WATCH: Voluminous Pony + Two-Strand Braid

Holiday season is almost here, and we love dishing out the best upstyling tips to help prepare you for the busiest time of the year. Sam Villa went live on Facebook to share two different updos with the BTC fam, plus four major hair cheats! We’re breaking down Sam’s technique for creating volume and a perky pony how-to! Check it all out and watch the full video below! 

Technique: Create Volume and Lift At The Base

Flat iron small sections at the base, then use a thermal brush like a hot roller and overdirect the hair (illustrated above!). Close the flat iron and massage the hair at the base with heat (where you want the lift!). This will give you a voluminous texture for creating upstyles. (5:20)

Pony Popper How-To (15:29)

1. Take an anchor section at the apex and tie it off with an invisibobble.
2. Open the Pony Popper, lift up the ponytail and close it around the invisibobble. This is where you’ll determine the height of the pony.
3. Spray Redken Control Addict 28 Extra High-Hold Hairspray on your hands and a styling brush instead of directly applying to the hair.
4. Take the hair in the mohawk section and brush it into the ponytail. Then, pull the sides and back in using your hands.
5. Tie the elastic at the base, directly over the Pony Popper.

Pro Tip: Use a Shammy Cloth to pull strands and pieces out for a natural look.

Watch the full video below!