It's no surprise that the slicked-back hairstyle has been trending all year. While this style is perfect for providing a classier look in the office or even for a night out, I like to use this trend as my go-to style for workouts (particularly while running!). But much to my dismay, I never seem to get this style quite right.
After seeing many friends (and runners!) rock this look, I realized that their hair stayed in place for hours post-styling, I was convinced there had to be a secret to their long-lasting slick back. So, I texted a close friend and my sister, asking what hair products they use to perfect the chic buns they’re constantly sporting. The answer? The Dae Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream.
After a little more research and seeing users rave about it on social media, I finally got the product and decided to try it.
Dae Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream with Taming Wand
- Great for on-the-go use
- Has a built-in wand
- Some say it is good for edges
- Can be a bit flaky
Size: 20 mL | Key ingredients: Dragon fruit, prickly pear seed oil and cactus flower extract | Hair Types: Medium, fine or thick hair
What is the Dae Styling Wand
The Dae Styling Wand is a miniature version of their 3-in-1 styling cream, whose formula is designed to give hair a glossy look while also smoothing frizz. This tiny version is paired with a wand — which has a similar look to a mascara wand — for easy application.
It couldn't be more simple to use: Navigate the brush like you would mascara wand and brush the product across the desired spots to tame flyaways and stick hair into place.
When it comes to ingredients, the formula consists of dragon fruit to hydrate, prickly pear seed oil to nourish and meadowfoam seed oil to restore damaged strands.
My experience
The products that I use in my pre-run routine need to be no-frills, easy to use, and help me focus on the workout. This hair product proved itself to have a simple application method and allowed me to style my hair in a way that I won't have to redo it.
It takes seconds to style my hair with this, meaning I'm out the door in no time. Plus, the wand ensures a mess-free application that won't leave hands feeling sticky compared to using traditional styling creams that you apply with your fingers.
Why I like the Dae Styling Wand
It's travel-friendly
I enjoy the size of the product, which makes it easy to pack if I need re-apply while out and about or when traveling, as it takes up minimal amounts of space in a toiletry bag.
It truly provides frizz-free results
I have a combination of straight, yet slightly wavy hair, that tends to frizz after running a comb through it. So far, I've only worn slicked back hair styles when going on runs because the last thing I want to worry about is hair in my face. My hair stays in place with the help of this styling cream, especially around my ears, where flyaways tend to hang out.
Plus, it even helps to smooth down small bumps in the center of my head, when I can't be bothered to redo my ponytail. The brand promises a frizz-free result, which I can attest to, even mid-run. Despite the heat waves we've been experiencing in New York City, paired with a sweaty hairline and neck, it seems that everything would be working against me. But the Dae Styling Cream truly helps keep stray hairs in place no matter what.
And, the slight citrus-y scent helps to mask any other odors while I'm on a run, which is a perk for me. However, others might be turned off by it if citrus fragrances aren't your thing.
What to consider
Not a lot of product comes out on the wand with each pump, so you have to apply multiple times depending on your desired amount of cream.
The cream also tends to sit on your hair upon the first swipe, requiring you to pat it down or slick it back with either your hand or the wand to be sure it blends in.
Another thing to note: Shannon Garlin, associate commerce editor at Shop TODAY, mentioned that thicker hair types might need a stiffer formula to achieve a fully slicked back appearance. "I normally wear my hair down straight or wavy, and still get a couple of hairs that stick up, but this wand helps sleek down any strays," she explains. "However, since I have a lot of thick, frizzy hair, this doesn’t work for me for that 'sleek back bun look,' which the brand says it can help achieve. I’d need a lot more product or a wax stick to get that!"
More Dae products to shop
Dae Fairy Duster Volumizing Dry Shampoo
- Has a pleasant scent to it
- Truly absorbs oil
- Leaves behind powder residue
Clean ingredients and a non-aerosol consistency are just two of the reasons why editorial assistant Madison San Miguel adores this dry shampoo from Dae.
"I’ve tried other dry shampoo powders, and found that this one is easy to work through the hair and doesn’t feel tangle-y to get through," she says. "I noticed a bit of volume and some oil absorption, but I think someone with less oily hair and thicker hair could benefit more from it."
Dae Mirage Mist Leave-In Conditioner
- Weightless heat protectant
- Smells great
- Leaves hair soft
- May make hair frizzy
This all-in-one product will replace multiple items in your hair care line up, as it serves as a heat protectant, detangler and conditioner, while working to smooth the hair and tame frizz.
Associate partnerships editor Lauren Witonsky appreciates that it's a catch-all in terms of hair products, saying she prefers to keep her hair care routine as minimal as possible, to prevent her already-oily hair from feeling weighed down.
Dae Agave Dry Heat Protection and Hold Styling Mist
- Protects up to 450 degrees
- Smells amazing
- Holds style and frizz
- Some say hair felt dry
"It’s a heat protectant as well as a holding mist, so it not only protects your hair from damage but it also helps lock in frizz and hold your desire style," says Garlin. "I spritzed this in my hair then curled it in the evening, then went to bed and when I woke up, I didn’t have to touch up my hair at all. So it cut out extra getting ready time in the morning!"
Why trust Shop TODAY
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand to make shopping easier for our readers.
Sierra Hoeger is an associate editor for Shop TODAY. She's been with the team for a little over two years, covering everything from Halloween Advent calendars to award-worthy travel products and more.
