Let’s be real: That “I woke up like this” hair can seem a little hard to pull off, especially if you’re not exactly sure how to do a messy ponytail right. But it’s actually incredibly easy to make disheveled locks work for you.
To inspire your messy hair game, we’re showing you just how hot messy hairstyles can be with a tutorial series of 5 gorgeous styles that look better with a bit of a disorder. To kick things off, try your hand at this pretty messy ponytail how-to created by Judy McGuinness, Senior Stylist at Mizu Salon in New York City.
MORE: 30 So-Pretty (and Non-Boring) Ponytails to Try This Summer
Photo: Tom Medvedich; Design: Candace Napier
Step 1
Hair that has more of a grip is better, so McGuinness advises to create this style with day-old hair or locks that have more of a messy texture to them. If your hair doesn’t already have a wave or an undone curl to it, McGuinness says to loosely curl 3-inch sections of hair with a curling iron. You should end up with big curls as opposed to tight tendrils. To give hair a lift, McGuinness suggests spraying salt spray at the root for additional volume. Photo: Tom Medvedich; Design: Candace Napier
Step 2
Begin to pull your hair up and gather it at the top of the crown of the head.
Photo: Tom Medvedich; Design: Candace Napier
Fasten it into a high ponytail. If there are fly-aways, don’t sweat it. You should embrace them and let them be. McGuinness says the messier the ...