Braided Ponytail: How Create A Perfect Braided Ponytail

Blake Lively and Fergie are fans of the braided ponytail hairstyle. Photos: Kristian Dowling/Getty Images | Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

The braided ponytail looks effortlessly chic in any setting -- whether on a big night out or a quick trip to the grocery store. Plus, it's a simple and stylish alternative to the everyday ponytail. And while it may seem more suited for a schoolgirl, worn higher on the head helps to give this playful look a more modern edge.

Hollywood beauties including Blake Lively, Fergie and Jennifer Lopez are proven plait fans. So is celebrity stylist and Hair Basics expert Ted Gibson. His take on the braided pony: "It's the modern, new way of thinking about how you wear braids."

Watch the video and click through the step-by-step gallery for Gibson's tips on how to create this stylish look at home.

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Hair Basics: Braided Ponytail

The braided ponytail is a classic style that's easy to achieve and gives the basic pony an updated edge. Celebrity stylist and Hair Basics expert Ted Gibson gives you the step-by-step on how to create this playful look.

Peter Buckingham

Hair Basics: Braided Ponytail

The braided ponytail is a classic style that's easy to achieve and gives the basic pony an updated edge.

Hair Basics: Braided Ponytail

Hair Extensions
To create the look, long hair is essential (below the shoulders is best). If you don't have long hair, consider clip-in hair extensions. They come in a variety of shades and are simple to secure-no professional needed.

Working two inches below the crown, part the hair horizontally. Lift the hair and clip to hold. Secure in the extensions by snapping them into the hairline.

Hair Basics: Braided Ponytail

Create a Ponytail
If you're wearing hair extensions, use your hands to gently pull the hair into a high ponytail. If not, you can use your hands or a brush to create the ponytail.

Tip: Tilting the head back when you're gathering your hair allows you to get the ponytail higher on the head.

Hair Basics: Braided Ponytail

Secure the Ponytail
Fasten your ponytail with an elastic (Gibson prefers a bungee elastic), and then pull a small strand of hair out from the bottom of the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic.

Hair Basics: Braided Ponytail

Braid
Divide the hair into three sections and braid. As you create the braid, try to smooth out each section for a more polished look.

Hair Basics: Braided Ponytail

The Finished Look
Sleek and stylish, the braided ponytail can take your from t-ball practice to date night, effortlessly.

Hair Basics: Braided Ponytail

And visit our Hair Basics section for more easy hair how-tos.

Hair Basics: Braided Ponytail

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