Time to Pony Up

Summer has arrived, and although it’s gorgeous, the weather can be brutal. I know we have been dying for this weather to get here, but it’s getting to be quite challenging to look and stay cool. You can hide out indoors with air conditioning, and there’s a slew of summer fashions to keep cool from the neck down, but it never hurts to work on staying cool from the neck up, too.

One summertime hairdo that never fails if you have mid-length to long hair is wearing your hair in a ponytail. This hairdo is a classic that goes way back, but it always works. A ponytail isn’t exactly a cool breeze, but it will take the heat off a bit if bare your neck. The name sounds really casual, but you can wear this style for dressing up for a night on the town as easily as staying in a bumming around. In fact, this hairdo is a hit no matter what time of year; just check out any fashion magazine or recent runway show and you will see this hairstyle was a favorite of several designers, and it’s slated to be a popular hairstyle for fall 2012.

What I like best about this simple and easy hairstyle is it works for fashionistas of any age and shape, and it works for most styles of dress. This pretty hairstyle’s girlish charm makes it perfect for all of the ladylike fashions we are seeing, and since it has definite retro roots it works with whichever fashion era is your favorite. A ponytail can look sleek and sophisticated for the office, sexy at night, and playful and carefree during the daytime.

You can mix things up a bit by going high or low, with or without bangs, and by adding pretty hair accessories like scarves, flowers, barrettes, and feathers. Let your imagination run wild! Several magazines have suggested a little fashion multitasking by using oversized pieces of jewelry, but there is nothing wrong with going the minimalist route. A simple understated black or brown band can be equally stylish, economical, and effortless. Just make sure it’s top-quality and won’t cause snags or tears in your hair.

Although most of the looks are long and sleek, short-haired fashionistas don’t have to sit this trend out. There are options for us to work our inner Rapunzel! You can hit up the trusty flat iron to straighten things out, or check out one of the fun hairpiece lines!