Ponytails aren’t so much a trend as they are an evergreen hairstyle. But despite this, they change and morph to suit a year’s trends – last year was all about a sleek ponytail, a tie-in with the year’s sports fashion trend. Through their style evolution, one thing about ponytail hairstyles remains certain: they are styles that are never to be going out of style. So, it doesn’t come as a surprise that many of 2014′s hair trends are built upon the ponytail. And in all of them, one interpretation stands out as on-trend: the low ponytail.

From the hassle-free to the sumptuous, from daytime to evening, the low ponytail is amongst the hairstyles to master for your spring 2014 hair repertoire. But not any low ponytail will suffice.

After the break we’ll take you through the key themes for this particular hair trend, marking the most on-trend interpretations and providing you with tips and tricks to help you to spice up this classic hairstyle. As with all of Fashionising.com’s trend guides, if you’d like to keep up to date, you can subscribe to ournewsletter.

The low ponytail: a classic revised.

We all know what a classic ponytail is: a hairstyle that gathers all your hair from the front and holds it together at the nape of your neck. With that serving as foundation, the ways to style the ponytail are unsurprisingly varied. But in 2014, particularly spring / summer 2014, the styling of the ponytail is dominated by one distinct accent: whether it goes from loose to messy or it’s super-straight and sleek, the ponytail look this season is the low ponytail.

Low ponytail hairstyles for summer 2014.

Effortless, but tres-chic nonetheless, the low ponytails that packed the spring 2014 runways served as a reminder that sometimes simplicity is the best weapon. Without requiring a team of stylists, or a dozen different products to be achieved, the low ponytail is the one style you can trust to look equally stunning either in a flawless interpretation, or a perfectly imperfect one.

Sleek, low ponytail for the evening.

It’s been the chic sportswear trend that’s had the biggest influence upon hair trends of late, so it seems only right to start with its influence in this trend guide too.

The sports trend has meant sleek, polished low ponytails. Don’t think sports in terms of messy, wet hair, instead think of it as the trend is: minimalist and understated. After all, that’s what the sports trend has evolved into: sports might be on the way out, but Celine-silhouette minimalism is definitely in. The sleek finish is the epitome of chic when incorporated into a low ponytail and styled accordingly. When swept back as if slicked back or styled with a centre part, the sleek, low ponytail accompanied by minimal accessories and daring smoky eyes becomes a key look for the summer evenings.

Because the centre or slicked-back ponytail is an evening look, be sure to try it with a smokey eye makeupfinish for full effect.

Low ponytail evening hairstyle at Cushnie et Ochs and Jason Wu, S/S ’14

Sleek low ponytail slung to the side for the day.

Wanting the low ponytail as a daytime look?

Sleek and a tad sporty, the low ponytail slung to the side complements the impeccable vision of woman held by DKNY and others, that of the super-cool girl that’s soaking up a big city’s life. Sleek and featuring aside part (another of spring’s hair trends), this is the kind of ponytail that serves as a statement of mere simplicity. It’s also the sporty and minimalistic alternative to the side braid hairstyle.

A laid-back outfit is all you’ll ever need to balance this styling of the low ponytail’s modern feel, but be sure to give an orange lip shade a try – it’s another of this season’s beauty statements.

Low ponytails with a side part at DKNY, S/S ’14

Low ponytail with thick headband.

Take sleek and minimalistic and add an accessory.

The styling techniques presented above are pretty easy to try out on themselves, but there’s nothing able to enhance the simplicity and beauty of a low ponytail like a well-chosen hair accessory. From thick, minimalist hairbands much like the ones finishing off Victoria Beckham’s austere take on low ponytails, to edgy leather bands and gold barrettes, the options are enough to keep things interesting all year long.

Low ponytails at Victoria Beckham, S/S ’14

Low ponytail with a casual finish.

If sports and minimalism aren’t your style, then spring 2014 allows for plenty of cool, low ponytail interpretations.

