Achieve a subtly crimped ponytail

Update a sleek ponytail by adding a hint of texture for a style that’s subtle-yet-striking

marie claire Contributor / June 27 2016

“It’s always a nice surprise to see a different kind of ponytail,” says hairstylist and owner of RAW salon, Anthony Nader – and we couldn’t agree more. The key to taking crimping from the overdone 1980s and into the minimalist now is the random placement – it keeps the look subtle and creates a fashion-forward texture contrast against the sleek hair. Here’s how to do it in five simple steps. Here's how to get the look...

1

Start with straight hair

First, straighten your hair with Cloud Nine The Touch. “This will form the base of the look, making it easier to create a clean part and eliminate flyaways,” explains hairstylist and Wella ambassador Renya Xydis.

2

Boost texture

Mist a texturising spray like Matrix Style Link Texture Builder Messy Finish Spray throughout hair – this is especially important for fine hair, as it will help hold the style.

3

Divide your hair

Section hair from ear to ear, and then randomly crimp slim sections of the top layer only, from roots to ends (crimping underneath adds too much volume and will almost definitely result in a #TBT moment).

4

Comb it through

Lightly comb through hair and “brush out some of the crimped sections, so they blend with the straightened hair”. The lack of defined lines and sections are key.

5

Create a part

Part your hair with a tail comb (such as Lady Jayne Tail Comb) either in the centre or on your preferred side, then smooth hair into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck.

A beauty editor and vitamin C fanatic who has worked across a range of print and digital publications, including Stellar, marie claire, Gritty Pretty and Badlands Journal.