Everyone Compliments My Sleek, Flyaway-Free Bun—These 10 Slick Back Sticks Are Why
In this heat, my hair can't touch my neck.
During the summer, I'm in a constant battle with my hair. Any other season, I do a classic blowout and try to use as few products as possible to avoid weighing my fine hair down. But when humidity comes into play? My hair immediately poofs up and becomes an uncontrollable mess. That's where the best slick back sticks come in. They've completely changed my hair game when I don't have the patience to fight with frizz.
A stronghold formula helps create a perfect bun or ponytail in under two minutes, and because there are so many options on the market, and honestly, what could be better than that? I've honestly been doing some variation of this hairstyle every summer day because, contrary to popular belief, a slick back doesn't have to be reserved for dirty hair days. “These formulas are not always greasy or hard to wash out, and they’re not only for your last day before wash day," hairstylist Adam Livermore tells me. In fact, they can actually help preserve your blowouts as long as you find products that aren't “petroleum-based and don’t have heavy oils."
The key is just to know what to look for. Lucky for you, I'm an expert on the topic (I've tried dozens), and have found the slick back sticks with the strongest hold, the ones ideal for taming flyaways, and those that are perfect to toss in your beach bag. With all the options out there, read ahead to find a guide to the best slick back sticks.
Sleek and Shiny
If you're looking for a little shine, these hydrating pomade sticks are perfect. The glass hair effect isn't because of a thick, heavy coating either—hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid have made their way into the formula. I personally like to toss these in my beach bag and use them after hopping in the pool.
Need to tame stubborn frizz after a fresh blowout? This product does just that—without making my hair lose its shine. It has a vegan formula that is not only environmentally conscious but also prioritizes hair health. Natural waxes and butters leave hair feeling soft—and it's super easy to wash out.
This slick-back stick by JVN is a slightly smaller, more affordable option. It is similarly formulated with clean, vegan ingredients and avoids all parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and mineral oils. The size is also ideal for when I'm rushing to get ready and want to grab something small to have on hand for touch-ups. Bonus: it works great as a replacement for a texture spray.
Heavy Hitters
Some days, I need the extra hold products. I whip these guys out if the forecast is looking particularly windy or I'm going to the beach, but they're also ideal for thicker, coarser hair textures.
If I'm playing sports or working out, I always reach for this product; my hair doesn't budge. It does take a little extra to wash out afterward, but it's a worthwhile trade off for the sleek style.
This stick is an absolute lifesaver on days when my hair refuses to behave. It has the hold to keep my hair down and the longevity to keep it where I want it all day.
Buildable and Non-Greasy
If you're someone who hates the sticky, hard-to-wash-out texture of slick back sticks, allow me to introduce you to these two. They both have buildable formulas and, when used in just one layer, are very easy to wash out. My hair still feels like hair when I'm done—I just have fewer flyaways.
Convenience is key, and this pocket-sized stick is perfect to toss into a makeup bag. It also features a vitamin B complex that helps heal and condition your hair rather than just style it.
I can't get enough of Emi Jay—all their hair products are undeniably chic, smell delicious, and are so cute, I don't mind leaving them out on my vanity. This stick is formulated with murumuru butter and castor seed oil, which both work to moisturize my hair and keep it healthy, shiny, and strong.
Multitasking Sticks
PSA: slick back sticks don't have to just be for buns and ponytails. You can use them to pin down baby hairs, tame down flyaways on top of a blowout (just use a light touch), or add texture to too-clean-and-slippery hair.
This balm-style stick is one of my favorite options for both taming frizz and creating an intentionally messy-looking style. Because of the castor oil and jojoba esters in its formula, it leaves minimal residue and keeps hair moisturized, which is a game-changer for getting touchable texture.
While not technically a slick back stick, I had to include this wand in my roundup because it's crucial to getting the perfect, no-flyaway hairstyle. Unlike many slick-back products that claim hair health benefits, this wand is more of a hair health product that can also be used to style your hair. It is made to help keep your hair strong and promote growth.
Drugstore Staples
Don't get me wrong, I love a luxury product. But there are so many incredible and highly effective formulas available at the drugstore that don't break the bank. These two always have a spot in my routine.
This brand is always top of mind for dry shampoo, but believe me: their wax stick is seriously underrated. No matter how much I use, it doesn't flake or make my hair feel greasy.
With thousands of five-star reviews, this drugstore buy has a reputation that precedes it. It's a NYFW backstage staple for a reason—it locks in a look and has the staying power to keep it put for hours.
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
Meet The Experts
Adam Livermore is a leading expert in the hair care industry. Livermore gained credibility as a master stylist and education director at Spalon Montage in Minneapolis, then became an educator with Wella Professionals and Kevin Murphy. He currently works with Oribe, educating and working behind the scenes at major events internationally.
