Hair styling trends for autumn/winter 2011: ponytails

Get set for the new season with our preview of the hair styling trends that will inspire celebrities, stylists and fashion-lovers alike this Autumn/Winter.

No longer merely a schoolgirl staple, the ponytail is a new catwalk classic. The popularity of the pony is thanks in part to its ability to look chic or street with just a few tweaks - versatile, simple to achieve and adaptable to flatter any face shape - it's no wonder this traditionally summer staple is set to remain a winner right through to winter. 

Two contrasting versions of the pony prevailed on the catwalk this season: the severe dominatrix look and a looser, low-slung style. At Marc Jacobs, the strict S&M feel of the collection was enhanced with a tightly pulled pony, high on the head, while at David Koma poker straight ponies were spiced up with strips of black leather bound around the head. 

Offering a lighter look and perpetuating last season's puritan trend, both the Vera Wang and Burberry shows showed simple low-slung styles with centre partings. Secured below the nape at the top of the spine, this simple style oozes an effortlessly undone innocence. Make the ponytail your own by playing with placement, parting and texture for a customised look suitable for any style.

Paul Hanlon and the TIGI Creative Team created a sophisticated, sleek ponytail to mirror the fluidity of fabrics used in the collection.

1. Wet down clean hair with Catwalk by TIGI Sleek Mystique Fast Fixx Style Prep and blow-dry with a centre parting.

2. Work Catwalk by TIGI Your Highness Root Boost through the roots to shape hair back, away from the face. Mist with water to create a gel-like effect then use a wide comb to set ridge marks into the hair, alternating with a smaller comb for a less uniform look.

3. Fix the ends of the hair into a narrow, neat pony securing with a tight elastic. Add a final spray of Catwalk by TIGI Sleek Mystique Look Lock Hairspray.

Adam Reed of Percy & Reed worked with the F.A.M.E. Team and BaByliss Pro to create a high ponytail dubbed 'The Bend' - a softly waved style.

1. Prepare hair using the BaByliss Pro Volare hairdryer, directing heat at the roots and using fingers to lift for gentle volume.

2. Use the BaByliss Pro Conical Wand (in either medium or small depending on the length and thickness of the hair) to create movement. Hold sections of hair around the barrel, then move the wand up and down internally to create 'The Bend' shape for a finish between a full curl and a wave.

3. Pull hair into a high ponytail and secure. For a softer, more deconstructed feel do not use a brush or comb when creating the style.

Square top afros, Kid 'n Play and the Fresh Prince all inspired the ponytails created by Luke Hersheson for L'Oréal Professionnel. 

1. Use a bottle of L'Oréal Professionnel tecni.art Play Ball Texture Tonic to create extreme texture in the hair. Backcomb the top section, then smooth down with the back of the brush.

3. Pull the sides tight and cinch in to create a high boxy-shaped pony. 

4. Use a medium tong to push a dent in the front of the top panel to create a quiff shape.

5. Use a hairdryer to blow liberal amounts of hairspray on the top section, setting firmly in place. 

Sean Dawson and the Sebastian Cult Team created low-slung ponytails to compliment the structural clothing.

1. Smooth Sebastian Taming Elixir through the hair, gathering at the nape in a low ponytail.

 2. Wrap a weft of hair around the ponytail and secure in place with pins to ensure the length of the hair is consistent. 

3. Finally, incorporate a strip of suede ribbon and bring this around the crown, and let it drop down either side of the ponytail encasing the hair. 

4. To finish, using a piece of leather strap, bind the hair in place securing the ponytail and use Sebastian Shine Define Spray.