Elevate your ponytail game this summer

Summer is here, and so are the effortless ponytails that make the season's heat bearable. From sleek and polished to bohemian and braided, there's a ponytail style to suit every hair type, length, and personal taste.

Texture and hold are key

Andreas Wild, hairstylist at Larry King Notting Hill, recommends prepping your hair with a texture spray before securing your ponytail. 'Spritz throughout your roots and ends, then flip your hair back up for natural grip and hold,' he explains. Using a hair tie with hooks at either end, which creates tension and keeps the ponytail firmly in place, is also a game-changer.

Placement is everything when it comes to styling a perfect ponytail. 'It completely changes the feel of a ponytail, so it's important to decide before you begin,' Wild adds. A high ponytail feels youthful and lifted, a mid-height ponytail is effortless and versatile, and a low ponytail often feels quite fashion-forward.

The best textures and lengths for ponytail hairstyles

Ponytail hairstyles work beautifully across every texture and length. 'Styling should always complement the hair type,' Wild says. 'Finer hair often looks best with added texture, as it creates fullness and movement,' he adds, noting that sleeker finishes usually complement thicker hair and longer lengths. Braided ponytails are especially on-trend right now.

Before you get to the styling, keep in mind that second or third-day hair often benefits from added grip and texture, making it ideal for ponytails. Texture sprays and hair ties with hooks are must-haves, while pomades and styling creams can add a polished finish. Straightening tools like the Dyson Corrale Styler or BabylissPro Nano Titanium Prima Ionic Hair Straightener can help achieve sleek, glossy results.