It’s partly because the ponytail is at home on the red carpet as it is while you’re in your trackies, doing the vaccuming.
In fact, hairstylist Michael Beel of Salute Hair and Day Spa, is a huge fan of the pony for a ‘going-out’ occasion for it’s low-maintenance style.
He says it’s all very well if you want a glamourous wave or blow-out like the A-listers, but if you’re not willing to commit the time and money to sitting at the hairdresser for hours, a pony can look just as elegant.
“If you want great party hair, set aside the time to either go into a salon and get it done, or ensure you have a good hour or two to dry and style with a tool like a straightener or Dyson Airwrap, then allow it to fully cool while you’re doing you makeup or getting dressed.”
If you don’t have that time, he suggests a pony is quick and easy but still looks chic. “I love a sleek ponytail or a ballet-style bun for an event, anything with a nice clean parting.”
He says you also don’t have to worry about retouching, or hair being blown about in the wind or the rain, and it still looks just as good at the end of the night.
Slicked-back Ponytail a Popular Look
Stars have been wearing the slicked back ponytail since Audrey Hepburn was among the old Hollywood stars that made it popular, but in recent times it’s become inescapable again.
The minimal look lets your face (and any jewellery) be the focus, and never looks fussy or overdone.
However you may have always wondered how to get the very smooth, clean finish where hair is pulled back. This is especially true if, like us, you experience breakage around the hairline, resulting in wayward pieces sticking out, or wiry grey hairs beginning to poke through.
While using a dense-bristle brush to gather hair back is a great idea, stylists also have another secret weapon up their sleeves: it’s called a hair wax stick.
Using solidified plant oils and waxes, the hair wax sticks provide enough grip to smooth down flyaway and slick or style back edges, holding them in place all day or night. The sticks provide a sleek, glossy finish and lasting hold for hair.
Another great reason to try? The look works on less-than clean hair. In fact, Sofia Richie shares that she styles her ponytail or bun with a hair mask or treatment in it, but hair wax sticks are also generally created with nourishing ingredients, so hair is left in great condition after use.
How to Use a Hair Wax Stick
Wash and towel-dry your hair or start with slightly damp hair. This helps with manageability.
Use a tail comb to create a parting, then comb or brush your hair back into the desired slick-back style.
Apply the stick directly on the hair focusing around the hairline, to smooth and tame flyaways and baby hairs. Then, if desired, use a comb or brush to again smooth the hair back to help the wax integrate with your hair style.
Using an old clean toothbrush to smooth and place hairs at this stage after wax is applied, is another trick employed by many stylists.
The sticks are useful to travel with and some brands, like Mermade Hair, also create mini versions that are useful to pop in the handbag.
If you hair is bleached or damaged, look for one with treatment benefits, like the Kristin Ess Anytime Anywhere Recovery Balm, which is infused with coconut and castor oils to deeply condition and add moisture to dry hair.
Hair Sticks We Love
While they do have varying ingredients, you don’t have to go for anything wildly fancy. These are the sticks we’ve tried and loved, so swipe away!
Try these: Kristin Ess Recovery Balm Stick; Mermade Hair Wax Stick; R+Co Dart Pomade Stick; Briogeo Yuzu + Plum Oil Sleek Stick
