Styling trends for autumn/winter 2010: ponytails

From urban chic at House of Holland, to pretty 50s styles at Louis Vuitton, ponytails remain a modern catwalk classic. This versatile trend can be adapted to suit most styles, so whether you position it high on the head for a preppy look, or add tonged tendrils for a feminine finish, the ponytail isn't quite so simple this season. 

Shay Dempsey, global creative stylist for Sebastian Professional, was responsible for the hair at House of Holland, and explains: "Downtown Harlem ghetto girls were our inspiration for this look, with voluminous playful ponytails placed high on the head and to one side, styled with pastel hued bandanas." 

To achieve the look, hair needs to be prepped with a volumising product, smoothed through from root to tip, and blow-dried with a paddle brush. To style, Shay explains: "Secure the ponytail towards the front left of the head. Take three of four sections and wrap them around big barrel tongs to create waves, then back-brush underneath to create volume. Smooth over with a Mason Pearson brush, and form in to a ponytail, before finishing with hairspray and adding a bandana. Alternatively, for another take on the ponytail, keep it simple for a minimalist 90s feel. Wear in a clean, low parting, and secure at the nape of the neck, with loose, natural volume through the 'tail'."