Q & A: How Can I Update My Ponytail?

QUESTION: I love to wear ponytails, but they're becoming boring. How can I make mine more interesting?

ANSWER: A ponytail is a classic style that looks great for work, weekend, and even nights on the town. To make your pony a bit more interesting, try these ideas:

• Pull your hair into a high pony and secure with an elastic band. Then take a one-inch section of hair from underneath the tail, wrap it around the base of the pony several times to hide the elastic, and secure it under the tail with a bobby pin.
• Make a deep side part. Apply some hair gel to your palms and smooth down the hair on both sides of the part. Then gather all your hair into a low ponytail and secure.
• Try a half-bun by pulling your hair into a low pony. Put the tail through an elastic once, twist the elastic, and pull your hair through again -- but this time, stop when the tail is only halfway through, so it forms a loop. This looks best on curly or wavy hair.
• Make a side part. Gather the hair on one side of the part and twist it back toward the crown of your head. Secure temporarily with a clip. Do the same with the hair on the other side of the part. Unclip the first section, gather the ends into a tail, and secure with an elastic.