Hair Ideas

Ashley Tisdale's 3 Easy Tricks to a Red Carpet-Worthy Ponytail

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(Photo by Getty)

As the go-to 'do for bad hair days, lazy weekends, and gym visits, it's easy to forget ponytails don't have to feel so blah. But thankfully, every now and again a Hollywood actress struts out on the red carpet with a refreshing take on the ubiquitous style.

Case in point: Ashley Tisdale's polished ponytail at the Movie 43 premiere last night. And by adding these three simple switch-ups to your routine, you can make your everyday pony as pretty, too. Here's how:

Trick 1: Amp up the volume and shine

The key to crafting a ponytail that doesn't blend in? Lots of volume and ample shine. Just look at how Tisdale's teased roots draw the eye upward. After backcombing your locks at the crown, lock them in with a light mist of shine spray. We love Oribe's new Shine Light Reflecting Spray ($36 at Oribe.com) for its fruity scent and color-enhancing properties—huge for combating hue-dulling winter weather.

Trick 2: Choose a hair accessory that flatters

Hair accessories should accentuate, not detract, and Tisdale's headband not only adds emphasis to her amped-up roots, but it also gives her lace-and-satin Philip Armstrong dress an edge. Plus, the jet-black hue complements her smoky eyeshadow.

Trick 3: Add an unexpected element

Tisdale's wraparound base only takes, at most, ten seconds to craft, but somehow it makes the classic style feel instantly modern. Pull a small section of hair out from your ponytail, twist it around the base of your elastic, and secure with bobby pins. Easy as that.

See Ashley Tisdale's lookbook here: