Tessa Thompson’s Slicked-Back Bun Needs No Introduction

Tessa Thompson standing in front of a plant-decorated backdrop. She is wearing a burgundy sweater and smiling at the camera. — (Image credit: Getty Images)

Every time Tessa Thompson comes across my screen, I do a little happy dance. On December 1, the actress was pictured as she arrived at the 2025 Gotham Awards in New York City, dressed in a stunning silver Schiaparelli gown. She accessorized with a pair of Giuseppe Zanotti Intriigo strap sandals, as well as the Anatomy Jewelry Micro Bag, also from Schiaparelli. Of course, she picked the perfect hairstyle to complement the asymmetrical neckline of the dress.

Thompson’s hairstyle of choice was none other than a slicked-back bun, a look that she’s worn before. Courtesy of her go-to stylist, Lacy Redway, for this iteration she kept things simple, opting for a minimal, sleek updo, swooped baby hairs, and a neat bun positioned right in the middle of her head. No additional accessories were used in the hairstyle, allowing her chic earring stack and minimal, skin-focused makeup look to really shine. It was the perfect complement to her stunning, sculptural gown—yet another reminder that she is consistently one of the best-dressed stars in Hollywood.

Tessa Thompson wearing a silver gown and a slicked back bun. She is smiling for the camera. — Tessa Thompson is seen arriving to the 35th Gotham Film Awards on December 1, 2025 in New York City.

A slicked-back bun is one of those hairstyles that will simply never go out of style. No matter the iteration, it will always make you look chic, put together, and like you’re one of those people who just don’t have to try so hard. On top of this, you can get the look in literal minutes, so long as you have the right products, of course. If you’re itching to recreate Thompson’s hairstyle, keep reading for the curated list of products that can get you the look.

Dove Beauty

Daily Moisture Shampoo

Freshly-washed hair will always be easiest to style.

Tri-Vision Health

Eco Style Olive Oil Styling Gel

For solid hold that can get you through your day and back, pick up this hair gel.

Got2B

Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Gel

For ultra hold that will make you feel like you're slicking every single hair follicle into place, you need this gel. (I recommend this one for quick events and appearances because your head will be hurting by the end of the night.)

Beauty by Earth

Bamboo Hair Brush

A boar-bristled brush is a nonnegotiable to get that sleek finish.

LolaVie

Sculpting Paste Styling Wand

Banish any lingering flyaways with a styling wand for added hold.

Ariel Wilson is the Beauty Writer at Marie Claire. Previously the associate beauty editor at PS, she also has bylines in InStyle, Forbes Vetted, Women's Health, and more.

Shaped by her experience in research, social sciences, and the non-profit sector, Ariel enjoys looking at beauty from a sociocultural lens, looking to avenues like politics, culture, and the arts, to inform her views on the space. That being said, as a true beauty-product obsessive, testing the latest items to hit the market, keeping up with trends, and meeting industry icons, will always be her favorite part of working in the beauty space.

When she's not working, Ariel can be found hanging out with her husband and loving on their two cat daughters: Cow and Chicken.