The Aussie Slick-Back Is the Trending Ponytail Style You Need to Try

The clean girl’s favorite hairstyle is getting a minor makeover with major payoff, and the result is a blend of polished and free-spirited. Introducing the Aussie slick-back, the up-do that takes the sleek part and tamed flyaways of a traditional slick-back ponytail or bun and adds texture for a more carefree look. While the internet is still debating whether or not this hair hack actually hails from Australia, there’s no denying the style fits a certain sun-soaked, wind-swept look that Aussies are known to have perfected. And thanks to help from expert stylists, you can nail the Aussie slick-back for your own take on polished texture.

Featured Experts

• Nick Stenson is a celebrity hairstylist and the founder of Nick Stenson Beauty
• Nylza Yepez is a professional hairstylist at Jenna Perry Hair
• Natalie Rotger is a professional hair colorist at Jenna Perry Hair

What Is an Aussie Slick-Back?

@millyjsmith how to do an aussie slickback🥰🥰 #girls #hair #hairstyleinspo #slickback #hairideas #hairstyleideas #hairtutorials #CapCut ♬ original sound – milly smith

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“The Aussie slick-back has more movement than a classic slick-back style,” explains celebrity stylist and the founder of Nick Stenson Beauty, Nick Stenson. “Instead of looking super sleek or wet, it’s all about that lived-in, effortlessly cool finish that feels relaxed, but still intentional.”

According to professional hairstylist at Jenna Perry Hair, Nylza Yepez, what makes this look really stand out is the use of back-combing. “Unlike a traditional slick-back, this style features volume in the back achieved by backcombing, while the two front pieces are slicked back with product and gathered into a ponytail or bun,” she notes.

This look is notably controversial on social media, with those in favor of the Aussie slick-back praising the boost in texture, while those opposed think the style is messy.

“It’s true that a traditional slick-back is much cleaner,” says professional colorist at Jenna Perry Hair, Natalie Rotger. “But you sacrifice volume and texture, which the Aussie slick-back certainly has.”

Keep Your Aussie Slick-Back From Falling Flat

Since that texture is so critical to this look, you’ll want to make sure your style doesn’t fall flat over time. Your ponytail’s weight can drag down your strands, but the right prep and products can help you retain that volume.

“It’s all about prepping your hair,” says Yepez. “This look works best on second-day hair, but if your hair is freshly washed, start with mousse or sea salt spray and dry slightly. Backcomb the top section, sleek the front pieces with gel and gather into a ponytail.”

“You’ll want to keep the sides neat, while letting the texture show through on top,” adds Stenson. Finally, you’ll want to seal your look with a flexible hold hairspray.

“If your hair is finer or tends to fall flat, lightly tease the hair at the crown and finish with a flexible hairspray to lock in the shape,” advises Rotger.