Ponytails are like the T-shirts of hairstyles—they're often worn as a workout basic or overlooked when getting ready for the day. But if we learned anything from the celebs and the red carpet, ponytails can totally be dressed up into fun, chic and easy styles. Scroll through these popular pins (and get the instructions on how to do them yourself!) and then follow SELF on Pinterest to find more looks we’re loving right now.
Covering up the elastic is the oldest Hollywood trick in the book for making a ponytail look red carpet-ready in mere seconds. After creating your pony, grab a 1-inch section of hair from the underside and blast it with a strong-hold hairspray like Aveda Control Force Firm Hold Hair Spray ($32) to give it some grab. Then, tightly wrap it around the hair band and secure it underneath with bobbies. It not only looks more polished, but gives the ponytail a little bit of lift, too.
Original pin by Emily Schuman from thisworldtonightismine.blogspots.com.es
Breathe new life into yesterday's blowout by first spritzing oily roots with Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Finish ($30). Then, gather hair at the highest point of your head and secure with an elastic. Tug out pieces on the top of your head to give an effortless feel—the more undone, the cooler it looks.
Original pin by Grace Lee from gracefulleemade.com
This simple style makes a big statement with plenty of touchable body and a few soft curls in all the right places. Before you swoop your hair up, prep it with a flexible curl-defining product like Suave Professionals Curl Definition Soft Touch Curls Mousse ($6) and use a large barrel curling iron to add a subtle wave from mid-shaft to the ends. Gather your hair at the top of your head and secure it with an elastic that matches your hair color. Then, wrap a simple black ribbon around the base of the ponytail to instantly turn it from sporty to date night chic.
Original pin by Melissa Cauchi from bridalmusings.com
This proves that a few strategic elastics can go a long way. First, rake through a volumizing cream like Living Proof Full Thickening Cream ($26) to give your strands texture. Then, create a low ponytail at the nape of your neck and secure three or four clear elastics every few inches, depending on your hair length. Start with the top section, and gently pull about each portion so it creates a bubble-like effect. But don’t worry about short layers poking out—it adds to its boho appeal.
Original pin by Melissa Guedes from leilanibishop.com
If time isn't on your side, this five-second twist is the perfect way to amp up a ponytail while on the run. All you need to do is create a loose ponytail at the nape of your neck. Spritz on texturizing spray like BlowPro Textstyle ($10) to add a matte finish. Then, use your thumb and forefinger to create an opening underneath the pony and pull your ponytail through and back out. It's like using the Topsy Tail , but even easier.
Original pin by Jessica from studdedheartsblog.tumblr.com
It might seem like a straight-forward, classic ponytail at first—but intense shine and stick-straight strands dramatically dress up the look. Start off by applying a flyaway obliterating treatment like Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum ($30) and brush your hair back with a comb. Leave out a one-inch section of hair on each side and pull the rest back into a taut pony. Lastly, gather one section, wrap it around the elastic and secure with bobbies. Repeat on the other side, wrapping it around the opposite direction.
Original pin by Fashlover from blog.vpfashion.com
To give your ponytail a sophisticated flair, start by creating a normal three-strand braid and pull in random, alternating sections every couple of inches down the braid like you would with a French. A lightweight shine serum (try: Garnier Fructose Style Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum , $5) not only keeps shorter layers in place, but helps give the braid a pretty glow.
Original pin by Luxy Hair from youtube.com
Who says short hair can't pull off an amazing updo? Use a lightweight wax (try: Original Moxie Shape Shifter Re-Forming Creme, $33) throughout your hair and pull as much as you can into a low ponytail. Grab a few hair color-coordinating bobby pins to tuck back shorter layers and fake the cute pony.
Original pin by Fashionisers from fashionisers.com
Enhance your natural waves and texture from a long day at the beach (or copy the look with Wella Ocean Spritz Texture Hairspray , $9) and slightly tease the mid-shaft to the ends with a paddle brush. Wrap your loose, low pony with a cuff ponytail holder like this one for an easy, modern twist.
Original pin by Asdis Frimannsdottir from trendnet.is
This mic-drop hair moment was inspired by the runways, but looks amazing IRL, too. If your hair is really sleek, rake through Klorane Leave-In Cream with Papyrus Milk ($16) to give your hair hold. Twist the top portion of your hair in a normal French twist and secure with bobby pins along the way, leaving out the tail. Then, use a comb to backbrush the ends to give it a cool, messy '80s-like texture.
Original pin by Brit Morin from brit.co
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
Photo Credit: Pinterest
