Cara Delevingne’s 2023 Oscars Hairstyle Proves the Slicked-Back Bun Is Here to Stay
“Running to the grocery store? Pull your hair back into a bun. Have a red carpet event? Pull your hair back in a bun.”

If you’ve been keeping up with beauty trends for the greater part of the last year, you’re well aware that the slicked-back bun is having a moment. It’s lent itself to the birth of the “clean girl aesthetic” on TikTok, has become a default hairstyle for doing a hair mask in public, and according to Cara Delevingne, is just as chic when worn on a red (nay, champagne) carpet.
For the model’s first-ever Oscars (!!), which went down on Sunday, March 12, she teamed up with celebrity hairstylist and SexyHair ambassador Danielle Priano. “We wanted to channel true movie star energy, so we opted for a classic side part into a bun to show off Cara’s amazing features,” Priano exclusively tells us. “The best part about this hairstyle is it's perfect for any occasion. Running to the grocery store? Pull your hair back into a bun to keep your hair out of your face. Have a red carpet event? Pull your hair back in a bun for an elegant and timeless look. We're seeing slicked-back buns everywhere right now, because they are such a versatile look.”
While we may be leaving the red carpet walking to Delevigne, recreating a version of this slicked back style for your Sunday errands run is super doable. And naturally, we have the entire breakdown straight from Priano. First things first: Create a super smooth base by blow drying your hair. Of course, if you’re on day two hair skip ahead. Then, create a side part and brush everything back into a ponytail.
But here’s where things get interesting. Priano recommends splitting the ponytail into two sections and “twisting each until the hair wraps around itself.” Then twist it all up into a bun, secure with some bobby pins, and go heavy with the Big SexyHair Spray & Stay Intense hold Hairspray. “Don't be afraid of hairspray! Spraying your hair is the best way to keep the look smooth and frizz free all day long.”
To shop Delevigne’s hair look for at-home recreation purposes, scroll ahead.
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Samantha Holender is the Senior Beauty Editor at Marie Claire, where she reports on the best new launches, dives into the science behind skincare, and shares the breakdown on the latest and greatest trends in the beauty space. She's studied up on every ingredient you'll find on INCI list and is constantly in search of the world's glowiest makeup products. She's constantly tracking the biggest nail and hair trends to pop up in the beauty space, going backstage during fashion weeks, tracking celebrity looks, and constantly talking to celebrity hair stylists, nail artists, and makeup artists. Prior to joining the team, she worked as Us Weekly’s Beauty and Style Editor, where she stayed on the pulse of pop culture and broke down celebrity beauty routines, hair transformations, and red carpet looks. Her words have also appeared on Popsugar, Makeup.com, Skincare.com, Delish.com, and Philadelphia Wedding. Samantha also serves as a board member for the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME). She first joined the organization in 2018, when she worked as an editorial intern at Food Network Magazine and Pioneer Woman Magazine. Samantha has a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from The George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs. While at GWU, she was a founding member of the school’s HerCampus chapter and served as its President for four years. When she’s not deep in the beauty closet or swatching eyeshadows, you can find her obsessing over Real Housewives and all things Bravo. Keep up with her on Instagram @samholender.
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