Hot Hair Trends: The High Ponytail

Mar 04, 2012

The high pony look used to belong to cheerleaders and anyone dressing up like I Dream of Jeannie for Halloween. Not anymore. Scads of celebs have discovered the secret to casual elegance made easy and sport the look on the red carpet, the mall, and just about everywhere in between. From American Idol judge J Lo’s signature sleek pony to Victorious star [kwlink 25059]Ariana Grande’s[/kwlink] red hot messy ‘do, there are several ways to sport this look your own way, and if you’re looking for quick, on-the-go style, it’s easy to achieve.

Katy Perry

Shailene Woodley

Ariana Grande

Rockabilly

David Barron, owner of Barron's London Salon in Atlanta, loves the pony with some lift. “The soft height at the top gives added drama but keeps the look feminine,” he explains. To try this at home, here are Barron’s instructions: “Pull a section of hair on the top of your head forward. Pull the rest of your hair back into a sleek ponytail. Tease the front portion and position with some height toward the middle of the head. Secure with bobby pins.” Secure the style with light hair spray.

Slick

Dressed up or dressed down, Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez can be seen in this look wherever they go. Celebrity Stylist Carmine Mindardi says the slicked back high ponytail “exposes your features and becomes about the makeup, skin and eyes.” He adds “If you’re looking to play up your features, this is a great look for any occasion.” To style, start with clean, straight hair. Brush hair into a high crown ponytail with a wide paddle brush. Follow the line of your cheekbone straight up and back when deciding on the most natural height of your ponytail. Secure the pony with an elastic. Rub a dime-sized amount of gel into wet hands and smooth hair back. For an ultra-cool look, take a 1-inch section of hair from the underside of your ponytail and wrap it up and around the ponytail to hide the elastic. Secure loose ends with bobby pins. Smooth stray hairs with a light hairspray.

Messy

The messy high ponytail like the one sported by Ariana Grande of Victorious, still accentuates cheekbones and features while staying casual. To style, start with clean, slightly damp hair. Rub a dime-sized amount of gel into wet hands and apply throughout hair. Tease hair slightly with large-toothed comb. Pull hair loosely back into a high ponytail. Follow the line of your cheekbone to find the most natural place to secure the ponytail. When in doubt, aim higher. Secure ponytail with an elastic. Scrunch the ponytail with damp hands and finish blow drying with a diffuser to keep hair full.