Perfect Ponytail: The Stella McCartney way

Ponytails are not just for schoolgirls and bad hair days. They can also make a chic statement once done properly and in style – as demonstrated at the Stella McCartney FW13 runway show.

Sleek, glamorous and humidity-friendly, we asked artistic director at Aveda, Antoinette Beenders, to share with us the trick of the trade for that perfect ponytail.

Firstly, she explains to us the important part which is usually overlooked while styling a ponytail; that is texture! To get a nice smooth texture on any type of hair, there is only one way to proceed and she shows us how:

Step 1: First apply conditioner on your hair to protect it from the heat of the hairdryer and straightener. Then add some straightening cream to prevent moisture and smoothen the hair.

Step 2: Separate the hair into two parts. Proceed to blow dry using a hairdryer. Once that is done, brush the hair back towards the neck. Use the straightening iron to smoothen perfectly and for a shiny finish, use hairspray.

Step 3: Secure the hair with an elastic band at the neck. Wrap a lock of hair around it to conceal the elastic band and put pins at the base of the tail to keep it in place.

Step 4: Run the straightening iron over the ponytail again to make it last the whole day. Lastly, use hairspray one last time for that shiny perfection!

For more information about Aveda products, visit their site here

Tracy Kitenge