I convinced Matthew Collins, celebrity hairstylist and co-owner of Brennen Demelo Studios (316 Adelaide West, 416-301-1072, brennendemelo.com), to teach me three easy-to-craft ponytails that look like pro updos. The guy has a four-month wait list, so I figure giving away a few secrets won’t hurt his bottom line too much.
The 4-D braid ponytail
1. Start with slicked-back ponytail.
2. Separate hair into four sections.
3. Take two sections and cross them vertically.
4. Take the other two sections and cross them horizontally.
5. Continue the pattern of crossing vertically then horizontally.
6. Secure with elastic and loosen the braid with a comb.
The sci-fibumpy ponytail
1. Start with slicked-back ponytail.
2. Backcomb a section of the ponytail, then comb softly over the surface to make a smooth bump.
3. Secure with elastic.
4. Use the end of your comb to pick the bump into a more rounded shape.
5. Repeat with more sections of your hair until you have the desired number of bumps.
The knotted ponytail
1. Start with slicked-back ponytail.
2. Take two small pieces from the back and tie a knot around the ponytail the way you would begin to tie your shoes.
3. Gather two more pieces of hair into the original two pieces and repeat the tying motion.
4. Repeat until you’re happy with the look.
5. Secure with an elastic at the base of the knots.
Photos by David Hawe
