Katherine Sims, educator and artistic team leader for REDAVID and owner of Elysian Beauty Bar in Windsor, Ontario, shares her expert take on one of this season’s most iconic styles: the high ponytail.
Perfect for brides but equally stunning for any special occasion, Sims works with REDAVID, a clean, plant-based and high-quality haircare brand founded in 1990 by Canadian master hairstylist Leonardo Redavid.
Using the brand’s performance-driven products, Sims transforms this classic look into a modern, statement-making style.
PREP & FOUNDATION
- Wash and Prep the Hair
- Shampoo and condition the hair as needed. Redavid Cedarwood Shampoo (250 ml. / $24) is a luxurious shampoo that gently cleanses and strengthens hair and scalp, removing product build-up and clarifying without harsh sulfates. Follow with Redavid Cedarwood Light Conditioner (250 ml. / $24) that’s perfect for fine hair.
- Work Redavid Orchid Oil Dual Therapy Treatment (100 ml./ $55) and Redavid Volumizer Thickening Spray (100 ml./ $28) evenly through damp hair to rejuvenate and moisturize as well as lift hair to new heights. Blow-dry using a round brush to smooth the cuticle and build volume. Focus on creating lift at the root while keeping hair frizz-free. Once dry, add a light layer of Redavid Orchid Oil Dual Therapy Treatment again for heat protection.
SECTIONING AND PONYTAIL CREATION
2) Create the Top Section: Leave out a deep triangular section at the top of the head (from the temples to the back of the crown). Clip it out of the way.
3) Smooth Sides Back: Apply Redavid Texture Creme (130 ml./ $28), a rich, creamy styling tool with a unique composition, to the side sections for control and shine. Brush each side back using a boar bristle brush to
ensure smoothness.
4) Form the Ponytail
- Gather the brushed sides into a high ponytail at the top of the crown. Secure with a strong elastic. Conceal the elastic by taking a small piece from the ponytail. Apply Redavid Max Hold Spray (10 oz. / $32) around the sectioned-out piece to create texture with a natural look. Ensure that it is well saturated.
- Twist and wrap the subsection around the base of the ponytail. Blow-dry to set and lock it in place without bobby pins. Be sure that the piece stays flat like a ribbon while wrapping. Brush each side back using a boar bristle brush to ensure smoothness.
DEFINE AND SHAPE THE STYLE
5) Curl the Ponytail
- Spray the ponytail with Redavid Working Spray (10 oz./ $32). The non-sticky formula allows you to build and shape without getting too stiff a finish. Take vertical subsections and curl for definition. This will give you more of a wave than a curl.
- Allow it to set and cool before spraying one more time with Redavid Working Spray. Backcomb and feather out the curls to create volume and airiness. Shape the curls with your hands, using Redavid Working Spray and Redavid Max Hold Spray as needed.
TOP SECTION FINISHING
6) Build Height at Top
- Spray Redavid Volumizer on dry hair directly at the root of the top triangle section to plump and strengthen each strand.
- Blow-dry to activate and ensure that it’s completely dry. Backcomb at the root to build height and structure.
7) Create the Top Section
- Leave out a deep triangular section at the top of the head (from the temples to the back of the crown). Clip it out of the way.
8) Twist and Pin
- Curl the top section all in the same direction. Brush it together smoothly into the palm of your hand. Add a small amount of Redavid Texture Cream to your hands to tame flyaways.
- Twist the section counterclockwise, then softly let it fall and pin it into the base of the ponytail so it blends seamlessly. Use minimal pins or hide them carefully underneath the twist.
FINISHING TOUCHES
9) Final Set
- Lightly adjust any curls or top volume pieces for symmetry. Lock in the final shape using Redavid Max Hold Hairspray.
- Use your fingers to gently separate curls for extra softness or drama as desired.
To learn more about REDAVID, please visit www.redavid.com.