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Pony up

Turn heads this spring, summer with chic twists on the basic ponytail.

BY ERIN WHITE

McClatchy Newspapers

When the soon-to-be-very-hot sun starts beating down, having sleek, styled hair often can take a back seat to getting the sticky strands off the back of your neck.

And while you may be tempted to throw your hair up in a ponytail every day between now and Oct. 1, there are easy ways to take the basic 'do from comfortable to chic. We asked stylists to whip up some quick, no-fuss styles that will keep you looking sweet without breaking a sweat this spring and summer.

Ponystyle 1

Works great for: All hair types with a little length to braid.

How to do it

1. Gather hair into a sleek, high ponytail. Braid 3 inches of the ponytail.

2. Form braid into an arch and secure with bobby pins.

3. For a casual look, leave the tail hanging down. For a sleeker style, flat-iron the ends and add shine serum.

4. If you want to make this dressier, take the ends of the ponytail and tuck them under, securing with bobby pins underneath the braid.

Ponystyle 2

Works great for: Those who are a little more "advanced." This style is more difficult, but it's doable without help.

How to do it

1. Start by working a styling product (such as a volumizer, pomade or gel) through hair. Tease hair at the crown. Comb lightly to smooth out the hair, but don't comb out the tease.

2. Section off one side of hair above the ear, pull it back to the middle of the head, twist and secure it with bobby pins. Repeat on the other side.

3. Split remaining hair (which should be in the back on the bottom half of the head) into two pieces.

4. Braid one section of the hair.

5. Flip the braid up to meet the twist made earlier and secure. Repeat on other side.

Note: If you have shoulder-length hair or longer, you can pin the braid at the twist, then wind across the other side of your head. When you repeat on the other side, cross the second braid over the other, a la Heidi or Sienna Miller.

Style 2

• Works great for: Women with medium-length, layered hair. Cameron Diaz likes to rock this style.

• How to do it

1. Gather hair in a low, loose ponytail at the nape of the neck and secure with a hair band. Pull hair gently at the crown. Keeping the hair loose is key to making this style work.

2. Separate out a section of hair about ¼-inch thick. Spray lightly with hair spray.

3. Wrap hair around ponytail to hide the band.

4. Secure hair section with bobby pin.

5. To add texture, work pomade through the ends. For a long hair or blunt-cut variation, begin by parting hair on the side and then pulling it into a ponytail. This look also works with a ponytail on the side or the crown of the head.