Power Up Your Pony

GYM CLASS CALLED...AND SHE WANTS HER BORING PONYTAIL BACK. YOUR ASSIGNMENT: TAKE THE LACKLUSTER LOOK TO A NEW LEVEL. WHETHER YOU GO FOR SOMETHING A LITTLE MORE INTERESTING OR A LOT MORE GLAM, BUH-BYE BASIC PONY.

- LISA DESANTIS

BRING ON THE BABY BRAIDS 

Face-framing pieces are the perfect way to change things up...but turning those pieces into braids *really* elevates the look.

POWER UP: Celeb hairstylist Clayton Hawkins (who created this look on Dove) says the secret to a snatched pony is working in steps. Section off two front pieces and secure with a clip (you want to get the pony right first, then come back for these). Spritz strands with hairspray (we like Drybar The Sheriff Medium Hold Hairspray, $27, drybar.com), then split hair in half horizontally at the temples with your fingers. Follow with a brush (Hawkins recommends the Tangle Teezer Ultimate Styler, $15, tangleteezer.com) to bust bumps, then secure the top half-pony with an elastic. Repeat this on the bottom section (spray then brush) before adding the hair to the top ponytail with a second elastic. Once your pony is nice and perky, finish by braiding the front pieces and secure with tiny, clear elastics.

BUBBLES AND BOWS, BABE 

Arguably the easiest way to take your pony from stale to stunning is to turn it into a bubble style. This spring's upgrade? Ribbons.