How-To: The Sleek Ponytail You'll Wear Out All Summer

By Jessie Amato & Powered By L’Oreal Professional Products Division

As much as we love sporting down-to-there waves and sleek blowouts, the heat and humidity of summertime can quickly turn your mane into a frizzy, flat mess. When the temperatures start to rise, we’re always on the lookout for breezy, sweat-proof hairstyles that can keep your hair in check (and off of your neck). If you’re searching for a simple and stylish ‘do to beat the summer heat, you can’t go wrong with a ponytail.

Looking to master the perfect summer pony? We teamed up with Casondra Rolph, Redken artist, to teach you how to style a sleek ponytail that’s perfect for the pool, beach, or a rooftop bar. Whether you have mid-length dark brown hair or super long ash blonde strands, keep scrolling for a step-by-step guide.

How To Style A Sleek Ponytail

For this look, you’ll want to start with clean, blow dried hair. If you’re already on day two post-shampoo, use the Redken Dry Shampoo Powder 02 to absorb oil and give your mane light, clean volume.

Begin your hairstyle by sectioning off the back half of your hair starting from behind your ears. Then, create a side part on the left or right side of your head.

Comb the back section to smooth the hair and remove any knots or tangles.

Use a clear elastic to secure the back half of your hair into a low ponytail.

Once the back section of hair is secured, begin combing the hair on the opposite side of where your hair is parted. Then, pull this segment back over the base of your ponytail and wrap it around the elastic. When you’ve finished wrapping the hair, use a bobby pin to hold it in place.

Divide the heavy side of your part into two even sections—top and bottom. Comb through the bottom section of hair and apply a few spritzes of the Redken Fashion Works 12 Versatile Working Spray. This award-winning hairspray for color-treated hair is a versatile formula for working, shaping, and finishing styles flawlessly while vitamins C and E protect hair and help prevent color fade.

Wrap this section around the base of the ponytail and secure it with a bobby pin. Then, repeat this step with the remaining section of hair.

To complete the look, use a brush or a comb to tease the ponytail for extra volume and use a high-hold hairspray like the Redken Control Addict 28 to set your style. This extra strong-hold, anti-humidity hairspray holds hair in place for 24 hours without residue or flaking.

Now that you’re equipped with Rolph’s expert tips and tricks, keep this tutorial bookmarked to create the perfect sleek summer ponytail whenever you want!

Interested in more expert styling tips? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.

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