So, let’s say we skip a day of the wash-n-dry. There’s still one big problem: contrary to what reality television would have us believe (I’m lookin’ at you, Kim Kardashian), not all of us roll out of bed polished and ready to go.

The obvious solution is to throw your hair up — out of your face and out of the way. It’s not the best idea, I know — who feels sexy in a messy ponytail? But just think about those amazing Z’s you were able to snag by cutting out the morning wash!

Well, if you ask me, there’s no reason to have to choose between sleeping in and looking good. There are plenty of ways to embrace the pony and keep it stylish — you just have to jazz it up!

Jennifer Aniston has the right idea…

The side part and low pony is a classic combination — and is an instant glam do for the gal on the go. This look works especially well if you can create a part different than the one you wore the previous day, exposing different, less-weathered locks.

You MIGHT recognize this second style:
Yep, the LC signature side braid. This look is perfect for day-old hair; the braid up front will mask any wear your coif may have endured throughout the night. And, to top it off, the look is très chic!

And, just because you want to put it up doesn’t mean it has to be completely tucked back.
Here Jennifer Lopez is working the low-rise pony, keeping it sexy with a looser, retro-curled front.This look frames her face, giving the illusion of a down-do with all the benefits of an up-do!

I propose the dawning of a new age. No longer is the ponytail a last-resort concession for your hair. Make it a first choice for those early mornings — because beauty doesn’t HAVE to be work. I don’t know about you, but I, for one, will embrace any short cut I can find.

I know you know what it is. And good luck avoiding it. You can spend an hour styling your most sculpted coif and after one step outside into the arctic tundra — BOOM, you’ve got frizz, static and tangles.

BUT…after a 30-minute soul-search on the Sephora hair aisle, is it possible that I have found the cure? A holy elixir that can keep your locks semi-normal looking in the cold months?

Perhaps.

The brand is Living Proof, and they specialize in frizz-resistant styling products.

I tried the straight-making styling cream. My fly-aways disappeared AND it made my hair feel smoother and look shinier. But it doesn’t come cheap — one 4 ounce bottle will run you more than $20.

But hey, you’re worth it. Right, L’Oreal?

–Kelly Thore

I know, most people say they look ridiculous and consider them a serious faux pas in normal social situations — but hear me out. I was only alive for 1.5 years during the ’80s (aka when the side pony had it’s heydey) and unfortunately, one-year-olds pretty much have no hair so my options were limited. And I can’t help but feel deprived in missing out on this trend.

We almost had a side ponytail comeback a few years ago, and every once in a while you’ll see a celebrity donning a glammed-up version on the red carpet.  But as far as day-to-day wear goes, you just don’t see them anymore. And I really don’t know why not.

I mean, lets think about it for a second.  Normal ponytails don’t exactly make a girl feel attractive, do they? All of your hair is pretty much swept off your face and knotted up behind your head. But we wear them because they’re so convenient when there’s just no time to style.

The side ponytail, though, adds more finesse to an ensemble than a regular ponytail, but is just as quick and convenient. Sure, your hair is up, but it’s also brought to the front and can (for those with longer hair) fall in front of your shoulder quite nicely.

Now, don’t get me wrong — the side ponytail can certainly go horribly wrong. I present to you exhibits A and B:

Exhibit A

I can appreciate JLo’s effort, but this side ponytail is a bit too high and a bit to…on the side. InStyle says side ponytails work best lower, nearer to the nape of your neck.

Exhibit B

Yeah, I don’t really know what’s going on here. Again, higher side ponytails just don’t look right. Also, a rule of thumb: the more natural they look, the better. No need to use a can of hairspray to hold everything in place.

Now, let’s see it done right:

Molly Sims

That’s more like it. Instyle also suggests blow-drying your hair upside down and scrunching it before you put it in a side ponytail to give it this thick, tousled look.

Nichole Kidman

Or you can smooth it out and dress it up like Nichole Kidman!

True, it’s hard to predict now what the hairstyling trends will be this for summer.
But when I need a quick ‘do, I know what I’ll be rockin’.