Meet the Aussie Slick-Back Hair Trend Taking Over TikTok

What Is the Aussie Slick-Back?

“The Aussie slick-back is a high-shine, sleek, brushed-back hairstyle with a glossy finish that keeps the hair off the face,” says Rinker. “It’s meant to look modern and intentionally undone.”

Some of the defining characteristics of the Aussie slick-back include “a clean, brushed-back, high-gloss or ‘wet’ finish,” Rinker tells us. She also notes the style is supposed to “look lived-in and slightly windswept, though trending videos are leaning towards a gelled, stiff look.” Be sure to give yours some volume and movement without leaning too heavy into the gel.

How to Get the Aussie Slick-Back at Home

Step 1: Start With Dry Hair

“Even though the Aussie slick-back has that glossy finish, I recommend starting on dry hair,” says Rinker. “Hair is the most fragile when it’s wet, especially textured hair, so working on dry strands lets you shape the look without causing unnecessary breakage.”

Step 2: Apply a Cream or Gel

Rinker then says to apply a “smoothing cream or lightweight gel from roots to mid-lengths” for even distribution. For a cream, we suggest the SACHAJUAN Ocean Mist Texturizing Hair Cream, because it provides hold and creates touchable strands. The R+CO Teleport Flexible Control Hydra Gelee is a lightweight gel that provides buildable hold, enhances natural waves, and adds smooth, subtle shine.

Step 3: Section Your Hair

“Section bangs or face-framing pieces out at the crown,” says Rinker, mentioning this will give you more control when styling. Use THE HAIR EDIT Section & Style Rat Tail Comb to help with sectioning.

Step 4: Build Your Ponytail

Now it’s time for the ponytail. “Gather the rest of the hair into a ponytail, using a soft bristle brush to direct everything back smoothly,” Rinker notes. The KITSCH Soft Violet Smooth & Polish Brush features dual-bristle technology to make styling a breeze.

Step 5: Create the Signature Bump

The bump is what makes this ponytail an Aussie slick-back, so don’t skip this step. “Before securing the ponytail fully, pinch the crown to create a subtle bump and a bit of airy texture so the style doesn’t look flat,” notes Rinker.

Step 6: Slick Back the Rest

With your ponytail set, you can slick back the remaining pieces. “Take any pieces you left out and slick them back into a ponytail.” You can use the same gel or cream to do so. We use the BRIOGEO HAIR CARE Style + Treat™ Hair Styling Sleek Stick as well to slick back any remaining pieces and keep them locked in place.

Step 7: Finish With Hairspray

Use a lightweight finishing spray, like the AMIKA Rising Star Volumizing Finishing Spray, to lock the look and keep it sleek and lived-in all day long.

Things to Know Before Trying the Aussie Slick-Back

Worried this hairstyle may not be for your hair type? Fret not, for the Aussie slick-back works for most hair types. Rinker says it’s “especially great for wavy or curly hair since the pattern adds dimension to the slick-back.” Even if you have fine hair, you can still make the look work. “Those with extremely fine hair can still wear it, but they may want to add a bit of root lift or texture first so it doesn’t fall flat,” states Rinker.

Final Thoughts on the Aussie Slick-Back

Inspiration for the Aussie slick-back is all around, says Rinker. “Celebrities often wear versions of this look for red carpets.” So if you see your favorite celeb sporting a slick-back ponytail with volume at the crown, use that as inspo for your look. Rinker even says to use the Australian coastal aesthetic from the early 2000s, “even as far back as the ’60s and ‘70s,” for more inspiration.

Ensuring that anyone can wear the style, Rinker notes, “The Aussie slick-back is one of those rare styles that looks high fashion but is incredibly approachable. It’s quick, customizable, and perfect for anyone who wants a polished look without spending a ton of time styling.” You don’t have to tell us twice.