How to Ace Maria Sharapova's Cover Hairstyle

Celebrity hairstylist Adir Abergel

refers to the four-time Grand Slam champ as his “little sister” and still gets the butterflies when he watches her whiz across the court (although he confesses his nerves often keep him confined to the couch and glued to the TV). “I have to cheer her on from home—I get so incredibly overwhelmed when I watch her play live…and a bit foul-mouthed,” he says with a laugh. And while he’s created red carpet styles for the tennis star countless times, he admits that nobody does a ponytail better than Sharapova herself. “It always has just the right amount of bounce,” he says. Yet another (beauty) point for

Maria Sharapova

. Read on for Abergel's step-by-step guide to getting sultry waves like Maria's on the September cover of SHAPE!

Start by spritzing a volumizer, like Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray ($28; oribe.com), on damp roots. Bonus: This body builder helps protects strands from the scorching temps of hot tools.

Then apply a strand smoother, such as Orlando Pita Argan Rejuvenating Hair Treatment Oil ($20; orlandopitahair.com), to your ends only. “This adds softness and shine without weighing down roots,” says Abergel.

After selecting the medium heat setting, blow hair about 90 percent dry with your hands before using a round brush. Try Ibiza Collection EX3 Medium Round Brush ($46; ibizahair.com), which Abergel uses on most lengths—from short bobs to super-long strands. To create lift that lasts, wind a one- to two-inch section of hair around the brush—holding it taut in the opposite direction you want strands to fall. Then hit the brush with your blow dryer and allow strands to cool on the barrel for a few seconds before unwinding. Repeat these steps all over your head.

Create a middle part and wrap one-inch pieces around the barrel of a 1 ¼ inch curling iron—winding hair away from the face. We like Remington 1 ¼” Instant Curls Curling Iron ($30; remington.com).

Next, split hair down the middle into two equal parts. Twist each section (as if you were creating a chignon) and glide a flat iron over just your ends. Repeat on the other side. “This gives your hair that lived-in, beachy quality,” says Abergel. Try Sephora Collection Tourmaline Flat Iron ($48; sephora.com).

To finish, flip hair upside down and spritz all over with with dry shampoo for texture and lift, then finger comb. To give the look a piece-y feel, add a touch of pomade to your ends. Try Serge Normant Meta Form Sculpting Pomade ($25; sergenormant.com).

Got sweaty strands? Use them to your advantage! “Working out creates texture without having to wield a curling iron,” says Abergel. Here, he breaks down how to recreate the low-do our cover star wore to last year’s Vanity Fair Oscar party:

1. Blot strands with a towel or blow dry hair with your hands to absorb moisture. Then mist a dry shampoo onto roots to soak up any excess oil. He likes Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk ($18; drugstore.com).
2. Then work a dab of glossing cream—like Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Cream ($25; ulta.com)—throughout hair for texture and definition.
3. Next, braid three to four small sections in various places. “They should be tight enough that you don’t need to tie them off with elastics,” he says.
4. Using your fingers, gather hair into a loose ponytail just above the nape of your neck and secure with an elastic band.
5. Twist the tail into a chignon and anchor into place with pins. Abergel’s favorites: Gloria Haarpfeil Hair Pins ($2.50; naimies.com)
6. Pull out a few pieces in the front for a soft, romantic finish. Want extra credit? Take this look up a notch on the sparkle scale by slipping on an elegant accessory, like the Eddera Roma Headband ($160; eddera.com). Game, set, match!