How to choose the perfect hairbrush
It is essential to have a good hairbrush in hand! Discover our selection of brushes f...
Expert advice | 17 July 2026
Free delivery on orders over $50
Free delivery on orders over $50
Written by Karine Sevigny
8 September 2026
The sleek ponytail has become a go-to style for good reason: it’s polished, timeless, and easy to create with just a few products. It works across hair textures and takes little practice, making it a favorite for days when your hair won’t cooperate or you’d rather put off washing it.
We’ll show you how to get the look in three simple steps and share the three styling essentials our team recommends. You’ll also find a sleek bun tutorial variation for turning your ponytail into an equally polished updo.
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Decide whether you want a part or prefer to brush everything straight back. Gather your hair into a ponytail at your chosen height and secure it with an elastic. Working a small amount of styling gel through your palms first can help you smooth the hair as you gather it.
Spread a strong-hold gel between your palms, then glide your hands over your hair toward the ponytail, applying gentle pressure. This helps lay flyaways in the direction you want them to sit.
Next, use a smoothing brush to distribute the gel and guide your hair toward the elastic. Repeat until the surface looks smooth and even. If a few strands still resist, add a little more gel where needed and brush them into place.
For a sleek bun, twist the ponytail around its base and secure it with pins, tucking the ends out of sight.
Mist the smoothed sections with a strong-hold finishing spray to help your style last. Use your smoothing brush for any final adjustments, gently guiding stray hairs into place.
Whether you’re following this sleek bun tutorial or keeping your hair in a ponytail, you’ll need three styling essentials: a strong-hold gel, a finishing spray, and a smoothing brush. Here are our picks to help you get the look at home.
Price: $19.90 – 250 ml
Hold level: Firm hold
Bonus? It slightly increases shine for a glamorous, yet discreet, sleek bun finish!
Price: $24.90 – 300 ml
Hold level: Firm hold
Bonus? Its aerosol mist is fine and light, preventing a crunchy feel and the creation of flakes or scales.
Price: $23.90 – 200 ml
Hold level: Strong hold
Bonus? Its brilliant shine catches the light, while its clean, residue-free formula rinses out easily at the end of the day. Its sparkling lemon and apple fragrance offers a refreshingly clean scent for a gel.
Price: $30.90 – 289 g
Hold level: Strong hold
Bonus? It delivers enhanced shine, long-lasting control, and a powerful anti-frizz shield that keeps hair looking its best all day long!
Learning how to do a sleek bun starts with the right tools. A small smoothing brush with a narrow, elongated head helps you guide hair neatly toward the elastic, with more control over the top and sides of your head. Boar bristles aren’t essential, but they can make it easier to smooth flyaways for a polished finish.
Heading straight from work to an evening out? Keep a wax or pomade stick in your bag to smooth any frizz or flyaways that have appeared during the day. We’ve picked two compact options for touching up a sleek ponytail, bun, or slicked-back style without a trip home. For anyone learning to maintain a sleek bun, these easy-to-carry sticks make it simple to refresh a polished finish wherever you are.
Price: $23.90 – 19 g
Its nourishing formula with castor oil, enriched with jojoba esters, instantly tames frizz and rebellious strands while respecting your scalp. Its unique drop shape allows for precise and mess-free application, even in hard-to-reach areas like the temples and behind the ears.
Price: $21.90 – 15 g
Ce bâton lissant Style and Treat à l’extrait de yuzu et d’huile de prune lisse les mèches rebelles et plaque les cheveux en un seul passage pour une tenue pendant 24h.
Price: $33.90 – 73 g
This product is formulated with a combination of beeswax and Japanese wax that helps add hold and definition to hairstyles. Castor oil disciplines hair, leaving it smooth and frizz-free. This stick wax instantly provides texture, hold, and control.
* Prices and availability of products are subject to change without notice.
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