Steve Rowbottom, co-director of the leading UK salon group Westrow, discusses a key trend this autumn-winter: the Power Ponytail.
Ponytails are no longer seen as the low-maintenance go-to style for bad hair days: they have become a mainstay on the red carpet, as well as a catwalk fixture season after season. At Fashion Week A/W18, Off-White, House of Holland and Mark Fast all showcased the glamorous simplicity of a slick power pony, while at Palmer Harding, the traditional ponytail was reconstructed, with hair wrapped into a loop and ends left un-tucked for an effortless-looking finish.
These modern ponytails are incredibly fierce-looking, yet manage to tick so many wearability boxes: they have an ultra-feminine feel, yet they give off a powerful message that says you mean business. This new type of pony requires plenty of length – extensions if necessary – with enough hair left to wrap around the base of the pony or into a loop. To re-create the new season’s reconstructed pony, blow-dry the hair smooth, and run through with straighteners to create a glassy finish. Pull the hair back into a super-tight, mid-height ponytail (to keep the look very AW18 either opt for a deep side parting or no parting) and secure with a band. Finally, twist the length of the pony until it coils back on itself and pin in place, leaving the ends sticking out, for an undone finish. Hairspray is a must to ensure the look remains slick and flyaway-free.
