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    1. Beauty
    2. Hair

    Tessa Thompson's Chic Slick Back Bun Is NYFW-Approved

    It's literally perfect.

    Danielle Jackson#039;s avatar
    By Danielle Jackson
    Published 11 September 2025 In News

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

    a light skinned woman with black hair photographed in front of a grassy background
    (Image credit: Getty Images)
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    Tessa Thompson looks perfect in almost every hairstyle she wears, from box braids to her natural curls, but her ability to master the slick low bun will never cease to amaze me.

    Thompson was photographed out in New York City on Sept. 10 while attending a screening of Hedda, the upcoming drama film she's starring in, before heading to a Valentino event for New York Fashion Week that same night. In the photos, she can be seen wearing a brown leather top with wide leg blue jeans and light brown pumps. Her glam was pretty simple: a nude lip with slightly filled in brows and hair that was pulled back into what looks like a twisted bun.

    a woman photographed walking down the street wearing a light brown faux leather shirt and wide leg blue jeans

    Tessa Thompson spotted in New York City on Sept. 10.

    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    Thompson has had a pretty busy week between hanging out at the Toronto International Film Festival to now popping out in New York during Fashion Week, so it's easy to see why she's opted for easier, slicked-back styles for a handful of the outings she's had in the last few days.

    A slick bun is one of the most versatile hairstyles there is, and it comes in handy when you want take on the day with a low-effort hairstyle, or when you're working with second- or third-day hair. It also works on most hair types, from straight to textured, and it's easy to nail once you have right products on hand. Read ahead to shop a few slick back bun essentials.

    Strong Hold Hair Gel

    Pattern
    Strong Hold Hair Gel
    $29
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    This gel is perfect for curly or thicker textures, as it provides a firm hold without drying out the hair and causing breakage. It also holds up extremely well in heat and humidity.

    Olive Oil Gel - 32.0 Oz

    Eco Style
    Olive Oil Gel
    $9
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    This gel has long been a staple for people with thick, textured hair, as it has a soft jelly texture that moisturizes and gives the hair maximum shine.

    Red by Kiss Ultimate Edge Fixer Professional Boar Hair Brush (100% Boar Hair) (bsh28)

    Red by Kiss
    Ultimate Edge Fixer Professional Boar Hair Brush
    $4
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    This 3-in-1 tool comes in handy for gently styling edges and baby hairs.

    Goody Hair Elastics, Braided Design No Damage Hair Ties, All Hair Types, Black, 15 Ct

    Goody
    Hair Elastics
    $2
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    Secure your hair with an elastic that won't tangle or pull at your strands.

    Headstrong | Intense Hold Hairspray

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    Headstrong Intense Hold Hairspray
    $27
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    Finish things off with a spray or two of a strong hold hairspray that dries fast and keeps the hair in place.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

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    Danielle Jackson
    Danielle Jackson
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    Former Senior Beauty Writer

    Danielle Jackson is the former senior beauty writer at Marie Claire. She has nearly a decade of experience covering beauty, lifestyle, and entertainment and was previously the senior beauty editor at Women's Health, where she thoughtfully covered topics related to skincare, haircare, aesthetics, and wellness. Before that, she spent three years as an assistant beauty editor at PS, and in the years since, her work has appeared in titles like Vogue, InStyle, Glamour, and more. Danielle graduated from the University of Georgia with a BA in English, and has lived in Brooklyn for almost ten years. When she's not writing, you can find her reading romance novels and talking about sunscreen. You can find her on Instagram @danielleknecole.

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