The low down on the MESSY PONYTAIL

Here is how you get this lovely creation that men just die 

over :) 

Messy Ponytail for Straight Hair

• If you have naturally straight hair, you know that it's difficult to get texture, which is absolutely essential for the messy ponytail. If you want texture throughout your head and pony tail, it's best to use a curling iron to create loose waves. A smaller barrel curling iron will create more texture, while a larger barrel will create less. The same rule applies for size in the sections of hair you use.  Dry your hair, or flip your head upside down with a blow dryer to create as much volume/texture as you can before you begin. Take a piece of hair and wrap it around your curling iron. There is no need to clamp it in, simply wrapping the piece around the barrel will give a nice, loose wave. Once you have done this throughout your hair, feel free to use a light hairspray. Gather it loosely together toward the nape of the neck and secure it with an elastic. It needs to be loose initially because the next step is to split the tail in two, one part in each hand, and pull them in opposite directions. This will tighten the elastic close to the scalp, create volume, and give hair its messy chic look. The key here is not to fuss with it too much, although you can pull some pieces out, or loose, to give it a windblown look. Experiment with it, as every hair type is different, based on its thickness and own texture. Once you have your method perfected, this will be a no muss, no fuss way to add some edge and casual flair to your appearance.

Messy Ponytail for Wavy/Curly Hair

• If your hair is wavy or curly, you are already half way to the messy ponytail. Because you don't have to artificially create texture, an easy way to prepare for this is by securing damp hair in a bun, either at the nape of the neck, or at the top of the head. Once hair is dry (or nearly dry) you can let down the bun and use the resulting waves to create the ponytail. You can put hair in the elastic as is, or you can go a step further, using a "messy spray" at the roots to create a disheveled volume. Many drug stores and salons sell spray that is designed to create texture. These sprays will say on the label what they are for and many times are liquid wax sprayed in a fine mist over roots. Once you run your fingers through in a zig-zag pattern, you'll have the perfect look.