Photo: faster panda kill kill / Flickr

The ponytail is one of the easiest hairstyles to create but it can often look boring and unflattering. This winter you can take the simple ponytail from casual to classy in a few simple steps. Copy the looks of Mischa Barton, Christina Aguilera and Holly Montag and take the ponytail from day to night. Slick it back, curl it up or twist it up – choose the perfect ponytail to suit your style, your hair and the occasion.

Curly

If your hair is naturally curly or you just love the curly look then this style is for you. Curl your hair or comb it lightly if it is naturally curly, then part your hair slightly off centre. Pull it back loosely and fasten at the back with a pretty barrette. Spritz lightly with hairspray and straighten your fringe if necessary.

The messy look

Holly Montag showed off the messy ponytail in a recent episode of The Hills. The star paired her side ponytail with perfectly highlighted, glossy locks. To create this look create a wide part in your hair and then gather your hair on the opposite side of your head to the part. You can create multiple ponytails and not pull them all the way through the elastics for a cute, messy style – the trick to this is to do the multiple ponies so close together that they look like one.

The sleek look

For an ultra-sexy look try a sleek ponytail. You can style your hair when it is wet for this look: simply apply some mousse to your hair first to avoid damaging the hair, also use a good quality hair band. A high sleek ponytail will provide a type of facelift – pulling not only your hair but your cheeks and forehead up. A slick side-ponytail also looks sexy and sophisticated. The trick to the sleek ponytail is to make sure your hair is perfectly straight before tying it up.

Enjoy creating different looks with your ponytail this winter and don’t be afraid to stand out from the crowd.

Tags: hair styles