A daytime look, this low ponytail with a casual finish still has plenty of polish. Like the daytime sleek low ponytail, this casual interpretation works with a deep side part, sweeping across the forehead and behind the ear.

Low ponytails at Stella McCartney, S/S ’14

Messy, low ponytail for straight hair.

You can take the casual factor up another step with a message, bed-hair texture low ponytail. Gathered at the nape of the neck and tucked behind the ears, it evokes an absolutely effortless feel provided the elements are right: don’t pull all your hair into the ponytail, leave some strands to fall across your face and to sit out behind your ears. And don’t forget the all important texture / volume on the crown.

Low ponytails at Lanvin and Jil Sander, S/S ’14

Wispy ultra-low ponytail

On the runway at Rochas it was sometimes accessorised by a thick headband, sometimes not – and both works just as well. Nonchalant and easy, with it’s free-flowing strands and ultra-low tie, this ultra low ponytail is as effortless as it gets. Follow the ultra low ponytail how to at that link.

Textured, low ponytail for wavy hair.

Built upon waves (natural or otherwise) and wrapped with a single strand of hair or an elastic holder, the textured ponytails seen at Derek Lam epitomise this casual-yet-sophisticated take on the trend. Soft and utterly feminine, this nonchalant version of the low ponytail works best with medium to long hair. If you’d like to replicate the full Lam look, also read over our tie-in day to night makeup guide for the show.

Low ponytails at Derek Lam, S/S ’14

How to: the effortless, textured low pony

The low ponytail at Victoria Beckham's fall 2013 show was effortless, textured, and chic. A little bit of teasing goes a long way in making this feel voluminous without feeling too much like a full bouffant. Learn how to create it for yourself.

Tomboy ponytail

Relaxed. Effortless. These are the hallmarks of the tomboy ponytail, a style that is far less androgynous than the name implies.

Other low ponytail how to / tutorials.

Textured wet ponytail

Wet look hair isn’t the easiest of styles to wear, yet mixed with a low ponytail it takes on a whole new air. Suited to long hair and an evening look, you can read a full how to guide to the textured wet ponytail hairstzle at that link.

Smooth and textured ponytail

A contrast of straightened hair and texture sets this particular interpretation of the low ponytail apart. Detailed with a side part and a beautiful flourish to the ponytail, you can read more on the smooth and textured ponytail evening look at the link.

Futuristic ponytail

The duct tape is optional, but the futuristic minimalism of Alexander Wang’ssleek ponytail is not.

Wet look ponytail

When it comes to the low ponytail in 2013 you’ll see many of an interpretation of it match the look with either a side part or a wet finish. This look does both. And while that in itself isn’t unique, this wet look low ponytail tutorial will guide you to a look that is very sleek and very sexy.

1960s ponytail

There’s the voluminous, low ponytail that we detailed above and then there is the outright 1960s interpretation of the look. With plenty of volume courtesy of a slight beehive, you can make this swinging 60s ponytail your own by following the link.

Looped under ponytail

Another interpretation of the low ponytail for the evening? Or perhaps one that just has a beautiful classic flourish? Honestly, the looped under ponytail offers both options.

Low ponytails from past seasons.

Elegant low ponytail.

Requiring a royal attitude and an embellished look to match, the elegant, regal low ponytail seen at Valentino is the perfect example of how a basic hairstyle can be morphed into a perfectly polished one with the right choice of accessories. Covering the ears and adorned with an ornate headband, this low ponytail talks about a different era and yet manages to look incredibly modern.

How to: Valentino's regal low ponytail

Far from the nonchalant, messy interpretations of the low ponytail, this hairstyle is regal, classical, and a little austere. Valentino's ponytail covered the ears and yet was made modern by a leather embellished headband. It's a unique one to try for yourself.

Ultra low ponytail.

