How To Create A Stylish Ponytail.

Byline: INTERVIEWS BY ELLEN MILLER, DANIELLE PERGAMENT, AND SARAH VAN BOVEN

Expert advice on dressing for hot weather, planning an adventure vacation, and more.

An Interview With Guido

A London-based hairstylist and Redken creative consultant, Guido works on runway looks for Marc Jacobs, Prada, and Versace.

There's a reason why the ponytail is classic: It's easy, elegant, and unfussy--and a woman always feels comfortable when she's wearing one.

Start it right. To elevate the ponytail from frumpy, boring gym hair, spend a little extra time on it. Run a quarter-size blob of thickening cream through damp hair. This will give it body and a bit of grab so the elastic won't slide out. Blow hair dry (and straighten it, if your hair is curly) with a boar-bristle brush. The natural bristles will help make your hair glossy.

Tie it back. During the day, it's a little old-fashioned to worry about hiding your elastic. I like a plain black one that doesn't have a metal clasp, which can snag hair. (Avoid brightly colored elastics. You'll look like a teenager, and not in a good way.) Position the ponytail about two inches ...