In case you've had your Airpods in, there's a new hair trend that's been doing the rounds. It's called 'preppy girl hair' and the easiest way to describe it is... Blair Waldorf vibes.
We're talking bows, headbands, clips and hair accessories, and overall more polished, clean-looking hairstyles.
You know, the beloved half-up half down, sleek ponytails, side parts and slicked-back ballerina buns.
Watch: 6 facts about body hair that will surprise you. Post continues below.
Which is good news, really.
Because the slicked-back hairstyle has pretty much been my go-to look every single day for the past year and a half. I even wore the style on my wedding day, recently.
It's polished. Chic. No-fuss. Because we're all busy people and approximately no one wants to spend 30 minutes washing/styling their hair in the morning.
Listen: We talked all about the trend on this week's episode of You Beauty (if you haven't listened to it, get your ears around it out below!).
My guest co-host this week on You Beauty podcast was content creator and beauty expert Lucy Neville – a sparkly ex-Mamamia gal who also happens to be a massive fan of the slicked-back bun.
We had a big chinwag about the trending 'preppy girl' aesthetic and shared some of our all-time staples for slicked-back hair.
And I feel like it's very necessary to talk about them here. Because when we were talking about slicked-back hairstyle in the office, my colleague (hey, Rosie Squires!) said she just uses her facial oil to tame her flyaways...
So, you know what I thought would be useful? A cute, tight round-up of the absolute best products for that slicked-back bun look.
Before we get started, though – a note on my hair.
She's thick, curly and pretty unruly, especially if it's not styled. Without the correct tools/products/attention, it can best be described as having a real Rubeus Hagrid vibe.
Loves to throw some frizz. Needs a heavy-duty hair tie. Suffocates partner in sleep.
Now, with this said, it's worth pointing out that, obviously, all hair types are different. So what works for me (and Lucy) might not work for you.
So, if you're a fan of the style or looking for a way to switch things up on the hairstyle front, use this as a wee bit of a guide.
Okay. Ready?
Here are five of the best products to nail a slicked-back bun.
Hold my brush.
1. Disco Stick Solo Disco, $24.99.
This is the product I use the MOST. I love it because it's so easy to use and it's totally mess-free. You can apply the wax directly onto your hair (it's like a little deodorant-looking stick) or pop some of it on your hands and run it/brush it through your hair.
The best part? It holds my hair in place with zero qualms, and it's super lightweight. There's none of that crunchy, flaky business.
2. Schwarzkopf Got2b Styling Gel Ultra Glued, $10.99.
My hairstylist used this on my slicked-back bun on my wedding day to deadbolt all the frizzies down – and it was On. The. Job. The hold was unreal. It didn't budge the entire night. Even through my first break dance. Dance! My first dance.
In fact, my dear colleague Charlie Begg actually swears by the Schwarzkopf Got2b Glued range for her slicked-back mane – and she's always rocking the most perfectly chic hair. So it's definitely one to try.
3. Larry King A Social Life For Your Hair, $43.
This was one of Lucy Neville's recommendations, and the sheer fact that it's sold out on Adore Beauty is a testament to just how good the stuff is (don't worry, you can currently pick it up in The Iconic!).
It's basically a multi-purpose finishing cream that promises to add gloss, control frizz and protect your hair from heat. It's also supposed to work for all hair types and lengths.
Lucy said, "It comes in a kit with a little brush, like a soft bristle toothbrush. I usually like to pull my hair back with the product and then use the brush to smooth all the little strands in place."
Get this on my hair, immediately.
4. Slick Stick, $25.
This hair-slicking touch-up brush, though. It's so good. While the hold isn't as strong as the big guns above, I love that it's perfect for chucking in your bag for touch-ups throughout the day.
I work in the city, which is like one giant wind tunnel that likes to do nothing for your hair, so I keep one of these in my drawer to make sure everything stays in place.
Side note: it's oddly satisfying to use?
5. Oscar Orsen Small Pad Brush, $14.99.
Okay, but you truly cannot nail a slicked-back bun look without a good boar bristle hairbrush. Trust me, any other type sucks.
The one I use is from the US and has no branding on it (unhelpful), but there are plenty of similar options out there.
Lucy said her favourite one is from Woolworths: Oscar Orsen Small Pad Brush, $14.99.
"I recommend it all the time," she said. "It's the best kind of brush. You can even just spray some hairspray on the brush, not your hair, and then run it through your hair for that slick look."
Sleek as a seal!
Want to hear more from Erin Docherty? You can follow her on Instagram.
What's your current hair obsession? Do you use any of these products? Oh, go on - we wanna hear! Share with us in the comment section below.
Feature image: Erin Docherty; Mamamia; Canva.
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