Laid back and relaxed, the ultra low ponytail is a hairstyle that has an almost ethereal quality to it. This low ponytail styling is held together a few more inches below the nape than those styles highlighted above and it lets your hair hang loosely around your face, framing it.

Taking advantage of this ultra low ponytail is Rochas where the very feminine yet tailored silhouettes of the collection were balanced off by styling the models’ hair in an ultra low ponytail.

Ultra low ponytail

Jil Sander also used the ultra low ponytail for spring / summer 2013, giving it a styling twist that everyone with long hair should try at least once. This particular version is an ultra low ponytail that’s very straight and has a modern-yet-serene feel to it. While a statement, it’s not very hard to recreate. Here’s a basic how-to for making the untral low ponytail your own, while you’ll find more how-to guides to the hairstyle further down the page.

1. Complete all your usual hair preparation from washing through to applying heat protectant sprays or anti-frizz serums, and then blow dry your hair straight.
2. Create a centre part and then straighten your hair out even more using a flat hair iron.
3. Gather your hair towards your nape without tucking it behind your ears.
4. Secure your ponytail with an elastic and then slide the elastic down to about 2 inches from your nape.
5. Apply any hair glistening spray to add some shine to your ultra low ponytail.

Low ponytail with side part.

Parting your hair in a different style to most other women (i.e. not the centre part) can work wonders. A small move of your hair’s parting to the left of right can quickly change a look, enhancing it, as as is the case with the low ponytail which works well perfectly with another of 2013′s hair trends, the side part.

Richard Chai Love used this interpretation of the low ponytail hairstyle to complement a very sporty spring / summer 2013 collection. The side parted, low ponytail worked well with tennis inspired looks, giving off the sporty and sleek vibe while still remaining polished.

Elsewhere we fawned over the low side parted ponytail that featured upon the Jenny Packham spring / summer 2013 catwalk. The hairstyle here was parted on the left and then twisted from the right side of the head going all the way to the left side of the nape, where it finally fastened into a ponytail. Simple yet stunning, this twisted low ponytail interpretation of the trend gave off both a classic and elegant vibe.

Low ponytail with side part at Jenny Packham

Casual, low ponytail.

It’s not hard to style a low, casual ponytail – simply gather all your hair to your nape. But a fashioniser needs to be different. Of course, you can leave it to designers like Alexander Wang to add some flavor to this most of low ponytail interpretations.

At his show, the models pounded the runway wearing a sleeker and more minimalist casual ponytail. The top of this hairstyle interpretation is flattened with a wet look style and then the centre part is lined with tape giving a nice twist, albeit an optional one when it comes to interpreting the look for yourself. If you’d like to read a tutorial for the Alexander Wang hairstyle, follow that link.

Inspiring a simpler, gelled up and casual low ponytail is Y-3 whose models word a hairstyle where the top of their hair was gelled, brushed back, and then held together in a low ponytail. This low ponytail is the epitome of casual and is a great relaxed, everyday look.

Simple low ponytail

Voluminous, low ponytail.

Adding volume means adding some wow factor into a hairstyle and volume with the low ponytail makes the hairstyle edgier.

Reminiscent of the 1960s ponytail, Tadashi Shoji’s catwalk featured a casual, volumised styling of the low ponytail which, with pair a nonchalant attitude with plenty of flyaways.

                        

                                   3 Best  Long Curly Hair Styles

                               For Women

For those who have naturally long curly hair and hardly confident enough to handle it ,don’t panic ! There’s something so sexy and classic about naturally curly hair that we consider you need to be extremely pleased to have it.

   Fashionable long curly hair familiar to indicate flat , smooth ,and also stick-straight . However a lot more women—celebrities included—are enjoying their organic texture rather than combating it .
There are many variations on these kinds of fast appears so take a look at these pictures. 

