Prom Beauty: The High Ponytail

Try a this cool high ponytail for prom. Hair by Bobby Elliot, makeup by Robin Black, model Jorji at Freedom Models. (Photo: Robin Black)

Let’s face it: Even with all the beauty inspiration out there, most prom hair winds up looking the same.  Either long curls, loose waves, or perhaps the occasional updo. So I asked celebrity hairstylist Bobby Elliot, who’s clients include Hailee Steinfeld, Jena Malone, and Juliette Lewis, to offer up a red carpet-worthy option.  You will definitely stand out from the crowd in this sleek high ponytail with a cool braided base! Here’s how to get the look.

Step 1. Begin by gathering your hair into a ponytail using a hook elastic. A regular hair elastic will work if you don’t have a hook elastic available.

Step 2. Using Oribe Sculpting Cream ($32) and a comb, smooth down any flyaways. If you have lots of tiny hairs that poke up around your hairline, try using a disposable mascara wand or a clean toothbrush to smooth them down.

Step 3.  Select a small amount of hair from the bottom of the ponytail and create a braid. Then wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail to hide the elastic and secure it with French pins ($6).

Step 4. Flat iron your ponytail to create shiny, smooth, and perfectly straight hair.

Step 5.  Set the look so that it lasts till the final dance with a few spritzes of Oribe Superfine Hairspray ($33).

Step 6. Dance all night. When everyone else’s curls have fallen, the loose waves turned to frizz, and the updos have gone askew, you will still be camera-ready with your perfect, sleek pony!

* Taking inspiration from this very fashion-forward hairstyle, model Jorji and I decided to have some fun with glitter.  I call this look “The Starlet,” and below is a list of the products used to create it.

Makeup products
tarte Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer in Medium-Tan ($36)
Urban Decay Afterglow 8-Hour Powder Blush in Video ($26)
Make Up For Ever Star Glitters ($15)
MAC Glitter in 3D Silver ($21)
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara ($4)
MAC Brow Set in Clear ($17)
Marc Jacobs Sheer Lip Gel in Anais ($30)