Hair Ideas: Kate Middleton's Not-So-Casual Ponytail

Not since Gisele has one woman gotten so much (completely positive) attention for her hair. Kate Middleton's perpetually glossy brunette shade and staple bouncy waves have pretty much made her the hair goddess of, oh, the world. Now, there's something to be said for consistency. Especially consistent perfection. But I was excited to see her in a (relatively) dressed-down ponytail at the Olympics.

And like any good hair icon, she's providing a lesson to us all. Here's what the ponytail means for the average woman: It's a great way to sustain a bouncy blowout for one more day. The height up top makes the style flattering, and the loose waves in the back strike the right balance between polished and youthful. Before pulling your hair back (and you know this part) spritz dry shampoo at the roots to combat greasiness and create volume. If your waves need a touch-up (or if you want to create them from scratch) wait until after you've tied your hair into a loose ponytail, half-way between the crown and nape of your neck. Then, divide the ponytail into three or four sections, and wrap each around a one-inch curling iron, working from the ends up to the elastic. Break the waves up with your fingers for that I've-just-been-on-a-yacht-at-the-Olympics look.