How to create the perfect polished ponytail

No longer just for schoolgirls and gym goers, top fashion houses are reclaiming the humble ponytail as a sleek – and achievable – up ’do. Here’s how to recreate it yourself

Today’s pony is smooth, sleek and chic

Everyone loves a good ponytail. But, the style that we first trialled in our school years is often considered just that – a childhood throwback.

Luckily though, the simple up do is making a serious statement this year with a coming of age that bolsters it a ’do to be reckoned with.

Finally, this is a hair trend that we can actually achieve at home – and we’re not talking gym bunny go-to. Oh no, this season the humble ponytail has forgone its association with laxity in favour of sleek, smooth luxury.

GHD IV Purple Styler, £109, ghdhair.com

Take Lanvin’s polished number created by hairstylist Delphine Courteille. Here, she divided the hair along a side parting, blow drying the lengths backwards and securing at the nape of the neck.

But, what really elevates this pony is the clever wrapping technique that Courteille used to disguise the hair tie. Taking a section of hair, the stylist wrapped it around, pinning and smoothing into place.

It’s a look that was replicated at Prada too, where Guido Palau styled models’ hair into neat, side-parted ponytails fastened low.

Morocconoil Boar Bristle Classic Brush, £39.85, feelunique.com

Similarly, at the Tibi spring/ summer 2017 show the hair was slick but this time parted in the centre and with an unexpected twist.

Instead of using strands of hair to conceal the fastening, models were sent down the runway sporting belts which wrapped neatly around the base of their ponytails.

Meanwhile, hair stylist Sam McKnight styled the tresses over at Chanel where the look was given a dash of Eighties flair, clasped to the side with pink baubles.

Bumble & Bumble, Thickening Hairspray, £10, selfridges.com

So, how can you recreate this look at home?

The trick here is to start with clean hair as applying too much product will make it hard to achieve a slick finished look. It’s also important to make sure your hair is flat-ironed straight so that it lies smooth.

Next, using a nylon and boar bristle brush, gather your hair together at the point you want it to sit and pick a parting; we suggest taking your cue from the runway and position your pony at the nape of your neck.

GHD, Straight & Smooth Spray, £13, net-a-porter.com

Make sure to smooth the front and sides as you brush and secure with a clear band.

To keep your locks looking sleek, apply a small amount of hair serum all over the hair to give a sheen and finish with hairspray for extra hold.

Now, all that’s left to do is decide on those finishing touches. If you want to use hair to cover your band, take a small section from underneath the ponytail and wrap it around before securing with kirby grips. Alternatively, a cut of simple ribbon will do the job just as well.