image
Today's Top Stories
1
33 Lawmakers Who Support Common-Sense Gun Reform
image
2
Why You Should Be Using Chemical Exfoliants
image
3
Shop Jenna Dewan's New Danskin Collection
98hanksryan_20000529_08603.jpg
4
13 Non-Corny Movies to Watch This Thanksgiving
image
5
Shop Statement Earrings Like Meghan and Kate's

4 Steps to a Grown-Up Ponytail

Four simple steps to a gorgeous, grown-up ponytail.

woman with a neat ponytail
Andreas Kuehn/Getty Images
Four simple steps to a gorgeous, grown-up ponytail.
1 of 5
woman with a neat ponytail
Andreas Kuehn/Getty Images
Pony Show
"The ponytail is always flattering and provides an almost effortless way to look polished," says Jordan Blackmore of Three Squares Studio in New York City. "But the style gets a bad rap when women don't finish the look." Here, Blackmore tells us how to execute the perfect pony — whether you're going black-tie or boardroom
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
2 of 5
hair straightener
Jeffrey Westbrook/Studio D
1. GET DIRTY
"A little grease from unwashed hair provides a stay-put base for any updo," says Blackmore. On second- or third-day hair, apply a light styling gel to prevent frizz, or use dry shampoo on clean hair to fake a thicker texture. Avoid oily serums unless your hair is very coarse. Then blow-dry strands or use a straightening iron to smooth hair before putting it up.

MC TIP: Straighten every section, not just the front pieces, to ensure that your ponytail looks good from all angles.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3 of 5
hair extensions
Jeffrey Westbrook/Studio D
2. LOCATION SCOUT
Downplay your least favorite features with strategic positioning. Low ponytails accentuate jaw- and necklines, while ponytails aligned with the tops of your ears can draw attention to them. For a youthful look, "A ponytail right at the crown can take years off your age because it elongates the line of your torso," says Blackmore.

MC TIP: Use snap-in hair extensions to add volume and length to any lackluster tail.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4 of 5
hair brush
Jeffrey Westbrook/Studio D
3. BRUSHING UP
When pulling hair into a ponytail, "Don't flip your head over," advises Blackmore. "You don't get that much more volume, and you can't pay attention to centering it." Instead, brush hair into place with a paddle brush and secure the ponytail with a hair bungee elastic. "They don't pull as much as normal elastics, which can cause tension and breakage around the hairline," notes Blackmore.

MC TIP: Spritz your brush with hairspray before brushing it back to smooth would-be wispies.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5 of 5
hair product
Jeffrey Westbrook/Studio D
4. FINE-TUNING
If you want to …

GO SLEEKER: Apply gel or styling cream to damp hair, make a ponytail, then blow-dry on low heat. "This will add enough lift to keep the look from being too severe," explains Blackmore.

GO BIGGER: Elongate wider faces by teasing hair at the crown before proceeding to Step 3. "Brushing over the teased hair tames the base without sacrificing fullness," he adds.

MC TIP: When flaunting fall's more elaborate necklines, steer clear of lower ponytails — they'll get lost in the extra fabric.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Next
To-Die-For Copper Hair
woman with a neat ponytail
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
More From Hair
image You've Spotted Your First Gray Hair: A Game Plan
image Should You Get a Keratin Treatment? Your Answer
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
image The Only Fall Hair Inspo You'll Ever Need
Asian Girl With Tattoo Standing On The Beach How to Dye Hair Blonde Without the Damage
image
The 60 Chicest Lobs of the Year
Kylie Jenner This Is What Kylie Jenner's Birthday Ponytail Cost
image Kim Kardashian Just Got a Blunt Bob
image
An Edgy-But-Pulled-Together Color Transformation
image
The Celebrity Guide to Medium-Length Hairstyles
image Gigi Hadid Cut Her Hair and Got Bangs