Want fuss-free hair with instant anti-ageing effects? Look no further than this season’s standout hairstyle, the ponytail.

The tied-up tail was the key look backstage during the Fashion Week calendar, appearing relentlessly in a myriad of forms – and ponies are set to make a reappearance for spring/summer season too.

Celebrity stylist Danilo summarised the hair outlook, exclaiming: “Trends, trends, trends… ponytails!”

While the look is fabulous for flowing Kim Kardashian hair, the humble pony can work on shorter hair with equally striking results, and, if you’re really suffering with swing envy, there are a variety of realistic hairpieces that can be matched with your own colour.

This styling classic is ripe for endless reinvention and unique spins. High and poker-straight or low and tousled, Pantene ambassador Sam McKnight dubs the staple style “the youthful way of putting your hair up”, so it’s well worth the hairspray and hairband effort.

Here’s how to pull off the ponytails of the season…..

The show pony

In keeping with this season’s minimalist and fetish fashion trends, the statement way to wear your pony is sleek, high and oh so architectural.

At Louis Vuitton and Emanuel Ungaro, ponies were high and jaunty with an almost lacquered shine for a don’t-mess-with-me dominatrix edge.

Benefits: An instantly taught face – think ‘Croydon facelift’ with class. The most assertive-looking ponytail if you want to look like you mean business.

How to: To get the sleek and shiny look, mist on a straightening spray and use straighteners to create flat-iron hair.

Pull high above the crown of the head with a comb and secure with a plain black band that screams power – leave any fussy accessories to one side.

Finish with a smoothing serum for high polished drama.

The classic pony

Its in-between height, sitting pretty halfway up your head, makes this style the most versatile in the pony club.

Jaeger London went sporty and sleek, while House of Holland opted for tumbling glamourous waves demonstrating this pony’s adaptable appeal.

Add a modern spin by concealing the band with your own hair for a seamless touch.

Benefits: The mid-height pony is the classic that exerts youthful ballerina chic. Wear tight for a taught look that shows off your cheekbones.

How to: Prep your hair according to your required finish. If you’re in a rush, go au naturel, or try teasing into curls.

Use your hands to pull hair just below the crown of the head for a natural look and secure with a skinny hairband.

Next, remove a thick strand from your pony, spritz with hairspray and wrap around the band. Grip in place to disguise the hairband completely.

The low-key pony

When you want your outfit to speak volumes, a low ponytail nipped into the nape of your neck is the instant hair fix to balance any razzle dazzle.

Valentino and Gianfranco Ferre both channelled a demure look with low pony positioning and wispy strands for a softer take on the trend.

Add effortless ‘I’ve-just-got-out-of-bed’ beauty by wearing your pony tousled and textured or add variation by wearing to one side.

Benefits: More of an afterthought style, the low ponytail is the way to pull off relaxed glamour. Wear with volume at the crown for added height.

How to: To construct a textured low pony, take a paddle brush through your hair. Add volume and body by spraying a texturiser in sections, starting at roots.

Next, scoop the hair back loosely with thick hairbands in black, blonde, brown or red to match your hair colour.

Slightly pull out hair at the sides so that it rests over the ears rather than behind them and finish with a spritz of maximum hold hair spray.

Tried & tested

Goodbye kohl….. the latest gel effect eyeliner pencils boast staying power and intense colour. Our testers draw the line with three contenders.

• Revlon Grow Luscious Lash Liner in Onyx, £6.29 (0800 085 2716)

4/5

• Max Factor Liquid Effect Pencil in Black Fire, £6.99 (Boots/Superdrug)

5/5

• Chantecaille Gel Liner Pencil in Jet, £27 (www.spacenk.co.uk)

3/5

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