Pony Up!

Don’t dismiss this versatile, timeless tail as a one-trick pony.

What’s one thing Beyoncé, Blake Lively and Jessica Alba have in common? They all rock the ponytail. But with the possibilities they’ve explored, you won’t mistake any of them for a ’50s teenage babysitter. At the Met Gala, Queen B wore her super-long locks in a high pony flowing from a perch atop her head. Blake often turns up at awards shows sporting a high braided ponytail, while Jessica favors a sleek side pony with a deep side part. Other ponytail possibilities: Play it loose with side-swept bangs or a few face-framing strands, add volume to the crown by teasing the roots, accessorize with a metal clasp or leather tie. To achieve the classic look shown here, use a strong styling gel and complete the ’do by wrapping a length of hair around the elastic and pinning it in place. Pony perfection!