Haute summer hair: Ponytails

I have long been referred to by my mom as “Queen of the ponytail.” I rock them nonstop. I just can’t seem to help myself; if I see a rubberband somehow it ends up in my hair. But how do you keep the most basic of hairstyles from looking completely stale and boring? You switch it up! Tailor it to your look for the day. Here are a few ponytail styles I like to rock.

The Braided Ponytail
The braided ponytail is pretty much the same things as the braided bun. Give yourself a deep side part, and section off the front of your hair (width is up to you, though you want at least a medium sized braid). Then, just braid the parted section in a french braid style, following your hairline. Take the end of the braid and the rest of your hair and put it into a ponytail. Ta-da!

The Bouffant Ponytail (with bangs)
Why, the bangs? I think it makes the ponytail look softer and more modern that way. I prefer to wear the bouffant with side swept bangs but you can wear it with full on “in your face” fringe, if you prefer. To get that bump, try pulling your hair over some well placed loose extensions, as opposed to teasing the hair, which can result in damage to the cuticle. Another option is to set the hair at the crown on large rollers, to add lift. Give a spritz of hairspray for hold and secure your bump with bobby pins. Then, secure your hair in a ponytail at the base of the bobby pins. Voilà!

The Textured Ponytail
Give your hair a rest from the flat iron and embrace your natural hair texture. Mine goes into a nice big barrel loose wave when I let it air dry. So, I just gather it on top of my head and put it into a ponytail. Whatever the texture of your hair, add some product that works with it, not against it, put it in a ponytail and go!