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Long Curly hair styles

Long , Wavy Layers

Due to the long length as well as layers , people who have by nature wavy or even loose curls similar to Kate Hudson may reach this appearance very well 

•  The lower improves the hair's all-natural smoothness . 
•  Always keep the layers below the chin as a result curls don't gain simply too bouncy .
•  As reported by the Massey , females with fine , less-textured hair probably have a difficult time using this cut  except if they're ready to occupy their mornings with a curling iron .
• A light spray gel , gives texture without considering strands down .

Long , Curly Layers

 

Length is answer while your own curls are restricted , like Annalynne McCord's— long layers allow them down .

•  If you would like a gentle , face-framing appear , look for layers that begin with no larger than the chin or even collarbone , therefore curls get as much as necessary load to hang down . 
• To secure McCord's springy trend and also volume , wring the water away from your current hair after showering and also run a mild cream ,as a result of wet hair to control the curls .

Perfect Long Curls

Taylor Swift's curls are effectively designed for long fine ,wavy hair . 

• Look for a long , layered hair cut with small , angled layers at your jaw to generate a side-swept appearance in the front . 
• In case your waves are sliding level , apply an enhancing gel , when locks is damp . To manage frizz , use the diffuser with your blow dryer.

Amazingly Trendy Hair Colors to Try This Spring

This spring, flowers will bloom and colors will flourish. Let the change of seasons inspire you to try something new with your look too! The hair colors trend this season goes from mild to wild meaning there truly is something for everyone. Time to get spring-inspired!

Bronzed Lights

A rich bronzed base with beige blonde highlights intertwining throughout will warm and brighten your skin tone this spring. At your next visit to your favorite stylist, talk with them about a gradual move towards this look

Best Skin Tone and Hair Type:

Finer complexioned beauties look amazing with this bronzed color. It warms the skin tone just enough and the highlights keep the color from becoming too dark. A medium to fine hair texture would work best with this color and hair that has soft curls or waves will hold this curled style best.

Tip:

If you have more than 25% grey in your hair, talk to your stylist about doing both a color and highlight your first visit, then switching to a color every five to five weeks with a highlight at every other appointment.  This will keep your color looking great while being a little easier on your pocket book.

Chocolate Cherry

Brunettes are always searching for great ways to brighten up their locks without going lighter. The placement of rich cherry highlights through the fringe and top of hair creates interest in all the right places.

Best Skin Tone and Hair Type:

Warm toned beauties that have naturally dark hair and want to step into a bit of the red zone are perfect for this color technique. Straight hair that is worn slightly curled at the ends or naturally straight show off the placement of the highlights best.

Tip:

To achieve this voluminous look, thick hair with volumizing products (such as Pravana’s Elevate) and a great blow out are a must. If you’re having trouble achieving your look at home, ask your stylist for a style lesson. They love to give you easy ways and recommendations to keep you looking your best.

Blonde with a Bit of Surprise 

Beautiful blonde highlights are always in style, but add a bit of color peaking through around your ear and nape of your neck and it brings it to a whole new level! When choosing a coordinating color to go with your blonde highlights, take into consideration the tone of your blonde. If you are a cool blonde, go with beige brown. If you’re more of a golden blonde, try adding rich golden brown. To keep this look soft, make sure that the accent color is not too dark. A shade to two shades darker will create the depth you want without too much contrast.

Best Skin Tone and Hair Type:

A mid to light complexion wears this color beautifully. Hair that is medium to fine withwaves or straight will work well with both the color technique and style.

Tip:

If your hair is very fine, the slightly darker color underneath will create a shadow and make your hair appear thicker. Keep hair trimmed regularly and use volumizing products to keep hair in great shape.

Copper Sunset

Coppers mixed with mahogany and golds create a knockout red that will turn heads everywhere you go! The mix of brighter, fiery coppers throughout the top with the softness and depth of the mahogany framing your face is a must this spring.

