easy application.

    3. OUAI Matte Pomade

    OUAI Matte Pomade

    (Image credit: Lookfantastic)

    OUAI Matte Pomade

    Best pomade for a slicked-back bun
    Today's Best Deals
    £20 at Lookfantastic

    Our Beauty Contributor, Grace Lindsay, has quite thick, naturally curly hair, so likes something a little heavier to keep her bun in place. This OUAI Matte Pomade does just the trick, but be warned - a little bit goes a long way.

    4. Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil

    Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil

    (Image credit: Lookfantastic)

    Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil

    Best oil for a slicked-back bun
    Today's Best Deals
    £28 at Lookfantastic

    Grace also loves going over her flyaways with an oil for that shiny look. Her go-to is the Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil, as it's nice and lightweight on the hair.

    5. AnWoor Hair Wax Stick

    AnWoor Hair Wax Stick

    (Image credit: Amazon)

    AnWoor Hair Wax Stick

    Best affordable wax stick
    Today's Best Deals
    £5.48 at Amazon

    If you want a stick product like Hailey, our Producer, Sofia Piza, loves this one by Anwoor. In fact, she loves it so much that she even used it on her wedding day. "I have naturally oily hair so I tend to avoid waxes and gels that might make my hair look greasy rather than polished. I have found these wax sticks deliver lasting results and are simple to use." 

    Grace Lindsay
    Grace Lindsay
    Social Links Navigation
    Junior Beauty Editor

    Grace Lindsay is currently Junior Beauty Editor at Who What Wear UK and previously was Marie Claire UK's E-Commerce Writer. With over three years of experience in the fashion and beauty industry, she covers everything from the best make-up and skincare deals to how to shop the stand out trends of the season. When she's not typing away at her laptop, Grace can be found shopping her favourite vintage markets IRL, or catching up on her never-ending list of books to read.

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