Shecky’s

When the temperature rises, the first thing we do (after sweat and panic) is throw our hair up. Having a long mane get ick-tastic with frizz and sweat (ewww!) is not our idea of a pleasant feeling, and we doubt it’s yours either. BUT, we don’t need to forgo style in the name of this heat any longer! Here are some takes on your everyday ponytail for fresh, new, inspired versions of a classic look.

Wrapped Pony: Instead of rocking a regular old elastic (or worse: a scrunchy!) to throw hair up, try wrapping your hair around other hair for a twisted creation, like this version sported by Amy Adams. This isn’t the topsy-turvy hairigami of yore; it’s sure to cause major looks (in a good way) with girls and guys alike. Simply twist strands from the bottom of the pony around an elastic that matches your mane, and secure with hair pins!

Teased: For a runway-inspired pony, slick hair back with a comb or brush and secure at the middle of your head with an elastic. Then tease the pony tail-ed hair, brushing against the grain with a comb and spraying with a firm hold hairspray. Your pony will be full of texture but so secured in the front that you’ll look like you came straight from fashion week.

Side Pony: This works with any kind of tresses, because all it involves is a simple (mis)placement of a classic pony! Curly or straight, wavy or otherwise, make like Brittany Snow and pull hair back into a sleek pony and simply secure on the side of your head rather than right in the center. Sweep the pony onto your shoulder for a dramatic look. Très chic!

Messy: Ponies don’t have to be super slicked back to be sexy, evidenced next time you rock a messy tail. If you have layers or angles, forget clipping and spraying every single piece back. Take a cue from Cameron Diaz and let shorter pieces fall where they may. Leave strands curly or straight, depending on your preference. Spray with a non-sticky but firm holding spray to control that chaotic look.

The Poof: Okay, so we’d be lying if we said this wasn’t just a little Snooki-inspired (Jersey Shore is returning this week…) but Jessica Alba has a polished take on the shore style. Collect hair at the top and tease from underneath to create height. Take the rest of your strands and gather into a [preferably] high pony, sleeking back sides around the poof, and spraying it all for a sleek style. We have a fab hairstyle situation!

-Lynden Halpern

GIRL TALK TIME: What’s your favorite way to rock a pony? What warm weather hairstyle is your fave? Do you dig these styles?