The $4 product that will take your ponytail to new height

When I mentioned this week’s topic to my colleagues, one question flew around the office: what is the “it” ponytail?

Ponytails are more than just a way to pull your hair back from your face. They can be sleek and poker straight, high-rise and bouncy, volume-packed and worn to the side, and low-slung. And, oh, the ribbons!

Red-carpet highlights include Nicole Kidman at January’s Golden Globes with her high, swinging switch. Meanwhile, on TikTok, the viral “flip and claw clip” incarnation creates volume with minimal hassle: just twist and clamp.

To master the high pony, hair stylist Philip Barwick has this advice. “It’s best to begin by evenly distributing a heat protector and styling mousse through the hair, paying particular attention to the roots out to the mid-lengths and then blow dry,” he says. “This sets the hair up for easy ponytail styling because a high ponytail looks best when your hair is smooth and frizz-free.”

Gather all your hair high at the crown and hold it in place; it needs to be tight, but not so tight that it gives you a headache. Once you’ve got the ponytail in place, secure it with a strong hair elastic, like Lululemon Uplifting Scrunchies 3 Pack ($29). For a final, smoothing touch, use Kerasilk Flyaway Wand ($29) to tame any strays.

To polish this look, hide the hair tie by taking a small section of hair from the ponytail and wrapping it around the base, securing it underneath with a bobby pin. To make sure everything is secure, give your ponytail a light mist of hairspray. For reference, check out Anne Hathaway at the recent Met Gala. For a twist on this version, try wearing it low and to one side.

The slicked-back ponytail is also on-trend. Begin with clean, damp hair; if your hair is dry, lightly mist with water to create a smooth base. Use a smoothing cream like MoroccanOil Hydrating Styling Cream ($25) to tame flyaways and boost shine. Work it evenly through your hair from the roots to the ends. With a paddle brush, smooth your hair back. Grab the hair at the nape of your neck and secure tightly with a hair elastic. Next, take a fine-tooth comb and go over the ponytail and your hairline to make it super smooth. Mist with a strong-hold hairspray, like Tresemme Extra Hold Hairspray ($4) to keep hair anchored in place.

To take these styles to the next level, we love the addition of a clip-in bow. Go from the high end, with a Prada Velvet Bow Hair Clip ($1110), to low with Morgan & Taylor’s Piera Bow ($40).