Pony Express

The Poetic Pouf

WORKS BEST FOR Hair that's naturally curly or wavy.
HOW TO DO IT This tousled backsweep is all about extreme texture. To get the look, start by pulling hair into a high ponytail—front locks should be loosened to create height. Section the ponytail into four parts and tease each from root to mid-strand for maximum volume. Define curls by using a shine serum as you twist each ringlet around your finger, forming a spiral. Swarovski crystal brooch, Regina B, reginab.com.
PRODUCT PICK Weatherproof your pouf with Salon Selectives Smooth & Shine Serum. This frizz fighter can be used on wet or dry hair to give humidity-resistant protection. $3.50.

Hair by Kristan Serafino.

The Side Order

WORKS BEST FOR Hair that can hold a curl.
HOW TO DO IT Hot-rollered tresses create this soft sideswept style. After the hair has been curled, pull it straight back, brush into an off-center ponytail, and fasten with an elastic band (wrap a tiny section of hair around the ponytail to hide elastic). Headband, Colette Malouf, colettemalouf.com.
PRODUCT PICK Pantene Pro-V Curl Shaper Anti-Frizz Crème gives your curls high definition and soft hold. Apply a small dollop on damp hair for long-lasting results. $5.99.

The Slick 'n' low

WORKS BEST FOR Straight, fine, shoulder-length hair.
HOW TO DO IT For an oh-so-now ponytail that's pulled to one side, begin with a blowout, using mousse and a holding spray on damp hair. Tease hair at the crown to create volume, then smooth the rest with a brush and twist into an off-center ponytail. Instead of an elastic, use a line of bobby pins on the underside of the twist, starting at the top and ending at the nape-you'll need at least 20. Side bangs add a flirty softness. Swarovski crystal hairpins, Regina B, reginab.com.
PRODUCT PICK Don't dream of teasing your tresses without first app lying John Frieda Collection Luxurious Volume Lavish Lift Root Booster. This serum thickens and protects, thanks to fixative polymers and a shot of silicone. $6.50.

The Funky Twist

WORKS BEST FOR Hair that falls to mid-back or longer.
HOW TO DO IT Start by blow-drying hair and pulling it into a ponytail at the nape with an elastic. Braid the loose hair and fasten with another elastic. Wind the plait into a bun around the ponytail base and secure with pins, leaving the ends free. Diamond earrings, Martin Flyer, martinflyer.com.
PRODUCT PICK Fear fly aways no more with Warren- Tricomi Post Blow-Drying Finishing Cream. This pre-styling product smooths while adding a shiny finish. $24.

The Fun Bun

WORKS BEST FOR Hair that's shoulder-length or longer.
HOW TO DO IT Hair pulled high is completely charming when topped with a cluster of curls. A hot-roller set will give your tresses plenty of body. Next, lightly brush hair up into a high ponytail, secure with an elastic, and divide it into four sections. Finger-roll each section into a tight curl and position with pins. Multistone earrings, Lauren K, laurenk.com.
PRODUCT PICK Give your style firm yet flexible control with Sunsilk Hold Me Forever Strong hold hairspray, a nonaerosol spritz guaranteed to keep your hair in place well into the wee hours. $3.69.

For more hairstyle ideas and inspiration, visit our Hairstyles Gallery and our Hair and Makeup Studio.