How to Get Retro Ponytails

A wrapped ponytail has a chic 1960s look.

A basic ponytail requires nothing more than an elastic band and hair long enough to pull back. But retro or vintage-inspired ponytails are more elaborate -- using bobby pins, clips and styling products to create distinctive shapes and textures. With a few hair accessories and hairspray, you can turn a plain ponytail into a retro hairdo. A polished ponytail -- reminiscent of Barbara Eden's character in the 1960s sitcom "I Dream of Jeannie" -- works best with long hair, while easygoing bouffant or bohemian '70s ponytails flatter mid-length, layered styles.

Things You'll Need

• Texturizing spray
• Snag-free elastic ponytail holders
• Bobby pins
• Hair clips or barrettes
• Comb or paddle brush
• Hairspray
• Curling iron
• Blow dryer

Instructions

Wrapped Ponytail

1. Pull all your hair back into a high ponytail, using a paddle brush or wide-toothed comb to smooth it as you work. Secure the ponytail in place with an elastic ponytail holder.

2. Separate out a 1-inch section of hair from the bottom of the ponytail. Wind this piece of hair around the base of the ponytail, concealing the elastic band. Pin this section of hair in place with bobby pins on the bottom of the ponytail's base. For a more secure hold, insert the bobby pins across each other, creating an "X" shape.

3. Curl the ends of the ponytail with a hot curling iron held vertically, creating corkscrew curls. Lightly spray the curls with hairspray to keep them in place.

Bouffant Ponytail

1. Gather up a large section of hair on the top of your head, extending across the front of your forehead to your crown. Allow this section of hair to pouf up asymmetrically, creating a casual bouffant effect. Secure it in place with a hair clip or barrette.

2. Gather all your hair, including the section you've clipped in place, into a high ponytail. Secure the ponytail with an elastic band or large hair clip.

3. Using your fingers, separate the ponytail into pieces and mist it lightly with hairspray or texturizing spray. For bouncy curls, first use a curling iron to curl under the ends of the ponytail.

1970s Ponytail

1. Lightly spray damp hair with texturizing spray, and gently run your fingers through your hair, creating loose pieces. Allow your hair to air-dry or blow-dry it, using your fingers to create a messy texture as the hair dries.

2. Give your hair a center part with a comb, and accentuate its volume by gently teasing the hair around the part.

3. Pull your hair back into a low, loose ponytail at the base of the skull, allowing face-framing tendrils and pieces of hair to escape. Gently arrange the tendrils into loose, messy waves, and lightly apply hairspray to keep them in place.

Tips & Warnings

• For a sleek wrapped ponytail, don't curl the hair. Instead, smooth it with a glossing serum or shine-enhancing mist.

• With the bouffant ponytail, don’t worry if the hair isn't perfectly aligned, because an asymmetrical pouf is attractively casual and messy. Play with it until it looks right. The goal is to create a modern bouffant that gives a little height without looking unnatural or overdone.

• If ponytail holders and barrettes slip out of your hair, ruining your style, try letting your hair become slightly dirty before styling. Freshly washed hair can be slippery, especially if you have fine hair.

References

• Glamour: The Ultra-Cute Retro Ponytail Is Having a Moment
• InStyle: Retro-Inspired Ponytail
• Cozy's Complete Guide to Girls' Hair; Cozy Friedman