Ponytails
 
Ponytails are back and looking fabulous, but only if you know how to get perfect results. Here are David Barron's ten top tips to make sure you wear your pony with style...

"Sleek ponytails are the cool look this season for long hair. To create this look using a bristle brush, take some Barex serum and smooth it all over the hair, then brush the pony tail into a central point, either low below the ears, middle height or high towards the crown. Secure your long hair with a band; I like to cover the band by wrapping a piece of long hair around and over it. Finally, use CHI Shine Infusion spray to finish for a shiny, sleek, perfect look," says David Barron, owner of Barron's London Salon.

David also mentions, "Help your face look instantly slimmer by making your ponytail high on the crown; it draws the eye up, making your face look thinner. While gathering the long hair, lift up your chin, as this eliminates puffiness at the nape of the neck and gives you a smooth, even look."

"I love a sexy ponytail which has a natural, rather than a severe effect.

A great look is to part your long hair on the side and leave the front section of the long hair to fall to the side. Then tie back the hair in a loose, low ponytail and let random sections fall out for an effortless, boho, beautiful effect," adds David Barron.

"Side ponytails are hot! Secure your long hair to one side and use a little Barex serum and some grips that match your hair color to keep the long hair on the other side to the 'tail' tidy. For a couture finish, take your ponytail, braid it and then pin the braid up, flat against the back of the head," says David Barron.

Additionally, David Barron cautions, "Don't pull long hair back too tight, as repeated stress on the hair follicles can cause traction hair loss. Do use a thick fabric covered band and rub a little conditioner into the fabric. This will help to protect the hair from trichorrexis (where the hair is repeatedly rubbed and starts to tear)."

However, David Barron states, "Nothing can beat the classic scraped back ponytail which is really clean, yet creates quite a strong statement. I recommend using a hair spray such as CHI Texturizing spray, especially on the sides so it is as neat as possible, then secure with a fabric covered band."

"For the ultimate ponytail, blow-dry long hair using a nozzle and keep it  pointing down to smooth the cuticle and prevent frizz. Then, using a thin elastic band, put your long hair into either a high or low ponytail. For the 'piece de resistance' which will rid the style of all those annoying flyaway hairs that spoil a sleek look, take a small amount of Barex serum in your hand, rub it together and lightly smooth over the hair. Voila - the sleekest ponytail ever!" exclaims David Barron.

David continues, "The natural textured ponytail says 'minimum fuss' and works
because it is supposed to look as though you've slept in it. Do not use a brush, just scrape your long hair back loosely with the fingers, leaving some long hair out around the sides. The ponytail itself should look sexily tousled with a bit of volume. Dampen the hair slightly and spray in some CHI Texturizing spray. Scrunch dry on medium heat with a blow dryer. If more density is required use a little mousse."

David Barron mentions that in his experience, "A ponytail is easier to achieve on long hair which isn't freshly washed. It also helps if long hair is very slightly damp. Try using a piece of wet string to tie your long hair back instead of your usual band - it won't slip out and doesn't damage your hair. Avoid uneven bumps in your long hair by using a densely bristled brush to grab hold of every hair for a smoother finish."