Three Easy Ways to Update Your Ponytail

Our friend the ponytail is one seriously relaxed, laid-back dude. He likes to work out at the gym, hang out in high places and generally not look too stiff and done. That’s his thing. But I recently decided that he’s a little lazy and casual -- and that, with a few handsome tweaks and an injection of seasonal trends here and there, my mate can instantly became a whole lot more likeable. Here’s what you can do to update your ponytail too.

Undone With Bounce

As an avid “Gossip Girl” fan, I am always a little taken aback by Serena’s (Blake Lively) minxy little ponytail that sees lots of bounce at the back, and a sexy, undone finish at the front. The key lies in having a few strands of hair hanging over the front of your face. So, simply pull your ponytail back as usual before letting strands sit across your forehead and fall freely down your face. If need be, run a straightening iron through your hair to tame flyaways, and finish with a shine serum.

Over the Shoulder

If your hair is long enough, one super-sleek and simple way to create a more polished finish is to have your ponytail drape over one shoulder. Julie Benz and Nicole Kidman are stars at this, as it’s a simple style that works every time. All you need to do is tease your hair at the crown before pulling it back into a ponytail. Next, grab your straightener to smooth down the hair as much as possible, and then drape on.

Accessorise

For a loose, softly textured ponytail, there’s really no better way to up the trend factor than by adding a bow or headband. This season, there are no boundaries, with everything from pins to bows to ribbons being branded on the runway. Start by adding texture to your roots with a dry shampoo before securing your ends into a loose ponytail with a piece of ribbon. Finish off with a touch of hairspray to keep it all in place.