Sophisticated, simple and sweet are words used to describe your typical ponytail, but let’s be clear, this isn’t your typical ponytail. The segmented take on the gym go-to is an edgier, rock n’ roll-inspired style well-suited to supercool girls like Chrissy Teigen, Rachel McAdams and Nina Dobrev. Precisely because we didn’t want to receive the dreaded #youcantsitwithus from others, we asked Hollywood’s top hairstylists for their how-to tips.
From left: TRESemmé TRES Two Extra Firm Mousse ($6, walgreens.com); TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Smoothing Crème Serum ($6, walgreens.com); TRESemmé TRES Two Extra Firm Hold Hairspray ($4, walgreens.com)
For Teigen’s braided version on Aug. 8 (above), hairstylist John Ruggiero, who also works with Gigi Hadid and Kate Upton, raked mousse through strands for grip, then divided hair into three ponytail sections with elastics. He applied a smoothing crème serum to the tail end of each section, then plaited a three-strand braid from the top down, incorporating each section seamlessly into one braid. Next, he secured the end with an elastic, loosened the midsection with fingers and secured the style with extra firm hold hairspray.
Pro Ken O’Rourke created McAdams’ ‘do Oct. 24.
To get Dobrev’s sleek look on Oct. 20, Nine Zero One Salon pro Morgan Parks, who also works with Emma Roberts and Sarah Hyland, prepped dry strands with moisturizing cream. The first ponytail was created by taking hair behind ears and fastening at the highest point of the crown. She created two more ponytails down the nape of the neck, wrapping small pieces of hair around rubber bands to conceal any ties. After flatironing ends, she completed the look with a mist of shine spray.
