by guest blogger, Anne Houseman of Beauty Xpose'.
Ah, the ponytail — a tried and true classic. But how do you keep this timeless ‘do from feeling too tired? Pony up! We’ve compiled five of our favorite ponytail hairdo looks sported by celebs and show you how to get the same results with minimal styling effort.
(Drew Barrymore, Kate Beckinsale)
Good for days you need a perky pick-me up (hangover help, anyone?). The perfect ‘do for dropping the digits in your real age.
Tools/Products:
- Large round brush
- Root volumizer (we like Tigi Catwalk Root Boost)
Get the Look
Before blow-drying hair, spritz volumizing root boost spray close to the scalp all over. Then dry hair in sections using a large round brush to create big waves. After hair is dry, gather the top section and pin back, leaving a small poof for volume. Gather the rest of the hair into a high ponytail. Grab a one to two inch section of hair and wrap around the base of the ponytail; secure with bobby pins underneath the tail. Finish with hairspray.
Bonus Tip: For extra oomph in your pony, use Scünci’s Create the Perfect Pony tool; insert it in the middle of hair while creating the ponytail, and secure your elastic around it.
2. The Sleek Siren (Debra Messing, Jennifer Aniston, Kim Kardashian)
A look designed to stop ‘em dead in their tracks. The ultimate, polished updo.
Tools/Products:
- Flat Iron (We love the Hana Elite)
- Shine Serum
- Molding Paste/Wax (KMS Hairplay Soft Wax works wonders)
- Firm Hold Hairspray
Get the Look
Use a pea-sized amount of shine serum before blow-drying straight. After dry, run a dime-sized amount of shine serum over ends for additional shine (use less if you have fine, thin hair). Run flat iron over hair in two to three inch sections, root to tip.
Smooth on a small amount of molding wax over front section of hair, parting it to the side. Pull back into a low or mid-height ponytail, keeping her taut and close to the head. Spray on hairspray to smooth any flyaways.
Bonus Tip: Hide the elastic for a chicer look. Try a leather ponytail cuff from Di Manno Designs, which come in a variety of options to suit your style (we love the python!).
3. The Hot Mess (Carmen Electra, Blake Lively)
A sexy look that screams “I naturally look this good every day; no effort required.” The perfect beach ponytail transformed into red carpet-ready locks.
Tools/Products:
- Curl-enhancing gel or mousse (We swear by Curly Sexy Hair Curl Power Spray Foam)
- Texturizing spray (Try Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray)
- Wax/molding paste
- Bobby pins
Get the Look
Apply curl-enhancing product to wet hair, and “scrunch” in to distribute evenly. Blow dry with a diffuser, or let air dry. Spritz in texturizing spray and apply molding paste to create piecey look. Loosely pull back sides and pin back, leaving out strands framing the face. Gather the rest of the hair into a loose mid or low ponytail, and skew slightly to the side.
Bonus Tip: For kinkier curls, put wet hair into a tight bun or a braid and air dry overnight.
4. The Vamp (Eva Mendes, Carrie Underwood)
These ponytails make you go “va-va-voom!” Classic, polished and whole lot of sex appeal. Create with a side or middle part for your own signature look.
Tools/Products:
- Large round brush
- Root volumizer
- Comb
- Medium to strong hold hairspray (we adore Garnier Fructis Full Control Anti-Humidity Hairspray)
Get the Look
Just like for “The Cheerleader,” begin by spritzing on volumizing root boost spray and drying hair in sections using a large round brush. Then, gently tease the hair at the top back of your head using a fine-tooth comb, and smooth the top over it, creating a high “bump.” Leaving the front section loose (either split in the middle like Eva, or side-swept like Carrie), pull the remaining hair back into a mid-height ponytail. After securing the elastic, gently pull it out slightly, and then tighten just by pulling the sides of the ponytail, to further boost your “bump.” Spray hairspray all over for hold.
Bonus Tip: For a higher “bump,” try Bumpits. They work wonders!
5. The Accessorizer (Paris Hilton, Debra Messing)
Spice up that plain pony with a headband, flower, combs or other accessories. No rules, and no age limit for having fun with your ponytail.
Tools/Products:
- Hair elastics
- Accessory of your choice
- Finishing hair spray (flexible hold)
Get the Look
There are unlimited possibilities to creating an accessorized ponytail. For Paris’s look, simply gather hair back into a low ponytail (split slightly off-center), and add a headband. For Debra Messing’s flower pony, just pin in a flower clip to the side of the tail, hiding the elastic.
Bonus Tip: Kids have the ultimate fun with accessorizing their ponytails. Check out Moni Poni for a new twist on this old classic. They look fantastic and are easy to apply in no time at all!
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