pony up!

Shu Uemura hairstylist Matthew Morris gives the traditional ponytail a new edge for spring.

The clothes that fashion designers Andy and Debb sent down the runway for Spring were based on international design elements; they were simultaneously hard and soft since they have hard lines but soft colors. To complement the look, Matthew Morris, lead stylist for Andy & Debb from Shu Uemura Art of Hair, was commissioned to create a masterful hairstyle that could incorporate both elements. What he came up with: A pulled back ponytail that was slicked on top but full of volume at the tail.

“There’s an explosion of texture in the ponytail after it’s bound,” says Morris, who used Shu Uemura Liquid Fabric Mineral Texture Spray ($33; 8.5 oz.) along with Shu Uemura Sheer Lacquer Hair Spray ($33; 8 oz.) to create the look. Liquid Fabric is designed to revitalize your curl/wave pattern with a natural looking finish while offering moisture balance, humidity resistance and frizz-control. Sheer Lacquer is a weightless finishing spray that gives hair hold as well as a soft, natural-looking finish. Layer it on for your desired amount of control. To up the authenticity factor, Morris left some “fuzzies” to frame the face for a just-pulled-on sweater effect. He fastened the ponytail with an elastic instead of wrapping the hair, which he says is “SO pedestrian.”

The best part: This is a look that women of any age can pull off. While more mature women often wear their hair in ponytails to try to preserve their youth, it can often look staid—and outdated. But this sleek/volumized style gives the traditional ponytail a fresh, modern edge.

Too extreme for your measures? Use minimal product to avoid making the slicked or volumized part look too severe. For the show, Morris spent a good deal of time teasing and fluffing the model’s ponytails for volume, body and personality. His advice: Real women should tease lightly for a softer yet equally alluring effect.

For more info on Shu Uemura products, go towww.shuuemura-usa.com.