Dampen your hair with water before putting it into a ponytail. If you've just showered, let your hair dry until it's damp.

Rub a volumizing product into your hair from the roots to the ends. This gives your hair a boost and keeps it from falling flat.

Apply mousse, dry shampoo or a few spritzes of hairspray to your hair to give it some texture. Work the product through with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.

Blow-dry your hair if it's still wet or damp. Don't put your hair in a ponytail until it's dry.

Pull your hair behind your head. Hold your hair in one hand, and then pull it up toward the crown of your head.

Brush your hair with a boar-hair paddle brush. This will help smooth it down and eliminate frizz.

Tilt your head back slightly; brush smooth the hair on the nape of your neck. This keeps your ponytail from sagging.

Secure the ponytail with a slip-resistant elastic hair tie. The elastic grips your hair and helps keep the ponytail in place.

Brush the ponytail with a tail comb to get rid of bumps and uneven spots.

Spray the finished ponytail with light- or medium-hold hairspray. This helps your hair stay smooth all day.