This 3-Step Ponytail Tutorial Will Upgrade Your Valentine's Day Hair Game

Updated on 2/4/2016 at 10:10 AM

POPSUGAR Photography | Benjamin Stone

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There are two reasons that ponytails are awesome: (1) they look even better with second-day hair since the grit helps them stay put and (2) when paired with a party frock they look spunky, not sporty. That's why we're making the classic updo our go-to, lazy-girl holiday style this season. But if you think you can just pull your strands back with a ponytail holder, then you need to up your mane game. There are so many ways to dress up your pony and make it look elegant that go way beyond just concealing the hair-tie with strands. Thanks to Pinterest, sources of inspiration are endless; still, we wanted something fresh to work the 2015 party circuit . . .

So we are introducing the knotted ponytail. This looped look by T3 celebrity stylist David Lopez has enough detail to make it fancy, but it's still easy to master at home. You won't even need a ponytail holder (just bobby pins)! The simple technique elevates the boring low pony to formal holiday party status. We can even imagine bridesmaids wearing this gorgeous style coming down the aisle. Keep reading to DIY this chic pony in just three steps.

Makeup by Maya Calhoun of Stylisted.

Step 1: Twist

Give the hair texture by making loose waves with a curling wand. Then, use your comb to create a deep side part. Staying close to the hairline, roll and tuck hair to get a sleek twist that ends just behind the ear. Pin the hair in place and repeat on the other side.

Step 2: Knot

Crisscross the ends of each twist underneath the hair and knot on top, creating a faux ponytail holder with your hair. Pin it in place. Use a pomade like Kevin Murphy Super.Goo ($34) to smooth flyaways and get more grip as you knot the style.