THE GIRLS IN THE BEAUTY DEPT

THE GIRLS IN THE BEAUTY DEPT

Two buzzwords on the spring runways: ladylike and sporty. Combine the two and what do you get? Equestrian. Come check out two designers who opted for perky, pumped up ponytails inspired by this oh-so-sophisticated sport. Trust me ladies, whether or not you "ride", you're going to want to see this...

Monique Lhuillier's equestrian-inspired ponytail, created by Kerastase hairstylist guru Odile Gilbert, was meant to be full and straight with lots of movement. (Bouncy pony? Sign me up!)

Gilbert prepped the hair with a new Kerastase fancy-sounding serum called Fiber Architect in order to get a sleek look through the crown then teased the ponytail in sections using a Mason Pearson brush, which has fine and thick bristles. One last brushing along the crown and over the outside of the ponytail gave the whole hairstyle a smooth look. The finished ponytail was so voluminous, you would have sworn hair extensions were used (but they weren't) and it bounced along the model's shoulders as they walked in a "It's Saturday and I'm going to the country club" kind of way.

At Ruffian, Bumble and Bumble hair stylist Neil Moodie wanted that same perky, bouncy ponytail look but in braid form instead. To get a non-wimpy, equestrienne-worthy braid Moodie prepped the hair with Bumble and Bumble's Prep and Thickening spray, added some extensions and gave it a quick blow dry. Then he pulled the hair into a pony by the occipital bone, teased the ponytail in sections before flat ironing them in order to "lock in" the hair and create a dense texture. Finally, the ponytail was braided and finished with Shine On spray. Trust me when I tell you ladies, these braids were larger-than-life. They looked sophisticated and sporty, just like the clothes. It was fab.