A Slicked-Back Ponytail Is the Chicest Post Stay-at-Home Hairstyle This Summer

Between the heat wave that's sweeping the country and the need to wear a face mask every time you go outdoors, the only summer hairstyles we're considering right now [1] take minimal effort, and most importantly, stay off the backs of our necks.

What's the easiest, pulled-back summer hairstyle [2] that takes only minutes — if not less — to complete and stays put all day? A ponytail. But, in an effort to still feel polished and put together (despite the fact that we're living in pajamas 90 percent of the time and are definitely showering less since social distancing started), this summer's stay-at-home ponytail is a lot more elevated than your typical gym hairdo.

"This year is clearly going to be different because it's hard to have a no-fuss mindset when you're wearing a face mask [3]," Devin Toth [4], NYC-based hairstylist at Salon SCK, told POPSUGAR. "Tight, clean ponytails [5] that don't compete with your mask straps will be the chicest look of the season. Usually ponytails are a lot softer looking in the summertime, but this year you won't want soft little tendrils flying in your face."

The new post stay-at-home ponytail is a lot crisper and more intentional than your usual style, but that doesn't mean it has to be boring. If you're really feeling experimental that day, Toth recommends you do a braided ponytail combo to switch things up. Or, for those less hair-inclined, you can dress up a basic slicked-back ponytail [6] with other accessories. "When hair is in a secure ponytail, it's easy to spice up the style by adding a couple of well-placed, bedazzled snap clips, bobby pins, or barrettes [7]. You can even add a statement scrunchy at the base of the tail."

If we still don't have you convinced that a slicked-back ponytail can be so chic, take a look at the stay-at-home hair trend inspiration ahead.