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Home • News

Hot Hair: The New Sleek Styles

After a season filled with lush, fluffy curls and loose side-plaits, this summer's hottest new hair look is sleek, sleek, sleek. The style itself doesn't really matter, as long as the hair is slicked back tightly from the forehead (pompadours and parts need not apply). From "I Dream of Jeannie" ponytails to chic topknots, here are our favorite superstar sleek styles.
By Essence · Updated October 28, 2020
01
Pony Up

Kerry Washington gave the standard, braided pony a glam update by pairing it with diamond hoops and a dazzling emerald cocktail dress.

Hot Hair: The New Sleek Styles
02
Glamour Girl

Naomi Campbell accessorizes her pony with an ornate, bejeweled hairpiece — very ooh-la-la!

Hot Hair: The New Sleek Styles
03
Straight Strands

Alicia Keys combed her hair straight back for a regal look that showed off her cheekbones — and that sexy pink pout.

Hot Hair: The New Sleek Styles
04
Green Day

Lala Vasquez Anthony brought attention to her enchanting green-hazel eyes by sweeping her strands straight back into a topknot.

Hot Hair: The New Sleek Styles
05
Angel Face

Kimberly Elise accentuates her slicked-back bun with this a delicately embroidered headband. So angelic!

Hot Hair: The New Sleek Styles
06
Casual Corner

Raven Symone slicked her hair back into a easy breezy, wavy pony for a casual-yet-elegant look.

Hot Hair: The New Sleek Styles
07
Retro Fabulous

Nia Long looked like a sizzling Sixties siren in this sleek, supersized fun.

Hot Hair: The New Sleek Styles
08
Sophisticated Lady

With her slicked down, sophisticated low bun, all eyes were on Jessica White at a recent Rolling Stone fete.

Hot Hair: The New Sleek Styles
09
Versatile Vixen

Sanaa Lathan swept her strands into an easy-as-pie topknot that’s pretty for day, and glamorous for night.

Hot Hair: The New Sleek Styles
10
Curly Girly

Beyonce slicks her blonde-streaked curls back into a chic, low ponytail.

Hot Hair: The New Sleek Styles
11
High Times

Zoe Kravitz goes for hipster cool with this fire engine red lips and a slicked-back topknot.

Hot Hair: The New Sleek Styles
12
Half n’ Half

Gabrielle Union rocked a tight, half-up/half-down style to the BET Awards.

Hot Hair: The New Sleek Styles
13
Exotic City

Alicia Keys adds an exotic flair to her intricate bun with a dangling pearl headpiece.

Hot Hair: The New Sleek Styles
14
High Times

Ciara’s high, tight pony puts her gorgeous features on display.

Hot Hair: The New Sleek Styles
15
Drama Queen

Katerina Graham’s “I Dream of Jeannie” ponytail is a look that manages to be high-drama and classic, at the same time.

Hot Hair: The New Sleek Styles
16
Cool Girl

Tracee Ellis Ross pulls her curls back into a messy knot — classy, easy, and cool.

Hot Hair: The New Sleek Styles
17
Haute Headband

Garcelle Beauvais slicks her hair back with a headband for a sleek, sophisticated look.

Hot Hair: The New Sleek Styles
18
E is for Elegant

YaYa Dacosta pulls her natural tresses back in a low-key bun for a casually elegant vibe.

Hot Hair: The New Sleek Styles
19
Keep it Tight

Sanaa Lathan flaunts her almond shaped eyes with this tightly pulled-back ponytail.

Hot Hair: The New Sleek Styles
20
Luxe Locks

Kimora Lee Simmons manages to make this easy breezy style look impossibly luxe.

Hot Hair: The New Sleek Styles
21
Sleek & Chic

Paula Patton looks positively regal with her tresses combed straight back off her forehead.

Hot Hair: The New Sleek Styles
22
Chic Chignon

Jada Pinkett Smith brushes her long, thick locks back into a braided chignon, showcasing her perfect features and sexy shoulders.

Hot Hair: The New Sleek Styles
23
Sophisticated Lady

Dania Ramirez’ high, sleek, tucked-under bun is the height of sexy sophistication.

Hot Hair: The New Sleek Styles