Don't let the hot summer weather become an instant hair wrecker. Ponytails are a great off-the-neck hair option for any season, but especially this one. Battle heat, humidity, frizz and fly-a-ways by turning your Plain Jane pony into something with pizzazz. If you think ponytails are hairstyles only reserved for dog bathing and baseball parks, think again - whether you're a casual chick, a working woman or a date night diva, Charm's got the solution to your summertime hair affair.
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Mary Hackett, Longview
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Beth Bailey, Longview
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Zoie Perry, Hallsville
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Ashley Crews, Longview
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Keeping it casual
Low ponytails provide a look that's casual and sporty - the perfect 'do for running around town or eating an afternoon lunch with some friends. Stylist Cat Nash at Salon Jes in Longview gives simple instruction on how to achieve this easy, breezy style.
1. With clean, dry hair, curl strands in long, loose locks using your curling iron or flat iron.
2. Once hair is curled, section your hair at the front of the scalp in a half-circle section for the front lift (use a 2- to 3-inch section)
3. Curl your hair up and away from your face.
4. Lightly tease, then pin back with a pin.
5. Pull your hair into a low side ponytail.
6. Finally, use a light holding spray.
Cat also showed us how to add a touch of sophistication to this ponytail.
1. Section the back of your hair into a ponytail.
2. Part your hair on either side of the bangs area up, leaving sides down.
3. Take the top section of your hair (starting from the back), and tease it in 1- to 2-inch sections working forward.
4. When nearing the bang area, flatiron sections backward before teasing.
5. When you reach your desired height for your front bump, comb your hair into a smooth "poof."
6. Pin the section at the top of the ponytail.
7. Take the sides of your hair and smooth them straight back, one at a time while wrapping the end of each side section around your ponytail to hide the hairband.
8. Pin underneath ponytail, and use a light, workable spray while styling until desired look is created.
On the clock
Perfectly pulled and slicked back hair tied up in a ponytail is a great look for the working woman. It's a chic and sleeker style than the casual pony, and you can wear this look to the office to feel fancy, fresh and fabulous! Stylist Marisha Allen at Divine Appointment in Longview shows us how to get this look.
1. Before styling, blow dry your hair with a texture smoothing lotion.
2. Pull your hair into a ponytail. Be careful to leave out bangs and a square of hair on the top.
3. Smooth the sides down with a sculpting paste.
4. Back comb the square of hair on top to give cushion for a slight bump. Smooth hair back and pin to ponytail.
5. Take some hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the band to cover the band and hair pins.
6. Hairspray for fly-a-ways and a finished look.
After hours
There are a variety of hair updos to choose from for a night out on the town. Why not keep your style simple yet sophisticated by opting for a ponytail? It may not sound elegant, but with a few tips from Kimberly Benoit, stylist at Rumours Spalon in Longview, your hair will be looking hot for a fun evening out with your main squeeze or with your favorite group of girls.
1. Start by covering your locks with a thickening agent to add texture.
2. Then, divide your hair into three sections and position into diagonal back parts. Take each strand and curl them in opposite directions.
3. Decide which direction you want your ponytail to go. If you have bangs, plan to pull your pony in the opposite direction of your head. Loosely pull your locks in the direction you've chosen.
4. Use your own hair instead of rubber bands to tie your hair. Tie a section clockwise, then another counterclockwise, then clockwise again. Pin it.
5. Finish this 'do by spraying a glossing mist over your hair to keep hair looking romantic, but allowing for a firm hold.
