How to Slick or Smoothen Your Natural Hair and Edges for a Bun Hairstyle

Natural stretched hair and hair in a bun with my scarf to aid in slicking down the edges.

Getting your hair to be slick and smooth when it's up in a ponytail isn't always the easiest thing to do when you have natural hair. Here are some tips and guidelines to getting that smooth or slick look that you may be going for.

For smooth hair in a bun, try the following.

1. Do your hair the night before. It gives the style time to set. 
2. Start with dry, stretched hair. 
3. Ensure that hair is thoroughly detangled. It won't be smooth if it's not fully detangled.
4. Add a light natural oil like extra virgin coconut oil. 
5. Pull your hair back into your  ponytail or desired style.
6. OPTIONAL. Mist your hair with water until damp but not wet. You don't want wet hair all night or day. (Styles tend to set best when done on wet hair).
7. Add a mixture of oil and gel to your hair. I love Eco Styler gel as it rarely flakes.
8. Smooth and brush (brushing is optional) until you see the desired look. 
9. Tie your hair down with a satin scarf. Be sure to get your edges tied down and as much as possible going back towards your ponytail/bun. That will help to maintain the slick look all the way back.
10. Sleep on your hair overnight to allow it to set.
11. Wait until you are ready to leave the house the next morning to remove the scarf and you should have smooth hair for the day.
12. Avoid brushing your hair after you remove the scarf. This can disrupt the set and ruin all of your hard work. 
13. If you want a shinier look, apply some oil sheen to your hair.

That's it. I know you see 13 steps and it seems like a lot but this will save you tons of time in the morning and give you a nice, smooth and refined style. 

Tip!

If you do your bun in the morning, skip the misting of your hair with water and wear a black scarf while on your way to work. Remove it when it's time to walk into the office. Your hair won't be fully set but this may just be enough to do the trick.