This autumn's 'it' 'do is as simple as it is chic. Make a few simple updates your childhood favourite and your hair will be positively cutting edge.
A/w 2010 beauty trend: Grown-up ponytails
The humble ponytail has been elevated to this season's number one up-do (see Louis Vuitton on left and Henry Holland on the right). That's right this simple look, synonymous with schoolgirls, has had a glamorous transformation.
A/w 2010 beauty trend: Grown-up ponytails
From the sassy side 'do at Blugirl to the sleek low-slung equestrian-style ponytails at Hermès, the unifying buzzword was 'groomed'.
A/w 2010 beauty trend: Grown-up ponytails
Nobody makes a high ponytail look more grown-up than Angelina Jolie. From the day she first appeared as Tombraider's Lara Croft, the actress has adapted the world's simplest up-do and transformed it into a symbol of chic sophistication. A champion of the ponytail's versatility, she has experimented with cascading curls and eye-skimming fringes but her signature look will always be slicked back and perfectly groomed.
A/w 2010 beauty trend: Grown-up ponytails
The best time to wear your hair in a ponytail is the day after you've washed it. Clean hair is softer and so more prone to slipping out of the band. If your hair is naturally oily, try washing just your fringe or hairline.
Sheet-straight hair works best for this season's look. Even the high-swinging ponytails at Louis Vuitton work best if the hair is first straightened with flat-irons and then curled at the ends once it's up.
Try Babyliss Pro 230 Elegance, £80
A/w 2010 beauty trend: Grown-up ponytails
If your hair's naturally wavy or curly, run a straightening balm through before you blow-dry. Curly hair can often by more coarse so spritz with shine spray or gloss for a sleek finish.
Hair elastics are not the most glamorous of accessories so hide yours by leaveing out a strand of hair above your ponytail and then wrapping it around the base and tucking the ends in.
Try Sassoon Spray Shine, £14 or L'Oréal Professionnel Tecni.art Gloss Control, or Redken Straight 05 Straightening Balm, £11.50