Best Skin Tone and Hair Type:

Fair skinned beauties who look great in greens wear this color like a pro! Be prepared to be mistaken for a natural redhead. Medium to thick hair that is straight or wavy show this color off like the work of art it is.

Tip:

Love this color but maybe reds don’t suit you? Ask your stylist for a brown version. Mix tones of gold, ash (don’t be scared!), natural, or beige in varying depths for a hot new look this spring.

Blonde Never Left

Blonde never goes out of style! This spring, soften your blonde with tone on tonelowlights in wheat, beige and natural. Ask for a fine lowlight to keep it looking natural.

Best Skin Tone and Hair Type:

A medium complexion that is cooler looks radiant with this beautiful blonde. Hair that is naturally a light brown to blonde can achieve a soft blonde with minimal upkeep. A medium to fine texture that is straight will achieve this style nicely.

Tip:

Hair that is naturally very dark that wants to achieve this light blonde shade may want to ask for a heavy highlight instead of an all over color. It will be easier to reach the target color and also maintain.

Ombre Has NOT Left the building!

The easy to maintain, soft ombre trend is hot this spring! Most women think that allombre involves the ends being a very light blonde, but this amazing example of a richchocolate brown melting into a soft caramel changes the game completely!

Best Skin Tone and Hair Type:

Warm skin tones that will tan easily look amazing in this soft caramel ombre. Longer lengths of hair allow for a smooth blending of the colors. Medium to thick straight hair works best for both the color and style.

Tip:

To brighten your face even more, ask your stylist to bring the lighter color up higher around your face. It still gives longevity to the color, but allows you to feel lighter all over.

A Penny for your Thoughts

This spring coppers are hot! This soft copper with subtle golden highlights, just slightly lighter than the base, is beautiful on so many ladies. Pair it with soft curls or waves for a night out or special event.

Best Skin Tone and Hair Type:

Fair to medium complexioned beauties with fine to medium hair texture wear this coppery look perfectly.

Tip:

If you are hesitant on changing your color to a beautiful copper, ask your stylist to use a demi-permanent color that will gradually fade off your hair while you give it a trail run.

Pieced Ribbons of Highs and Lows

I love the separation of the highlights and lowlights in this color. The dimension it creates while keeping a light, all-over feel to the color is genius! This spring, request a mix of highs and lows in a variation of sizes.

Best Skin Tone and Hair Type:

Medium skin tone that is cooler looks beautiful with this varied blonde color. Thick hairthat is straight will showcase the color perfectly.

Tip:

If you’re trying highlights for the first time, you may not need to have lowlights applied as well. Consult with your stylist on the best colors for you.

Underlight

Create interest in your color with a bright flash of blonde peeking through from underneath! You can accent it with styling or keep it hidden underneath while at the office.

Best Skin Tone and Hair Type:

Fair skinned beauties with freckles rock this copper and blonde combo perfectly, while straight hair that is medium to thick will really showcase the underlight.

Tip:

While the model is showcasing this color trend with a nice copper with bright blonde, you can wear this with any color combo! Brown with caramel, fire engine red with copper, cool blonde with gold…the options are endless.

Golden Goddess

Soft golden blonde with a slightly richer butter blonde ombre is to die for! Warm tones are going to be “in” this season and not going anywhere. Why would it? This rich color draws the eye straight to you, no matter where you are.

Best Skin Tone and Hair Type:

Complexions that are fair to porcelain are a must for this hot buttered look. Medium hair that is straight in texture will show the variations in color magically.

Tip:

When going with a different color, remember that you may need to change up your make up too. Ask your stylist for their recommendations. Most stylists love both fashion and makeup and have great tips to share!

Reverse Ombre

Brunettes don’t get to have all the ombre fun! This, spring try darkening the ends of your blonde locks with a beautiful bronze or other fashion color.

Best Skin Tone and Hair Type:

Medium skin with a warm glow paired with the bronze ends will brighten you look. Any density of hair that is straight or wavy will hold this style with ease.

