Formal Ponytail: How to Create A Textured Ponytail - StyleList

Debra Messing wears a textured ponytail at the 2009 Golden Globes. Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty ImagesAny girl with curls knows a sleek ponytail is almost impossible -- especially during the summer (hello, humidity). But according to Ted Gibson, celebrity stylist and Hair Basics expert, it's entirely possible.Need proof? Gibson gave chinese remi Debra Messing a stylish textured ponytail for a red carpet event--with not a frizz or flyaway in sight.The most important step? Your brush choice.With highly textured hair, the key to achieving a sleek ponytail - i.e. minimize frizz and maximize shine - is a boar and nylon bristle brush. The double-bristle brush works with your hair, not against it, to create a smooth, frizz-free finish.To recreate Messing's voluminous ponytail, Gibson suggests using a small barrel curling to emphasize and define the curl. Tip: When wrapping the hair around the iron, leave the ends out to create a curl that looks more natural as opposed to a Shirley Temple curl.Watch the video and click through the gallery below for more of Gibson's tips and tricks to create this perfectly polished, textured ponytail. hair bulk Celebrity stylist and Hair Basics expert Ted Gibson shows you how to make it happen -- effortlessly.Peter Buckingham Hair Basics: Textured PonytailBrush Hair BackThe key to achieving a sleek ponytail -- with highly textured hair -- is the right tools. To minimize frizz and maximize shine, a boar and nylon bristle brush is essential. The double-bristle brush works with your hair, not against it, to create a smooth, frizz-free finish. Use the brush to smooth the hair into a sleek ponytail.Hair Basics: Textured PonytailFasten PonytailWrap a bungee elastic around the base of the ponytail and secure. The reason for the bungee? It holds better and doesn't leave the tell-tale dent when removed.Hair Basics: Textured PonytailDisguise the ElasticIf you don't have an elastic that blends with your hair color, hide it. Remove a small strand of hair from underneath the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic. And secure the end of the strand with a bobby pin.Hair Basics: Textured PonytailAdd TextureIf you have lots of texture, use a small barrel curling iron on a few strands to emphasize and define the curl. Styling tip: when wrapping the hair around the iron,bulk hair leave the ends out. It creates a curl that looks more natural as opposed to contrived.Hair Basics: Textured PonytailApply a Shine LotionTo tame lingering frizz or flyaways, apply a shine lotion to the hair. Using a nickel to quarter size amount, warm it between the palms of your hands and smooth it over the crown area. Finger comb any remaining product through the ponytail.Hair Basics: Textured PonytailThe Finished LookA sleek and stylish textured ponytail.Hair Basics: Textured Ponytail