We try not to play favorites, but the good ol’ ponytail might be our most beloved hairstyle ever. It’s perfect when you need to throw your hair back in a pinch and can also beautifully take the place of an intricate updo. It’s an effortless ’do that works for almost any occasion, which is exactly why we heart it so much. We rounded up 8 new takes on the classic style.
The Leather Hair Tie
Swap your regular elastic for a cool hair tie rendered in leather, as seen at Tanya Taylor's Fall 2015 show.
Photo: Courtesy of Bumble and bumble
The Wrapped Base
Try this chic way to conceal an elastic. Section off a small chunk of hair just below the base of your ponytail. Once it's secured, wrap the remaining hair around the base, using pins as needed.
Photo: Vanessa Jackman
The Cool Crimp
Put that old and dusty crimping iron to use, adding texture to small, sporadic sections of hair and immediately lending interest to an otherwise simple ponytail.
Photo: Vanessa Jackman
The Pull-Through
For an ultra-sleek look, prime damp hair with a quarter-size amount of blow-dry prepping lotion. Once dry, put hair back in a ponytail and secure in the center of the head. Create a loop by pulling the ponytail halfway through the elastic so the ends of the hair stick out at the bottom à la Victoria Beckham's Fall 2015 look.
Photo: Lucas Flores Piran for Redken
The French Multi-Braid
For a more involved ponytail, throw a few braids into the mix. Section off hair with the tail of a fine-toothed comb and begin plaiting, securing each braid with a small elastic at the end. Then gather up the remaining hair and brush it back into a high ponytail.
Photo: Adam Katz-Sinding
The Half-Rolled
Feeling indecisive? Try out a bun-ponytail hybrid. Start by smoothing your locks with a flat iron, focusing on any pieces you want to leave loose in the front. Then twist hair down your back, starting at the nape of the neck and working down to the ends. Finish the look by wrapping hair up and around the base of the ponytail and securing with a thin elastic. Don't worry about loose ends sticking up—it only adds to the undone vibe.
Photo: Adam Katz-Sinding
The Exaggerated Elastic
Have a little fun with hair elastics, similar to what we saw at the Clover Canyon Fall 2015 show. Wrap them around your ponytail and secure at intervals of your choice, stopping just above the ends. In between each section, loosen the pieces to create an exaggerated, voluminous look.
Photo: Courtesy of Bumble and bumble
The Deep Side Part
Rock a deep side part with a low ponytail, as seen at Erdem's Fall 2015 show. Prep your locks with a thickening hairspray and tease at the roots for extra volume. Dramatically sweep hair to one side without pulling too tightly (you don't want to lose the lifted effect) and secure at the nape of the neck. Add bobby pins near eye-level for a finishing touch.
Photo: Courtesy of Bumble and bumble
