A chic alternative to the classic chignon? The textured ponytail! This easy, undone style strikes the perfect balance between glam and laid-back. Here, New York City hairstylist Matt Fugate tells you how to get it.
Build texture.
Prep the night before by sleeping with your hair in flexible rollers like Conair Styling Essentials Pillow Soft Rollers. Grab a roller, then take a section of hair and wrap it around each one, starting two inches from your scalp, and leaving the last inch out. "This creates touchable, graceful texture," says Fugate. It also sets you up for lasting hold and movement. ($6, available at drugstore.com)
Create your pony.
The next day, after brushing out the waves, separate a small Mohawk-like section on the top of your head and clip it out of the way. Then, pull the rest of your hair into a ponytail (high or low — your choice on the placement) and secure it with a bungee elastic, which gives you an extra-tight hold. Then, take the clipped-off top section and wrap that hair around the base of your ponytail to hide the elastic, securing with pins. http://www.bellasdress.com/wedding-dresses-li65869/
Im-Perfect it.
With ponytails, too much brushing can result in a too-sleek, too-perfect look. For a cooler effect, use your hands. "The more you do with your hands, the more effortless your hair will look," says Fugate. "Although you do have to put a little effort into it to make it look effortless!" Spray dry shampoo or texturizing spray (we like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray) into the tail, then work your hands through until you get the shape you like. ($42, Oribe)