Need to get your hair ready quickly? Sleek ponytails are easy, go-to hairstyles that you can wear high or low for any occasion. Whether you’re aiming to look elegant or trendy for a night out, this style suits it all if you perfect its sleekness. Best of all, you don’t have to go to a salon or stylist to make one.

How to Style Sleek Ponytails

While some people prefer styling their ponytails by making side braids, molding them into elaborate shapes, or giving them wavy layers, a sleek ponytail is ideal for people looking to wear a smooth, minimalist look. Here are a few pointers for you if you want to know how to do a sleek ponytail the right way.

Step 1: Start with Clean Hair

Ideally, you’ll want to wash your hair before you start to make a sleek ponytail. To make this process quicker, lightly dampen your hair. For the best results, use shampoo and conditioner that leaves your hair smooth and tangle-free. Doing this should make it easier to reduce hair bumps.

Afterward, be sure to blowdry your hair to ensure that your hair will be smooth enough to make it into a sleek ponytail.

Step 2: Brush Your Hair Into Place

After washing your hair and blowing it dry, you can now brush it into position. Depending on how high you want to make your sleek ponytail, take your hair and brush it from the bottom up. If you want a more stylized look, try brushing your bangs back where you’re positioning your hair. Most people prefer wearing it high and keeping it centered.

Which Brushes You Should Use

If you want to keep your hair strands smooth and prevent matting, you should use a nylon bristle brush, wooden paddle brush, or a boar bristle brush.

Step 3: Smooth Out Your Hair

Next, you’ll need to smooth out the side of your hair with a small amount of hair gel to hold your hair in place and give it a sleek appearance. For additional hold, you can use some hairspray around it.