The looped pony has always been a lazy solution for sweaty days. But when Diane Kruger stepped out wearing this elegant version, we were shocked to see how a cute ponytail could instantly become an ultra chic, upside down chignon.
How-to: "Begin by using your fingers to rake hair off your face and into a ponytail at the crown," says Kris Sorbie, education artistic director at Redken 5th Ave. "This gives the surface an organic feel." Next, cover the elastic by wrapping a small section of hair around the base, tucking ends underneath. "Lightly backcomb the ponytail for volume and roll the ends outwards and upwards to the top of the crown," says Sorbie. "Pin ends at the base and gently tug ponytail for a fanned out effect." Finish with a healthy mist of hairspray to keep all strands in place.
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Sock bun
Who doesn't love a gorgeous ballerina bun? While the term "sock bun" may make you cringe, there is no easier way to fake the big bun effect -- especially if you have lifeless, flat strands.
How-to: There are plenty of ways to create the sock bun (proof: the hundreds of tutorials on YouTube), but both Sorbie and Zinno agree the best way is the rolling technique. Using scissors, cut off the toe section of a darkly colored or black sock. Roll sock into a donut shape. Pull hair back into a ponytail and pull the ends of your pony through the hole in the center of the sock. "Spread the tips of your hair over the sock and tuck under, covering the sock," explains Sorbie. Slowly roll the sock down towards the base. With each flip downward, your hair will roll along with the sock, dispersing over the fabric. Pin hair at the base to secure the bun.
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Low braided bun
We were just as excited as the rest of the world when Kate Middleton finally wore an updo this summer. Not only because the lovely braided bun was sophisticated with just the right amount of texture, but also because it's now our go-to style for the upcoming weddings on our schedules.
How-to: Create a side part and smooth hair back into a ponytail at the nape of your neck. "Leave out 2-inch sections just above the ear on each side," says Zinno. "Braid these sections as well as the ponytail." You should now have three braids: one large and two smaller side braids. Gently loosen the ponytail by tugging outward on the big braid, then wrap the braided ponytail around the base, pinning as you go. Take the two side braids and criss-cross them at the base, pinning the remaining ends underneath the wrapped pony.
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Ponytail with French braid
French braiding the sides of your cute ponytail will give your look more texture and allow a modern pouf on top, says Zinno. The best part? Unwashed hair is ideal for this effect as it already has a messy texture. Get Sorbie's tips on how to get the look:
How-to: Spritz dry shampoo at the roots of your hair to boost volume. Split your hair from ear to ear, and tie your lower half out of the way. Then, split the top layer of hair into three equal sections: left, center, and right. Clip the middle section out of the way, then French braid the left section of hair, starting from your hairline until you reach the back of your head, where your pony would sit. Pin to secure, then repeat on the other side. "Pull the bottom half of hair into a ponytail at the crown," says Sorbie. "Then braid the three top sections together and wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail, hiding the elastic."
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Topknot with French braid
A simple topknot is so 2011. This summer, women are updating the simple updo with a party-in-the-back vibe. Creating an upside-down French braid under your topknot adds an almost hidden surprise. Plus, the polished topknot can be created in under five minutes.
How-to: "Flip your head upside down and create a traditional French braid, starting at the nape of your neck, moving up your head," says Sorbie. Once you reach the crown, pull hair into a high ponytail. Tie with an elastic, then wrap hair around the base and pin the ends. Lastly, use a pomade to smooth gravity-boosted flyaways on the top and sides of your hair.
Few things are less sexy -- or downright uncomfortable -- than a mass of hair stuck to your sweaty neck and face.
We've all been there. During the warmer season, keeping cool is nearly impossible if your hair isn't up and out of your face. Just as hemlines get shorter and sleeves disappear, bobs and tousled updos replace long and loose hairstyles.
That's not to say we don't adore beachy waves. But unless there's a refreshing ocean breeze blowing on that perfect boho hairstyle, it's going to melt -- fast. So what do we do? We turn to our tried-and-true updos: the ponytail, the topknot, the (bo-ring) styles we wore last season.
To shake things up, we called the trendiest stylists we know for their picks of the newest (and chicest) celebrity updos and easiest-to-DIY Pinterest picks. If you're bored of the same-old updos you always turn to, read on. These summer hairstyles of 2012 will have you hoping for an unbearably hot day.
