18 Slicked-Back Hairstyles to Mix Up Your Everyday Look

A simple slicked-back bun with a middle part is synonymous with the clean girl aesthetic. It's an easy go-to hairstyle that'll elevate any outfit.

Love a good braid? First, pull your hair into a low ponytail and slick it back. Then, braid your hair and add a poofy scrunchie for good measure.

Zendaya's combed-back long hair pairs beautifully with her sculptural Loewe dress. This style is perfect for highlighting a key fashion piece and making your hair look effortless — like you didn't try too hard and you just happened to look this chic.

If a middle part isn't really your thing, you can opt for a slicked-back bun with a side part like Hailee Steinfeld. The sleekness of her hair combined with the sparkle of her outfit is truly a match made in heaven.

For a slicked-back pony with maximum impact, try an extension. "I love a sleek ponytail. It's versatile, polished, and easy to create with the Bellami x Andrew Fitzsimons 'The Ponytail' extension ($195)," Fitzsimons says.

"Start with a cream-based styling product for a more natural hold, such as a curl-defining cream or a leave-in, and pull your hair into a ponytail. You can style your ponytail extension before or after placing it in your hair. It takes one or two minutes to install; put the pin through your ponytail and in between your hair tie and scalp, and then wrap it around. It has little hooks and velcro, so it's super secure. Finish the look with a texturizing hairspray for hold without stiffness and a touch of serum to enhance shine while smoothing frizz."

Opt for a deep side-part bun to create a bold statement. You can dress up your updo with a fun detail by styling your baby hairs, too.

Not all slicked-back styles must look greasy or stuck to your head. This Y2K-inspired updo features loose hair stemming from the bun, which imparts a little more volume while still looking polished.

Modernize your updo by leaving a piece of hair peeking out of a side part, à la Lori Harvey.

Fancy events call for an upgraded, slicked-back chignon. Pair this style with a low or open-backed dress.

Oversized scrunchies are trending. Add one to your slicked-back bun for extra panache and to lock it in for the long haul.

Aesthetic lovers should try a slick bun with a headband. It's also ideal for days when you feel like your hair isn't cooperating — you can just pull it back and off your face.

A zigzag part brings us back to the early aughts. Finish off the hairstyle with two mini braids to frame your face.

Not all fishtail braids have to be voluminous and messy — take Khloé Kardashian's look. Justine Marjan created a slicked-back ponytail before adding a tiny bit of volume to the look with the braid itself.

Don't have a headband but want to keep your hair out of your face? No problem. Use gel to smooth down the hair around your face to create your own hair headband.

Take inspiration for your own look from Hailey Bieber's upgraded half-up half-down hairstyle. Instead of just pulling her hair back, she twisted the sections to add some intrigue.

We love a good face-framing hairstyle, and this one takes the cake. To frame your face, create a simple slicked-back bun omitting two pieces in the front.

If you're like us and own around 50 claw clips, put them to use. Try a sleek bun with a middle part, and affix a big claw clip around it to secure it in place.

If buns or ponytails aren't really your vibe, try an easy half-up half-down hairstyle. Jazz it up with a tortoise barrette on the back.

Nikita Charuza is a freelance writer who has been covering beauty, style, and wellness for over a decade. She loves to interview industry experts and test out the latest beauty and fashion trends. She's written for PS, Allure, Elle, InStyle, People, and more.