Serena William's Regal Ponytail Is Easier Than You Think to Recreate

Serena Williams is the holiday hairstyling standard.
Glamorous, eye-catching, elegant—the up-do checks all of the boxes for the perfect look for the Glamour's 2017 Women of the Year Awards, and thus holiday party style. While most intricate up-dos are reserved for those with advanced skills, this Vernon François creation, which he referred to as a "ponytail for the Queen," isn't hard to recreate.

The celebrity hairstylist, whose clients include Serena, Lupita Nyong'o, Willow Smith and Amandla Stenberg, used the Leave-In Conditioner and Hydration Mist from his namesake line, as well as Paul Mitchell, Got2b and Color Wow to complete the sleek-to-voluminous style. However, the epic nature of the hairstyle is a result of the gold accents, combined with height and length of the ponytail. 

The best part: It's super easy to recreate no matter the texture or state of your hair. If you don't have super long hair, don't worry. You can add in extensions or keep it short.
Want to try it at home? PRIV hairstylist Liana Dil broke down the style into simple steps you can do minutes before your next holiday party. Check out the steps below! 

Step 1

Apply dry shampoo or texturizing spray to give hair more grit and texture, and rid excess oil.
Chi Rose Hip Oil Dry Shampoo, $20

Step 2

Using a boar bristle brush, smooth hair into a high ponytail and secure with an hair band.
Raincry Restore Travel Boar Bristle Paddle Brush, $70

Step 3

Secure with a hair tie.

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Step 4

Wrap the base of the ponytail with a wide black leather band or ribbon. Then, wrap a gold leather ribbon or strap around the black leather band.
1907 Leather Hair Wrap Cuff, $14.99
Scünci Gold Cord

Step 5

Backcomb the ponytail to add more volume to the top of the high ponytail.

Step 6

Add a hair band at the middle and end of your ponytail, if it's long. If it's short, just secure the end with a hair band. Then, wrap with the gold cord.

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Step 7

Apply hairspray to hold the style in place.
TRESemmé Tres Two™ Extra Firm Control Hairspray, $4.99

Final Look!