Sleek ponytails were all over the place, both on and off the runway, during the spring 2013 collections presented at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week this week in NYC. Joseph DiMaggio, L'Oreal Professionnel Portfolio Artist, has worked for years to create the perfect pony.

"So many people think that a ponytail is so simple," he told me as he prepped backstage for the Timo Weiland spring 2013 collection. "It is really so hard! It is even more difficult when you are creating the perfect ponytail for a fashion show." Joseph had just finished demonstrating HIS pony for his team. Although this ponytail looks sleek and simple, it is oddly complicated. There are overlapping patterns, criss-crossing, zig zagging and crimping! "Placement is key," he says. "I want them to bounce on the runway." Joseph used L'Oreal Professionnel products and Lox Extensions to create the gorgeous finish.

For men, Joseph created a strong coif with a mock "shaved" parting. "We used a NARS pencil to define the line," he says. "While we are giving a lot of the guys haircuts, I doubt any will let me shave a part in to their hair."

All looks, both hair and fashion, were inspired by the Keith Haring Brooklyn Art Museum exhibit which celebrates street culture in the 1980's. "The collection for this show is called Haute Hip Hop," says Joseph. "These are modern versions of those iconic 80's styles."

Designer Timo Weiland was thrilled with the hair. About the pony, he added "The twisted long ponytail with the mock corn row French braid complemented the collection to a T."