New York Fashion Week has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to stop ogling the best beauty looks to come out of the Fall 2015 shows. That’s especially because, unlike the clothes, you don’t actually *have* to wait for next season to start wearing the biggest trends. For us, the one have-to-try-now style was the runway ponytail. The look was everywhere, paired with both the most casual of get-ups and the fanciest gowns, and done up in a ton of easy-to-DIY ways. And when we say “easy,” we mean it: scroll below to learn how to hack the best NYFW ponytails in one minute flat.
Side Knot Pony
The pretty messy ponys at Nicholas K are just the right amount of everyday undone, and looks especially cute on two-tone hair. (Photo via Fernanda Calfat/Getty)
Step 1: Side Part + Two Side Sections
First comb your hair over into an extreme side part and pull all of your hair over to the side of your head where the part is heavier. Then separate into two sections.
Step 2: Knot It Up
Take those two sections and tie them together into a knot just like you would the first step in tying your shoe.
Step 3: Tie Off + Disguise
Once you get the knot in place, rejoin the two sections of hair to create one ponytail, then use a thin elastic to tie off. To hide the elastic and complete this look, grab a small piece of hair, wrap it around the elastic and secure with a bobby pin.
French Twist Pony
Hervé Léger’s girls sported a strong yet feminine French twist that we took in a more romantic direction. (Photos via Fernanda Calfat/Getty)
Step 1: Side Part + Top Section
First comb your hair over placing a deep side part and then grab the top section of hair (what would be your bangs if you have them) and lift it up to keep the direction of hair at an angle.
Step 2: Twist Twist Twist!
Begin to twist your hair, pulling the twist up and away around two inches from your hair-line. When you get to a point where that section is fully twisted, pick up another section to add into this twist, just like you would if you were doing a French braid.
Step 3: Complete Twist + Tie Off
When you get to the nape of your neck, tie off each twist with a thin elastic.
Step 5: Crossover + Twist Again
Now take the two sections of hair that you tied off with elastics, twist them across and together to create a single ponytail. To keep the twisted ponytail from unwinding, add a bobby pin to the top right where the two twisted sections meet in the center of the back of your head.
Step 6: Make It Romantic
To complete this look, gently pull apart the top section of the twisted ponytail you just pinned. This effect will completely soften this look, making it more care-free and romantic. If you want a more refined finish, just skip this step.
It’s a gorgeous take on a traditional crown braid in the back, and looks like a vintage dream in the front!
Flip + Clip
Tresses at Suno were topsy turvy yet still totally chic – a flirty look that’s first date-approved. (Photo via Mireya Acierto/Getty)
Step 1: Prep + Smooth
You want to use a smoothing agent like Rusk Deepshine Anti-Friz Spray ($15) to tame your flyaways and help shape and shine your hair. Apply all around the perimeter of your head then comb back your hair to set it.
Step 2: Chic Ponytail
Once you’ve got your hair into a smooth ponytail that hits right above the nape of your neck, use the same anti-frizz spray on your ponytail and comb through to give it that smooth, clean finish.
Step 3: Clip It
Fold the ponytail up in half and secure in place with a chic clip ($14), leaving the ends of the ponytail out to complete the look.
We love the casual way the ends fall over the clip, but if you wanted less of the fringe effect, simply secure your hair nearer to the ends. Just know you’ll be missing out on an adorable photo op (see below).
Posh Twist Pony
Spotted at the Victoria Beckham show, we’re calling this sculptural ponytail posh for obvious reasons. It’s our new go-to style to wear with our LBDs. (Photo via @victoriabeckham)
Step 1: High Pony + Smooth Down
Pull all of your hair up into a high ponytail and secure with an elastic. Then, slick back your hair using the TIGI Bed Head Hair Stick ($13). Run the waxy stick along your ponytail smoothing down all around your head. To make it blend well, gently comb over from your hairline back towards your ponytail with a fine tooth comb.
Step 2: Twist + Pin
Twist your ponytail until you it starts to twist over on itself again at the base where your elastic is in place. Hold this fold over with your other hand to secure with bobby pins.
Step 4: Pin Half Bun
Start by placing a bobby pin at the top of the little half bun you created and then finish by pinning at the bottom. You can cross pin (using two bobby pins in an “X” formation) if you have thicker hair and need the extra reinforcement.
It looks even more posh on profile.
Headband Pony
The prep school-inspired hair at Richard Chai made it official: the headband is back. Paired with a twiste low bun, it’s an accessory *destined* for the office. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)
Step 1: Prep For Headband
Quickly pull your hair up into a high messy bun just to get your hair out of the way.
Step 2: Headband Up
Now with your hair out of the way, slip on your headband. You can use any headband your little heart desires, in this case we just went with classic black like this Yoga Stretch Cotton Headband ($2).
Step 3: Messy Twisted Low Bun
Let your hair down and use your fingers to comb through and secure a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. It is okay if your hairs are a little messy, frizzy or out of place: this will only add to the playfulness of this look. Twist your ponytail around allowing all of your baby hairs or layers to fly out. When you get to the end, use a couple bobby pins to keep it in place.
Step 4: Mess It Up
Loosen and mess up the top portion of your hair to drive home this relaxed look.
It’s the perfect mix of pretty and messy.
What runway hair left you drooling? Tell us which NYFW looks you’d love to DIY in the comments below.
