How to Style A Ponytail Haircut With New Ways

How to Style A Ponytail With New And Stylist Ways

Ponytail hairstyles are some of the easiest ways to look put-together without exerting much energy. The versatility of the style is a welcome reprieve from the fact that we can't all commit to a three-hour beauty routine like Cassie from "Euphoria"; in fact, depending on a few factors, it's easy to look like you actually spent a lot of time on your hair even when you didn't.

Ponytails can also act as a protective and low-maintenance style for those of us on the go. Braided ponytails have the ability to last up to four weeks at a time, and for those of us who don't know how to braid, sleek ponytails with a long braid are a go-to style that can last quite a few days at home.

Let’s take a look at what ponytail is, and how to style this hair.

What is Ponytail?

Photo: Youtube

A ponytail is a hairstyle in which some, most or all of the hair on the head is pulled away from the face, gathered and secured at the back of the head with a hair tie, clip, or other similar accessory and allowed to hang freely from that point. It gets its name from its resemblance to the tail of a pony.

Ponytails are most commonly gathered at the middle of the back of the head or the base of the neck but may also be worn at the side of the head (sometimes considered formal), or on the very top of the head. If the hair is divided so that it hangs in two sections, they are called ponytails, pigtails, or bunches if left loose and pigtails, plaits or braids if plaited.

Ponytails on women and girls

Photo: Supercuts

The ponytail can be traced back to Ancient Greece, from records of images depicting women with ponytails in ancient Greek artefacts and artworks, such as the frescoes painted millennia ago in Cretes (2000-1500 BC). Hence, it is likely that the ponytail hairstyle emerged in Ancient Greece before spreading to different cultures and regions, for Egyptian and Roman art also depict women wearing hair in a style that we now call the ponytail.

In European and Western culture, it was unusual for women (as opposed to girls) to wear their hair in public in a ponytail until the mid-20th century. The expansion in the ponytail hairstyle was in large part due to the arrival of the first Barbie doll by Mattel, which popularized the hairstyle, and movie stars like Sandra Dee who wore it in movies such as Gidget.

Today, both women and girls commonly wear their hair in ponytails in informal and office settings or when exercising; they are likely to choose more elaborate styles (such as braids and those involving accessories) for formal occasions. The ponytail is popular with school-aged girls, partly because flowing hair is often associated with youth and because of its simplicity; a young girl is likely to be able to redo her own hair after a sports class, for example. A ponytail can also be a fashion statement; sometimes meaning athletic, other times a low ponytail sends signals of a chic personality.

A ponytail is a practical choice as it keeps hair out of the eyes when doing many jobs or hobbies. It is not uncommon to require long hair to be tied up for safety reasons in an environment like wood shops, laboratories, sporting activities, hospitals etc, even where hair nets are not mandatory. The ponytail, particularly a low ponytail, is often the most practical way to secure the hair.

Is it Bad to Wear Ponytails Regularly?

A ponytail is a staple hairstyle for almost every woman. Easy, chic and stylish, a ponytail can be dressed up for a night out or dressed down while running errands or at the gym. The hairstyle has a very long history, going so far back as the Greek and Roman eras for both men and women.

But although a ponytail is a convenient and cute way to tie up your hair, some experts have warned that ponytails are potentially harmful for your hair. But is this really true? And how can you prevent damage while wearing similar styles moving forward?

Can ponytails really damage your hair?

Photo: Byrdie

While you might be thinking, “There’s just no way such a simple style can hurt my hair!” there is some truth to this statement. No, wearing a ponytail for a day isn’t going to make your hair fall out in clumps, but wearing a ponytail too often or too tightly can lead to some problems.

The main thing to remember about ponytails is that they put pressure on the follicles and strands in the same places over and over. So, if you’re wearing a ponytail all day, every day, your hair might start to suffer.

The dangers of ponytails

There are a few different ways that ponytails can cause damage to your ‘do.

Hair breakage: Putting your hair in a ponytail in the same place every day can stress your strands where the elastic meets the hair, especially if you wear your ponytails very tight. Constant friction on the strands can lead to fraying and breakage, potentially causing frizz and fly-aways.

Hair loss: Another major danger of tight ponytails is traction alopecia, or hair loss due to consistent pulling of the hair. Tight ponytails can stress the hair follicles around your hair line and eventually pull out the hairs. Traction alopecia is usually temporary, but if it continues over time, inflammation might cause long-term problems with the follicles and prevent future hair growth.

Denting: A more minor yet frustrating side effect of ponytails is the denting of hair. Wearing ponytails in the same location day in and day out can leave a nasty dent in your ‘do that isn’t easily rectified without hot tools and chemicals. This can lead to you wearing more ponytails to camouflage the appearance of the dent, too.

How to prevent ponytail damage

Despite the dangers ponytails present to our hair, there are numerous ways to rock a stylish ponytail and keep your hair healthy.

Let your hair rest: The best way to help your hair avoid damage from ponytails is to give it a break every few days. Let your locks hang loose and avoid tying it up for any reason so your follicles can relax and you’re not putting constant pressure on the strands.

