10 Ways to Dress Up Your Ponytail, Just in Time for Back-to-School
When you wake up with 10 minutes to spare before first period, there's only one thing to do with your hair: Put it up. The ponytail is, naturally, every girl's answer to a frantic morning routine. And apparently, the runways took notice: Ponies were the most ubiquitous style of Fashion Week, which prompted a dazzling and super inspirational photo shoot (see above!) in our August issue, on newsstands now. But if you need some practical, 10-minute tricks for upgrading your daily look, simply click through our slideshow. From braids to color to easy accessories, we've got the best pony show around.
Have any questions about what you see here? Leave them in the comments and we'll get back to you!
Photo: iMaxTree1/11Play with Fabric
At the Chanel show, hair guru Sam McKnight caused major pony pandemonium with these gorgeous tweed-embellished tails. You can easily mimic this look at home by braiding small sections of your pony and then adhering the fabric to your hair with a few select bobby pins. Keep the top nice, clean, and frizz-free—the back should do all the talking.
Photo: Jason Kibbler2/11Let's elevate our everyday style, shall we?
Photo: iMaxTree3/11Do the Twist
It might look like hair origami (hairigami?), but McKnight’s clever ponytails had a trompe l’oeil architectural design. The sections you see here are actually just twisted, pinned, and set with loads of hairspray. Make sure you have a nice boar bristle brush (we love this one from MoroccanOil) to comb your sections for a clean, pristine finish. Spray it with hairspray first for added shine.
Photo: iMaxTree4/11The Casual Mini Braid
No time for a shower? As seen at Pucci, second-day texture looks even chicer when given a super-low micro-braid. Let pieces fall around your face for an even more flattering look.
Photo: iMaxTree5/11Add Some Color
We absolutely loved the kicky, colorful ponytails at Herve Leger. Consider this your ultimate upgrade for a homecoming game—just pick up a can of Rita Hazan Pop Color in your school’s colors and have your friend spray strategically.
Photo: Jason Lloyd-Evans6/11Leather Elements
If you've got an old handbag or moto jacket lying around, listen up: Scraps of leather were used to create super cool cuffs backstage at Helmut Lang, which will instantly elevate any back-to-school outfit without taking up too much of your time.
Photo: iMaxTree7/11Sleek and Sideswept
The gorgeous look at DKNY, shown here, is great for the girl who’s straightened her hair the day before and needs a quick refresher. Change up your part to camouflage your oily roots, then coat strands in a smoothing styling balm (we love R+Co’s) and brush through thoroughly. Bring your pony forward and secure it, then finish by flat-ironing the tail. Mist with shine spray and add a pop of color to your lips for a fresh, sporty vibe!
Photo: Jason Lloyd-Evans8/11Easy Does It
Bad hair day? Exposed roots? Keratin treatment gone wrong? Victoria Beckham insists that a simple, wide black headband is the answer to any girl's woes. Take a cue from makeup maestro Pat McGrath and define the brows, coat your lashes, and perfect your skin before walking out the door—this can easily look sloppy, so the little details matter.
Photo: iMaxTree9/11The Tiered Pony
Make sure you're never at a loss for a hair elastic again by wearing them all at once, just like the models at Valentino! Place bands at equal intervals down your pony and pull at the hair in between to fluff it up and give you that cool volume.
Photo: Jason Lloyd-Evans10/11A Midas Touch
Hair god Guido Palau created simple, easy, and bubbly ponytails backstage at Valentino, which added a touch of whimsy to the ornate ensembles. Follow suit for back-to-school with this super easy style by replacing the elastics with pretty grosgrain ribbons.
Photo: iMaxTree11/11The Elegant and Wavy Pony
For those with curly or wavy texture, the Valentino Haute Couture style is a gorgeous option. Spray your hair all over with a texturizing spray, then create one or two micro-braids at the nape of your neck. Those will hold the bobby pins to secure the wrapped piece of hair that holds the style together.
