How to create the perfect polished ponytail
EVERYONE loves a good ponytail. But, the style that we first trialled in our school years is often considered just that – a childhood throwback.
Luckily though, the simple up do is making a serious statement this year with a coming of age that bolsters it a ‘do to be reckoned with.
Finally, this is a hair trend that we can actually achieve at home – and we’re not talking gym bunny go-to. Oh no, this season the humble ponytail has forgone its association with laxity in favour of sleek, smooth luxury.
Take Lanvin’s polished number created by hairstylist Delphine Courteille. Here, she divided the hair along a side parting, blow drying the lengths backwards and securing at the nape of the neck.
But, what really elevates this pony is the clever wrapping technique that Courteille used to disguise the hair tie. Taking a section of hair, the stylist wrapped it around, pinning and smoothing into place.
It’s a look that was replicated at Prada too, where Guido Palau styled models’ hair into neat, side-parted ponytails fastened low.
Similarly, at the Tibi spring/ summer 2017 show the hair was slick but this time parted in the centre and with an unexpected twist.
Instead of using strands of hair to conceal the fastening, models were sent down the runway sporting belts which wrapped neatly around the base of their ponytails.
Meanwhile, hair stylist Sam McKnight styled the tresses over at Chanel where the look was given a dash of Eighties flair, clasped to the side with pink baubles.
So, how can you recreate this look at home?
The trick here is to start with clean hair as applying too much product will make it hard to achieve a slick finished look. It’s also important to make sure your hair is flat-ironed straight so that it lies smooth.
Next, using a nylon and boar bristle brush, gather your hair together at the point you want it to sit and pick a parting; we suggest taking your cue from the