As fall transitions us to cooler months, we’re partnering with our favorite style bloggers to show us how they wear this season’s hottest trends. From fashion tips and makeup trends to hairstyles and home décor, we’re excited to see how these stylistas gear up for fall weather. This week, we’re welcoming Lisa of LMP Collections to share five easy ways to elevate a basic ponytail.
Autumn is my absolute favorite time of year, and the only thing that’s worse than spending time curling your hair while it’s beautiful outside is the damage hot tools can do to your strands. During the summertime, I like to give my hair a little bit of a heat break – but it’s a great habit to get into all year round! This fall, I’ve been playing around with letting my hair air dry naturally, and then styling it from there without using straighteners or curling irons.
It’s so easy to fall back on a basic ponytail (especially when I’m in a rush), so over the past week, I’ve tried various ways to update the classic ‘do. I rounded up five fun and simple ways to elevate a ponytail, and they’re all perfect for transitioning my beauty routine for fall! Did I mention these are also easy to do on-the-go!? There’s no time to waste when we could be out picking apples or sipping pumpkin lattes!
First, let’s talk about all the products I use to prep my hair for these styles.
The number one item I need to take my hair from shower to street is a Wet Brush. It’s the gentlest brush I’ve ever tried and the only one that doesn’t pull all my hair out when it’s tangled! It’s the perfect item to have while styling some epic ponytails.
Dove Volume + Fullness Dry Shampoo is another item that’s great to always have around – I typically keep two or more bottles handy at a time. If you’re looking for a style to combat second day hair, spray dry shampoo on your roots before trying the ‘dos below. Use your fingers to make sure the product gets completely worked in!
I’ve used this Bed Head Smoothing Cream for years. My sister got me hooked on it and it works like magic! Apply a small amount of this product to wet hair before it air dries to keep your locks under control before pulling them back into a pony. Smoothing cream is perfect for any season, too – it helps tame frizzy flyaways during the summer and rids my hair of static when fall rolls around.
Finally, Dove Extra Hold Hairspray is always a styling necessity. It’s the essential finishing touch to any great ponytail!
Now that you know which tools you’ll need, we’re ready to talk about my new favorite up-dos.
1. Double Ponytails
Sometimes we all want what we can’t have, am I right? That’s how I’ve always felt about long ponytails. Thankfully, I’ve learned the trick to achieve just that – double ponytails. Yes, you read that right! I start with a half pony, and then create another one with the rest of my strands, about one or two inches below the first. The pony on top should overlap with the bottom one, making your hair look longer and fuller than ever! Crazy how something so easy can step up your ponytail game.
2. Middle Part Ponytail
Using the same double pony method from Style #1, part your hair in the middle to create a whole new look! Adding a fun bandana around the hair tie makes for a fun, girly flare – you could also wrap your hair around the tie or use a bright scrunchie!
3. Low Ponytail
Low ponytails are just so flattering on everybody! For this specific style, I parted my hair on the side and tied my pony on the opposite side. To give my locks a fuller effect, I gently teased my strands near the hair tie and at the ends, then grabbed a smaller section of hair from the pony and wrapped it around the tie. For a little something extra, don’t be afraid to play with unique bobby pins and clips! I love how modern and simple these geometric clips are.
4. Braided Ponytail
Kicking it up a notch, why not add a braid to your classic, casual pony? Start by braiding just a few pieces of hair (the section you would use for a half pony) and then secure it all with a colorful scrunchie. If you guys didn’t know, these retro hair accessories are making a comeback! Not only does this look take less than 30 seconds, but it also adds a fun retro flare to your casual fall outfit.
5. Side Ponytail
To add a bit of spunk to your side pony, secure it with a cute, colorful tie at the top and then about two or three inches down, add another colored tie. Take the hair in-between the two ponies and gently pull to make a bit of a “bubble” effect!
There you have it, ladies! These hairstyles will help you beat the heat and keep your hair healthy and strong through the end of summer and into fall.
Lisa is the fashionista behind LMP Collections, an editorial style, fashion and lifestyle blog taking inspiration from current and past trends. Follow her on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.