Ponytails are no longer seen as the low-maintenance go-to style for bad hair days: power pony’s like this are now a mainstay on the red carpet and a catwalk fixture season after season.

Off-White, House of Holland and Mark Fast all showcased the glamorous simplicity of this kind of slick ponytail at their Autumn/Winter ’18 shows. Reminiscent of Madonna’s iconic look, this uber-long, super tight, slicked-back high ponytail is incredibly fierce-looking yet manages to tick so many wearability boxes: it has an ultra-feminine feel, but it’s a powerful look that says you mean business. The colour is very in-demand right now: it’s a subtle pastel shade that sits somewhere between apricot and rose-gold, and is a super soft, feminine yet playful look. This style requires length – extensions if necessary – and enough hair to create a thick ponytail and leave a section of hair spare to create the appearance of a hair band. To re-create this look, the hair should be blow-dried smooth, and run through with straighteners, to create a glassy finish. Pull the hair back into a super tight high ponytail, with no parting, and secure with a band. Take a one inch-thick section of hair from the underneath section of the pony, wrap firmly around the band and pin in place. Hairspray is a must to ensure the look remains slick and flyaway-free.

ACADEMY WINNER

We’re thrilled that global hair and beauty manufacturer, Revlon Professional, has joined forces with our multi award-winning Westrow Academy in Leeds, to launch its own Academy. Housed within the second floor of the building, the brand is taking residence in a ten-year partnership that will offer brand affiliates unrivalled education in a state-of-the-art-setting. The launch was marked with an opening party welcoming guests including key industry names, journalists, bloggers and influencers, with a champagne reception and stunning catwalk show that saw models rock the runway. We wish Revlon Professional and American Crew many happy years to come in their new hairdressing home.

FLEXIBLE FRIEND

Banish bad hair days for good with American Crew Fiber Cream. Boasting medium hold and natural shine, this gym bag essential combines flexibility with control, leaving locks with refined texture and a natural shine. The versatile cream can be used pre blow-dry, or applied to dry hair, and is perfect for men on the go.

RRP £12.90 / 100ml

TREND REPORT

The Westrow team went backstage at Fashion Week Autumn/Winter ‘18 to report back on the defining styles of next season…

ARISTO-CUT

As always, the models at Erdem told a story through their hairstyles. This season the tale was of 1920s aristocratic ladies that aren’t quite so ladylike, with styles designed to hint at hair that has been worn around an estate, in all weathers. Deep side partings added a masculine quality to typically feminine ‘finger waves’ reminiscent of the era, while an imperfect texture and roughed-up finish created a look that was retro, with just a hint of naughtiness.

GET THE LOOK: First create a horseshoe-shaped section in the top part of the hair by combing it over from the right to the left ear. Keep the back section loose and poker straight. Next, blend L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.ART Pli with a texturising mousse – we love L’Oréal Professionnel’s new Wild Stylers Rebel Push Up – and comb the mixture through the top section of hair, creating a wave on the left-hand side of the face. Pull back the rest of the hair and secure in a low pony, smoothing over with a small amount of L’Oréal Professionnel Mythic Oil. To give the wave an imperfect texture, rough it up a little with your fingers.

INSIDER TIP:This look is a millennial nod to the roaring Twenties – not a direct copy of a 1920s trend – so keep the look modern by using your fingers to create a wave before blow-drying. The dry texture and imperfect wave will bring this style straight into Autumn/Winter ‘18.

Images courtesy of L’Oréal Professionnel