THE LOW PONY
This sleek style never goes out of fashion – which is probably why we’ve spotted it (again!) on the Fall/Winter 2015 runways. Rina Kil, creative director of The Comb, says: “On the runway, the low pony sticks close to the head, but that can look severe on those with flatter heads. To fix that, tease the hair at the back to create a rounder shape before smoothing the top layer of hair with a fine-toothed comb.”
Ken Hong, salon director at Evolve Salon, adds: “Use a serum like John Frieda Frizz Ease Original 6 Effects Serum ($16.90) to control flyaway strands.” Another tip from Ken: For a sleeker look, keep your hair close to your nape when tying the ponytail.
THE HALF-UP PONY
“Start by using a spray wax like Toni & Guy Hair Meet Wardrobe Creative Style Spray Wax ($22.90),” says Rina. “This will add texture and volume to dry hair.”
For an easier take on the effortlessly chic look shown above, section your hair at ear level, gather the top half into a ponytail, make a loop and secure it with a hair tie.
THE UPDATED TWIST
This style has a slightly wet look, so Ken suggests mixing a soft gel like Goldwell Style Sign 4 Lagoom Jam Volume Gel ($32) with water before working it into your hair. Then, twist the hair on each side of your head using the opposite hand – for example, use your right hand to twist the hair on the left side of your head. “This keeps each twist close to the scalp, so the style stays in place for longer,” says Ken.
When you reach the nape, either pin down the twists and leave the ends loose, or coil the twists into a neat bun and secure with bobby pins.
A HEAD OF BRAIDS
Braids don’t need to look school-girlish at all. For a simple take on runway-worthy braids, first create a centre parting. Then, starting at or near the top of the head, plait the hair on one side of the parting and secure with a hair tie; do the same for the other side. You can choose to combine the two braids into one at the nape, or leave them separate.
To give your braids texture and hold, scrunch a dry texture paste like Oscar Blandi Pronto Braid Paste ($36) into dry hair before styling. Ken says: “Make sure you start with a tight braid to create structure. Once you’ve secured the braids, you can use your fingers to gently loosen them.”
This story was originally published in the October 2015 issue of Her World magazine.
