Peace out, pep-squad pony: One hairstylist says *this* is the most flattering ponytail height

There’s nothing wrong with rocking a high cheerleader-style pony—it keeps sweat from totally ruining your ‘do during your workouts, after all. But when it comes to the most universally flattering option, sky-high looks are out. (Sorry, pep squad!) Instead, one expert says keeping things nice and low—but not too low—is the way to go.

Hairstylist Paloma Garcia, says a loose ponytail, right at the level of your eyeline never fails to flatter, whether you’re beating the humidity at a summer cookout or going for a casual-cool look at work. “I think the eyeline is really flattering,” she tells Elle Australia. “If you go lower, it’s a little more formal. And obviously if you go higher, it’s a little bit cheerleader—which isn’t a bad thing. But you have to work out what suits you and what you’re comfortable with.”

“If you go lower, it’s a little more formal. And obviously if you go higher, it’s a little bit cheerleader. You have to work out what suits you and what you’re comfortable with.” —Paloma Garcia, hairstylist

When mastering the look, Garcia recommends keeping your hair nice and loose when securing your ponytail with a clear elastic band. And, pro tip: When you’re doing so, always make sure you keep your chin up so the section on the back of your neck looks nice and clean.

Your pony is already going to look great as-is, but if you want to take things up a notch, you can also take a small section of hair from underneath, spray it with hairspray, and wrap it around the band. If you blow it on high heat with a dryer, it’ll stay put—no bobby pins needed. Talk about the chicest—and quickest!—updo ever.

Here are three fresh hairstyles to rescue you from pony fatigue. Or, try this wispy Meghan Markle–inspired bun.