Step 1: Work no more than a golf ball-sized amount of Pantene Pro-V Volume & Body Mousse (£2.99, nationwide) through towel-dried hair to protect from heat-styling and improve hold. Blow-dry with a round bristle brush to smooth the hair a little - drying with a bristle brush gives hair the right texture.
Step 2: Section hair into two parts, the front section from the back of the ear up to the crown and straight down to the other ear. Secure this section with a clip or pins. Gather the remaining hair at the back and sweep up into a high ponytail secured at the crown with a hair bungee or snag-free elastic band.
Step 3: Gently backcomb the front section at the roots to create volume and texture, then brush back leaving short layers to fall around the face. Gather around the base of the ponytail, securing with pins.
Step 4: Section the ponytail and backcomb each section at the roots, spritzing lightly with hairspray (I personally use the Pantene Pro-V Volume & Body Hairspray, £2.99 nationwide backstage) as each section is finished. Brush lightly over the surface of the ponytail to smooth it, using a soft bristle brush. Mist over with a little more hairspray.
Step 5: Taking the end of the ponytail loop it under, securing the end just under the base of the ponytail with strong hair grips. Then, using the thumb and forefinger hold the loop of hair and pull it gently towards the front of the head, securing in this forward position with strong grips, to position the loop high on the crown. Leave the hair to fall naturally into a soft updo.
Sam McKnight's Top Tip: "For maximum elegance, placement of the ponytail is critical. When positioned at the crown of the head, and in line with the jaw, it adds that ballerina elegance."
See more spring/summer 2010 hair trends here.
See five steps to the Alexander Wang side-sweeping plait.
