MIDTOWN — A ponytail for $50?
That’s one of the new styles on the menu at the John Barrett Salon inside Bergdorf Goodman on Fifth Avenue near East 58th Street.
The salon launched a braid bar last summer, offering all manner of tied back ‘dos starting at $45. Then, about three weeks ago, the salon created a ponytail offshoot — the Ponytail Bar — offering a range of styles for $50.
“It’s like an up ‘do but more modern and chic and fun,” said stylist Kayley Pak, who has worked with the salon for about three years.
Pak said ponytails can range from high to low, with braids or buns, Pak said. On Saturdays, she can create up to 10 in a day.
“It’s usually for an event, going out, dinner,” Pak said. “It gives you more flexibility.”
Adding more volume on the crown of the head or letting pieces of hair hang loose can frame the face and slenderize, Pak said. A ponytail can also be converted into a top knot, if a client chooses.
The Ponytail Bar offers a booklet of styles to flip through, and sweeping hair up takes less than 30 minutes, Pak said.
Although it’s a relatively new addition, ponytails are serious business at the John Barrett Salon, Pak said.
Staff members recently had an entire meeting to discuss how to avoid the bumps that can form underneath a ponytail. The secret, Pak said, is to tilt the head back and pull hair taut before securing it.
Pak also has certain techniques for using bobby pins to make sure they stay in and don’t pop out. The key, she said, is not to open the pins too wide before inserting them into the hair.
Although ponytails are big during the summer months, Pak said the salon will likely continue offering the up ‘dos after the warm weather passes.
“We see a lot of people — celebrities — with ponytails,” Pak said, “and it’s still a very feminine look.”
