The year 2023 witnessed the meteoric rise of the slicked-back bun, a hairstyle so ubiquitous it earned the moniker "everybun" from fashion publication Allure. Championed by the "clean-girl" aesthetic and popularized by high-profile figures like Hailey Bieber, Sophia Richie Grainge, and Kendall Jenner, this polished updo seamlessly transitioned from casual errands to formal dining. However, its foray into the sacred space of wedding ceremonies has ignited a fervent debate, particularly concerning its appropriateness as a bridal party hairstyle.
The Spark of Contention: A Viral TikTok
The online discourse surrounding the slicked-back bun’s place in weddings gained significant traction following a TikTok video posted by Eli Rallo, a content creator, author, and bride-to-be slated for 2026. In her widely circulated video, Rallo explicitly stated her decision to disallow bridesmaids from sporting the sleek hairstyle at her upcoming nuptials. "There is a time and a place for a slicked-back bun at a wedding, but mine is not that wedding," she declared.
This declaration resonated across social media, amassing over 2.1 million views, exceeding 176,000 likes, and generating a considerable 742 comments. The reactions showcased a clear division in opinion. Some users empathized with Rallo’s sentiment, with one commenter stating, "Praying I’m never in a SBB wedding bc I look like an alien." Others distinguished between guest and bridal party attire, noting, "A bridesmaid look is very different than guests. SBB can almost always work for just a regular guest, but you’re right. Bridesmaids need to match the overall vibe better." A dissenting viewpoint questioned the very notion of the slicked-back bun being a formal occasion style, with one user remarking, "Slick backs (at least for ppl with straight hair like me) are for when ur hair is too greasy to do anything else with it. No reason to be wearing one at a formal occasion."
Rallo clarified her stance, emphasizing that her objection was not to the slicked-back bun itself as a wedding hairstyle, but rather its suitability for specific wedding aesthetics. She posited that while the style might be incongruous with a rustic barn wedding, it could be perfectly acceptable for a chic urban celebration. This nuanced perspective suggests that context and theme play a crucial role in determining the appropriateness of any given hairstyle.
Expert Opinions and Industry Perspectives
Bridal hairstylists and industry professionals have weighed in on the evolving trends and the specific case of the slicked-back bun. Katie Kelly, a seasoned hairstylist based in Hudson Valley, New York, aligns with Rallo’s pragmatic approach. Kelly suggests that slicked-back buns are indeed fitting for a range of events, including formal city affairs, destination or beach weddings, and summer ceremonies. "Those are all situations where I would recommend that style if the client was already considering it," she stated. Kelly also noted that when a bride chooses to cover the cost of hair and makeup for her bridal party, it logically grants her a greater say in their aesthetic choices.
The widespread adoption of the slicked-back bun as a bridal option appears to have been significantly influenced by celebrity weddings. Sophia Richie Grainge’s 2023 nuptials in Antibes, France, where she sported the style with a middle part, are frequently cited as a pivotal moment. Videos from her wedding, which featured an elaborate floral display and a musical performance by Stephen Sanchez, went viral, catapulting Grainge into a new echelon of influence. The subsequent year saw her slicked-down style prominently featured in numerous brand partnerships, making it a highly visible trend.
Kelly, with over a decade of experience in the wedding industry, concurs that Grainge’s wedding was a turning point for the slicked-back bun in bridal settings. "That’s really when it took off as a look for us," she observed. "I can’t remember ever doing it before her wedding." Kelly estimates that while five to ten of the approximately 60 brides she styles annually request a slicked-back bun, it’s a more common request among bridesmaids, with roughly 20% of bridal parties featuring at least one bridesmaid with this hairstyle.
Historical Roots and Cultural Significance
While Sophia Richie Grainge may have popularized the modern iteration, the sleek, pulled-back updo is far from a novel concept. Women have embraced similar styles for centuries across various cultures. Notably, for women of color with textured hair, the slicked-back bun has held significant cultural importance. Kay Jones, owner of the bridal glam company Beyond the Knot Co., highlighted this aspect: "There is a significant cultural layer to these styling choices. Historically, natural hair wasn’t always centered or celebrated in the bridal industry. For many women of color, the slick-back bun was, and is, a perfect intersection of elegance and endurance. It allows them to celebrate their beauty without the stress of the style ‘sweating out’ or losing its shape."
