The perfect ponytail
Step 1
Begin by backcombing (teasing) the hair on the crown of your head. Be generous with the backcombing (the pressure of the ponytail will pull down some of the volume).
Tip: Use a boar-hair bristle brush for a better tease.
Step 2
Next, smooth the top layer of the backcombed hair (this hides the teased hair underneath).
Step 3
At the jawline, gather all of your hair to the lower back of your neck. Tie it off with a clear elastic band.
Step 4
Take one small piece of hair from your ponytail and wrap it around the ponytail holder several times (or until you run out of hair to wrap). Use a bobby pin to hold this piece in place.
Step 5
If you have bangs or loose hair around your face, spray hair back so it stays in place throughout the day
Tip: Use a bobby pin to keep these hairs in place if needed. Be sure to hide the bobby pin for the most polished look.
Knotted messy bun
This look is best on those with long hair.
Step 1
Begin this look by dividing hair into two low ponytails at the back of your head.
Step 2
Next, lay one ponytail over the other and pull one of the ends through the middle, as if you were tying shoelaces into a knot — exactly the same concept.
Step 3
Tie another knot with the remaining hanging hair. Repeat this process until you reach the end of your hair.
Step 4
Now take the remaining loose ends of your hair and bring them up and around to the top of the bun. Bobby-pin these ends into place.
Tip: Don't worry about making this perfect. The more undone and informal it looks the better.
Step 5
Keep loose hair around the face. This look is very boho and looks best when it's not perfect.
Chic half up/half down
Step 1
Start by backcombing (teasing) the hair at the crown of your head.
Step 2
Give this backcombed section a generous spray of hairspray, pushing up on the hair as you spray (this will help the hair "memorize" what position to stay in).
Step 3
Next, take one small piece of hair around your face and twist it. Bring it to the lower back of your head and bobby-pin it into place (hide the bobby pins under the hair so they're not seen). This piece of hair should be pinned a little above the nape of your neck (this is a chic '60s look).
Step 4
Repeat on the other side of your head, twisting your hair and pinning it to meet the other pinned piece of hair.
Step 5
Ta-da! A cute, chic half up/half down look in about three minutes.
More on hair
The perfect blow out
Find the best hairstyle for you
The power of the pony