summer hairstyle ponytail

Photograph: Peter Rosa; Hair Styling Products: Courtesy of Companies

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Pony Up!
Looking for an easy updo? Elevate your ponytail by following DJ's simple strategy.

1. Add texture: If hair is coarse, rub a quarter-size dollop of styling gel between your palms and run your hands through wet hair from roots to ends. For fine hair, mist with texturizing spray.

2. Blow-dry hair straight.

3. Brush hair straight back and fasten tightly with a bungee cord elastic (for coarse hair) or a coated elastic (for fine hair) just below the crown. For a sassier look, place the pony higher.

4. Smooth the hair around the hairline and nape with pomade (for coarse hair) or hairspray (for fine hair). To tame flyaways, spritz a little hairspray on a toothbrush and brush them down.

5. Take a one-inch piece of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic. Secure it with a hairpin rather than a bobby pin so you can weave it into the base of the tail. Add glamour with a chic accessory.


Your Product Kit:
Aloxxi Gel Wax ($20; Aloxxi.com), L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Boost It Air-Blown Texture Mist ($4; Target.com), Mason Pearson Handy Mixture Hair Brush ($150; COBigelow.com), RickyCare Bungees ($7 for six; RickysNYC.com), and Garnier Ultra Strong Sheer Set Breathable Hold Hairspray ($6; Drugstore.com).