Jones further explained that the current resurgence of the sleek look is amplified by a broader cultural shift towards a "less is more" philosophy. "We are in an era that celebrates a more natural, effortless aesthetic," she stated. "For our Black brides and bridesmaids especially, there is a beautiful, growing movement toward embracing natural hair and finding ways to showcase that texture within a polished, high-fashion framework." This perspective underscores the importance of recognizing the historical and cultural context behind hairstyling choices, moving beyond a purely aesthetic or trend-driven interpretation.
Allure‘s Internal Dialogue and Diverse Perspectives
Within the editorial team at Allure, the slicked-back bun debate also sparked considerable discussion and personal anecdotes. Annie Blay-Tettey, the publication’s associate beauty editor, initially considered the slicked-back bun for her own 2025 wedding, viewing it as a classic choice. However, upon a trial run, she found it "boring" and opted for a half-up, half-down style instead. This personal experience reflects the subjective nature of beauty and the evolving preferences even among those deeply immersed in the fashion industry.
The personal opinions within the Allure team varied widely, illustrating the deeply individual nature of hairstyle preferences. One editor confessed a personal aversion to the style, stating, "For myself, yes—a slicked-back bun is most definitely not and never will be in my future, neither at my wedding nor in any other circumstance. Ever. I don’t believe in my ability to pull it off—my up-dos are more Serena van der Woodsen than Bella Hadid." Another editor humorously echoed concerns about its potential to create an unflattering appearance, suggesting, "I truly believe I would look like a founding father if I attempted one."
The notion of forbidding certain hairstyles also drew varied responses. Sarah Hoffman, Allure‘s commerce producer, expressed more concern if a bride mandated slicked-back buns rather than prohibiting them. She elaborated, "As someone with a super round face who CANNOT pull it off, I’d drop out of the wedding party if someone made me wear one for professional photos." Kassidy Silva, Allure‘s social director, suggested that a ban would only be understandable if the bride herself intended to wear a slicked-back bun and wished to be the sole individual sporting it, deeming other forms of prohibition "a bit dramatic."
However, Monica Perry, Allure‘s senior manager of analytics and audience development, presented a more accommodating perspective for bridesmaids. "My stance is, if you’ve signed up to be a bridesmaid, you’ve signed up to be a character in someone else’s happily ever after, so do whatever they want within your budget and don’t stress," she commented. This viewpoint emphasizes the supportive role of bridesmaids and the bride’s prerogative in shaping the wedding day’s aesthetic.
Navigating Wedding Etiquette and Personal Expression
The question of whether brides should dictate bridesmaid hairstyles, particularly something as prevalent as the slicked-back bun, touches upon broader wedding etiquette. While the original article’s author acknowledges that paying for hair and makeup might grant a bride some influence over her friends’ looks, she suggests that outright prohibitions are often unnecessary. Suggestions against potentially jarring styles like "blue eyeshadow or pigtails or an impulsive bang cut" might be warranted, but a rigid rulebook is generally not.
Jesa Marie Calaor, Allure‘s senior beauty editor, offered a pragmatic piece of wedding wisdom that encapsulates a common sentiment: "If you’re asking your bridesmaids to spend their time and money on you, let them have the slicked-back bun." This perspective advocates for a degree of leniency and acknowledges the significant commitment bridesmaids make to supporting the bride.
Ultimately, the "great bun debate" highlights the intersection of personal style, evolving trends, cultural significance, and the intricate social dynamics of weddings. While the slicked-back bun has undeniably cemented its place in contemporary fashion, its journey into wedding ceremonies continues to be a subject of discussion, reflecting the diverse and often deeply personal considerations that shape these celebratory occasions. The conversation surrounding the slicked-back bun serves as a microcosm of how trends are adopted, adapted, and sometimes challenged within the broader cultural landscape, particularly in moments as significant as a wedding day.
