The Best Hair Masks to Use for a Slicked Back Bun
Maddy is Adore Beauty's Retail Media Specialist. She spends most of her spare time listening to podcasts, perfecting her slicked-back bun and searching for her next almond latte.
When I was younger, I would do anything to avoid having slicked-back hair.
Whenever I would play netball I’d pull out little side pieces of hair near my ears, and whenever I’d put my hair up for school - the messier the better.
I lived in messy buns and high ponytails that unintentionally gave me an extra inch of height.
With that said, if only teenage Maddy could see me now as I lovingly slick my hair back in some form or another at least four days a week.
Boar-bristle brush, elastic hair ties and hair mask in tow, it’s become a signature look regardless of whether I’m headed to pilates or out for drinks.
Now I’ve got a full routine of how I do my hair - and aside from the ‘tools’, my big non-negotiable is using a hair mask each time I put my hair up.
Depending on what day I’m at in my hair wash cycle (because yes, that really does factor into my decisions), I’ll use a different mask to look after my hair when I twirl and braid it all together so I’m multi-tasking as much as possible. Not sure if you can tell, but I’m very big into habit stacking right now.
As a self-appointed slick-back bun aficionado, here are some of my favourite masks to elevate your slick hairstyle.
Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector Treatment.
First up, we’ve got the OG bond-building mask - Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector Pre-Shampoo Strengthening and Reparative Hair Treatment
- What it’s good for: One of the best hair masks for hair, this mask treatment aims to “restore the bonds broken by heavy heat-styling, colour-processing, and bleaching” - so it goes to work looking for and rebuilding the protein bonds in your hair broken down by the things it goes through not just at at the salon, but everyday - hair-tie breakage, environmental stressors and styling.
- How to use Olaplex No.3 : as this is a wash out mask, I make sure I only use this product in my hair when I have a hair wash planned on the same day. I run a small amount through my hair just before I brush it back into a ponytail to help give it some hold, and then I add more to my ponytail before I braid and then twirl it up into a bun.
- My insider hint: this mask comes in it’s very own big-boy 250mL version. And as a little goes a long way, it’s the perfect investment alongside your Pilates membership.
ELEVEN Australia Miracle Hair Treatment.
Next up we’ve got the leave-in treatment for when I don’t want to wash my hair: the ELEVEN Australia Miracle Hair Treatment - 125ml
- What the ELEVEN miracle mask treatment is good for: this treatment has been around since 2011 - and it’s hung around for good reason. It promises to deliver “softness, strength, and shine to all hair types,” and can be used as a leave-in hair mask in dry hair, or as a treatment for wet hair once it’s been washed. I remember buying a bottle way back in 2016 on Santa Monica Boulevard of all places and immediately loving it - it doesn’t weigh my hair down and it doesn’t weigh my bank account down either. Perfection.
- How I use: I use this mask in the same way I would the Olaplex product, however as it’s a leave-in treatment I’m able to brush out my hair and get on with my day without needing to wash it afterwards.
- My insider hint: this gorgeous product also comes in a mask - the ELEVEN Australia Miracle Hair Mask 200ml which happens to be a top rated hair mask. If you’re looking for something a bit more rich to use in the shower, this pouch is your best bet.
Davines MORE INSIDE Med Hold Modelling Gel.
Now if you’re looking for something with a bit more shine and hold, look no further than the Davines MORE INSIDE Med Hold Modelling Gel 250ml.
- What it’s good for: this product is for when styling is your main priority in your slick back look- think those wet-look slick back styles that models walk down runways with. It gives you gorgeous shine without that horrid super crunchy feeling, and isn’t a nightmare to brush and wash out when you’re ready to leave the style behind.
- How I use: as this is a medium hold gel, I prefer to wash this out of my hair so be sure that you’re scheduling your hair wash days appropriately with this product. I use it just like I do with my Olaplex technique - just make sure not to miss the back of your head so you don’t get any errant fluffy patches.
- My insider hint: I am obsessed with the Davines brand, surprise, and if you haven’t had the opportunity to give it a try, may I introduce you to the Davines OI Hair Butter 250ml. It’s the perfect treatment option in comparison to the gel product from the brand, and I notice a difference in the softness of my hair after washing when I’ve used it.
Disco Stick Hair Wax Stick.
And last but not least we have a very exciting launch at Adore Beauty: the Disco Stick Hair Wax Stick.
- What it’s good for: strong hold that’s in super convenient packaging - it’s super easy to apply when you’re out and about if things like flyaways pop up (which lets be real, they always do).
- How I use this hair wax stick: I have been truly obsessed with this wax stick as soon as I got my hands on it. First up - the smell of this hair wax stick is absolutely divine. I didn’t know I could care so much about it, but my gosh does it smell absolutely amazing. And perhaps even better than the smell is the fact that it does exactly what it says it’s going to do - hold your hair in place and smooth everything out with a swipe. Add in the Disco Stick Hair Juice and you’ve got the perfect pair to smooth and style your hair. Perfection.
- My insider hint: a little goes a long way here, so slowly does it. Also, as it’s a wax, pay attention to the weather. Rogue I know, but the warmer it is, the softer the product will be, so don’t accidentally smoosh it into your hair on a hot day.
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