Tip:

If you want to give this look a try but aren’t totally sure about it, ask your stylist to use a demi-permanent color.  It will gradually fade off your blonde locks, and the next time you may just want to go permanent!

Mahogany Mama

Let your color be rich and radiant with a gorgeous mahogany this spring! The shine in this color is incomparable to anything else. This color is a great choice for revamping brown hair. Ask your stylist for a soft color that will have dimension.

Best Skin Tone and Hair Type:

Darker skin tones will shine in this rich mahogany, while straight hair that is medium to thick will easily smooth out to this straight bob style.

Tip:

Keeping your hair shiny is a challenge sometimes. Ask your stylist to recommend a deep conditioning treatment that you could use at home to keep your color shiny and bright

Platinum Radiance

Platinum blonde is not for the faint of heart! The bright blonde shines in this icy hue and draws lots of attention.

Best Skin Tone and Hair Type:

Medium complexions that are cool can be paired with this platinum radiance. Finer to medium textured hair that is straight will rock this style.

Tip:

You must be ready for the commitment of keeping up with this color. Touch ups and trims are a must every three to five weeks. Make sure you love your stylist because you will be spending lots of time together!

Goddess Ombre

A soft blend from a natural light brown to a sun kissed blonde paired with curly waves is stunning! This is a beautiful color that has longevity and worry-free maintenance. This type of color is great for the busy lady who can’t schedule regular appointments at the salon. With a slightly higher blend of the lightest color around the face, this color is perfect for spring!

Best Skin Tone and Hair Type:

Mid toned complexions with warm hues paired with this ombre are quite a match. Hair that is fine to medium texture and blessed with natural curls or waves will hold the goddess style perfectly.

Tip:

Add a head band or pretty clip to dress this look up, or wear as is to any party, girls night out or even the office.

Sparking Interest

When you have a fun trendy haircut, it’s just not complete without a matching color! Face framing bright copper bursts take this cut to a new dimension. Heavier color around the face brings attention to your eyes and opens up for a bright smile.

Best Skin Tone and Hair Type:

Medium to dark skin tones paired with a sassy cut will look fabulous with this color. Hair that is medium in density and has slight curl or wave will make styling a breeze!

Tip:

f highlights Love the highlights, but not a fan of copper? Your stylist can follow the same pattern owith any choosen hue.

Spring Flowers Inspire Bright Highlights

Don’t be scared of a little color this spring! Shades of violet and pink layered on top of each other or side by side create a bold, pretty burst of color. Keeping the color a little further back in your hair allows you to have a more natural color placed right next to the face, avoiding any clashes with skin tone.

Best Skin Tone and Hair Type:

Any skin tone can rock out some funky color! Just pick a base color that compliments both your skin tone and the bright hues. In the case of our model, she has a soft violet brown. Hair that is medium to thick in texture and straight will showcase the highlights best.

Tip:

Keeping your new highlights bright is a challenge sometimes. The first defense in color fading is your shampoo.  Using a sulfate-free shampoo with cool water and styling temperatures is a must with bright colors.

Noir Framing

Create drama this spring with a dark framing of your face. Adding slices of dark brown around the hair line from your fringe to ears generates a shadow that can be accentuated as in the picture, or toned down by styling a bit differently.

Best Skin Tone and Hair Type:

Light to medium skin tones will look fabulous with this dark framing of the face, while hair that is medium thickness and straight will create a platform to show off your new hue.

Tip:

If your color is very light, don’t go with too dark of a contrast. Three shades difference is recommended, or, if you really want to go wild, try a dark violet, blue or green hue!

With the wide variety of color trends that are trending this spring, you can’t be afraid to give one a try. Go mild or wild, but don’t miss your chance to let your new do’ bloom! Can’t decide which trend to try first? Post pictures on your Facebook page and ask your friends to help by voting, or bring your choices to a trusted stylist for their recommendation.