Real-life beauty trends don’t always reflect what we see on the runways, but when it comes to Rihanna, ordinary rules don’t apply. The bona fide fashion icon recently stepped out in NYC sporting cutoffs, a fistful of designer bags, and a superlong ponytail similar to the ones we spotted at Chanel, Kenzo, Valentino, and Bottega Veneta. Selena Gomez tried the trend, too, tying off her sleek pony with a simple black ribbon at the Teen Choice Awards last week. We’re guessing faux strands played a part in both cases, but anyone can go to great lengths by following the steps hair pro Guido Palau took backstage at Bottega: Blow-dry damp hair with a smoothing lotion (like Redken Align) and use a flatiron for sleekness. Part as desired (Rihanna and Selena both divided down the center) and secure your tail at ear level with an elastic. For extra fullness, wrap the base with extensions—hiding the evidence with a small section of hair wound around the band. Want a blunt, clean finish like Selena’s? Hack off the ends with scissors. To get RiRi’s undone look, pull a few pieces out around your face, give the crown a tug for volume, and leave the ends intact.
