Elevate a Classic Ponytail With a Simple Braid You Can Actually Do at Home

The classic ponytail should never be overlooked. That said, there are instances in which the simple style can use a little zhush—a subtle upgrade, if you will.
To do this, celebs like Charlize Theron, Iggy Azalea and Emma Roberts have been incorporating braids of all varieties—French, fishtail, you name it—into their ponytails. Although beautiful and covet-worthy, these intricate styles are also complicated and—let's be honest—ain't nobody got time for that.
How do we find that perfect medium between super simple and red-carpet status? 

Celeb hairstylist Glenn Nutley stopped by E! News to show us how to upgrade a tried-and-true pony with a braid you can actually do. This easy-to-do iteration not only lifts strands from your face and neck, but it creates the illusion of volume on top—a welcome relief in these sweltering months.

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To start, section off hair about two to three inches wide at the center for your forehead. Split that section into three even parts and begin a traditional braid. As you move down the braid, add more hair from each side of the center section, like a French braid.
Once you reach the crown of your head, or the place you'd like the ponytail to start, secure the braid with an elastic band.
Next, use pomade to tack down any flyways or baby hairs. For a more voluminous look, gently tug the braid apart to fatten it up.
Now pull the remaining hair into a classic ponytail and secure with a hair band. To conceal the band, take a small section of hair, wrap it around the band and secure with a bobby pin.
There you have it: a summer-perfect pony ready for the races and red carpet!

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