Some runway looks are too good to leave on the catwalk. For a DKNY show in New York, hair stylist Eugene Souleiman, then Global Creative Director of Care and Styling at Wella Professionals, created a sleek, graphic ponytail inspired by ’80s and ’90s urban hip-hop culture.
The look combined a gelled wave, a zigzag part and a low ponytail. “I wanted to create a look that reflected the different New York mix of urban cultures, celebrated diversity, and had a slightly ‘old school’ feel to it,” he said.
Here is how to recreate it at home.
Step 1: Start with clean, conditioned hair
Wash and condition with a shine-boosting shampoo and conditioner, especially if your hair is colour-treated.
Step 2: Blow-dry flat
Spray a setting or blow-dry lotion at the roots, then blow-dry, pulling the hair straight and flat against the head.
Step 3: Section and tie back
Section the hair from ear to ear through the crown and tie the back section into a low ponytail. Mist the top with a finishing spray to keep it smooth.
Step 4: Create the zigzag part
Use a fine tail comb to draw a zigzag part through the centre of the top section. Tease out a few wisps at the front hairline.
Step 5: Smooth the sides
With a soft bristle brush, pull each side section down and back into the ponytail, spraying as you go to banish flyaways.
Step 6: Add texture to the ponytail
Spritz the ponytail with a sea salt spray for a matte, textured finish.
Step 7: Sculpt the waves
Using a tint brush, apply a firm-hold gel to the roots of each wisp, work it through with your fingers and sculpt it into a wave across the forehead.
Step 8: Set and finish
Dry the gelled pieces in place with a diffuser, then finish with a light mist of hairspray.
Keep your hair healthy
Sleek styles rely on heat and product, so give your hair some love in between. Use a heat protectant, avoid tying ponytails too tightly every day (constant tension can lead to breakage), and treat your hair to a weekly mask.
For more hair and skin advice, explore our Skin and Hair Care guide.