Never sleep in a ponytail: Sleeping with a ponytail in can cause even more harm than during the day. This is because your hair gets pulled while you toss and turn in your sleep, putting extra stress on the follicles. Additionally, you should utilize the night time to let your hair relax and breathe after being styled all day.

Use different hair ties: Sometimes, the type of hair ties you use for ponytails can do additional damage on your hair. Avoid any hair tie with a metal clasp, since hair can easily get snagged and pulled out. Try using hair ties that are much less harsh on your hair, such as scrunchies or thick, fabric-coated types.

Nourish hair: To help hair fight breakage, it’s important to keep it strong and healthy. Use nourishing shampoos and conditioners to keep hair clean and strong. Additionally, healthy hair starts from within, so eat a well-balanced diet and take hair-healthy supplements to give it the nutrients it needs to repair itself over time.

Switch up the style: Wearing a ponytail every day is a much bigger problem if you place the pony at the same spot on your head every time. To combat stress on the strands, switch up the placement of your ponytail—perhaps wear a high ponytail one day, then tie it back loosely at the nape of your neck the next.

Cute Ponytail Hairstyles, according to Garnier website

Mini Braided Ponytail

Photo: The right hairstyles

Loads of texture and tiny details, like a small braid, make for a ponytail so pretty that you could wear it as a wedding hairstyle. Plus, since the braid is tucked into the ponytail, it makes for a cute hairstyle for short hair, too. Try it with second- or third-day hair, since this will give your hair a little more grip and built-in texture, both of which will boost this style. If you’re a curly girl, start with a generous spritz of Fructis Curl Renew Reactivating Milk Spray all over, using your fingers to distribute it through and scrunch it into your hair. For naturally straighter hair, try starting with a dry shampoo or texture spray. Take a section at the front of your hair and braid it. Then, gather your hair, including the braid, in a ponytail at the back of your head. Lift your ponytail and use a comb to backcomb it, which adds volume to create a puffy ponytail. Finally, keep your hair in place with Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Hairspray.

Twisted High Ponytail

Photo: Trendy Lady

Ponytail hairstyles are even easier to style if you’re working with second- or third-day hair, since unwashed hair has a little more texture and grip. First, gather your hair into a high ponytail. Divide it into two sections and twist each one, doing so in opposite directions. Then, wrap the two sections around one another and secure it at the end with a hair tie. Spray up and down the length of your ponytail with a hairspray like Fructis Flexible Control Anti-Humidity Hair Spray, which keeps it from unraveling but allows it to move throughout the day.

Multi-Braided Ponytail

Photo: StyleInterest

If you can do a basic French braid, you can do this multi-braided ponytail. (We promise.) It’s one of the best ponytail hairstyles for long hair, but this look is just as pretty with the hottest medium length hairstyles. Air drying your hair will give it a little more body and texture than blow drying, so first prep your hair to fight frizz with Fructis Smooth Air Dry. Let it air dry. Then, part it in the center. On either side of the part, French braid a section of hair down to the ends and secure each one. Then, pull your hair back into a ponytail, including both braids and the loose section. For extra polish, take a small section of hair from the underside of your ponytail and wrap it around the elastic.

Easy Textured Ponytail

Photo: Alex Gaboury

Your ponytail updo doesn’t have to be sleek to look polished. A texture-heavy ponytail, especially with delicate details like a feminine headband, looks just as good as a prom hairstyle as it does on a weeknight date. To get that natural, lived-in texture, start with dry hair (bonus points if it’s second- or third-day hair). Spray a generous amount of Fructis Texture Tease Dry Touch Finishing Spray onto hair and use your fingers to work it through your hair. Then, loosely gather your hair in a ponytail at the back of your head and secure it with a hair tie. Place in a hair accessory, like a headband, for a romantic touch.

Sleek High Ponytail

Photo: Latest - Hairstyles

High ponytail hairstyles like this might be your go-to workout staple. But with a few tweaks—super-smooth, shiny hair, for one—it becomes a style you can wear to brunch or after barre class, too. Spray Fructis Flat Iron Perfector through the lengths of damp hair. Then, blow dry it with a round brush, making sure that the ends of your hair don’t bend under, and use a flatiron to straighten your hair. Then, pull it back at the very crown of your head and secure it with a hair tie.

Braided Side Ponytail

Photo: Missy Sue

If side ponytails make you think of the 80s, keep reading—because this is not that. Today’s side ponytails are subtler, more elegant, and easier to pull off wherever, whenever. The positioning of this—only slightly off to the side and at ear-level—is both flattering and modern. Start by spraying dry hair with Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Hairpray, which will keep frizz at bay (and from ruining the sleek look). Part your hair on one side and then pull it back in the direction of the side opposite the part. (It should be at one side, but still at the back of your head and level with your ears.) Secure it with a hair tie. Then, braid your hair in a simple plait and secure the end. Finish with a few more sprays of hairspray. Side ponytail hairstyles couldn’t be easier.

Wavy Ponytail

Photo: Pinterest

As easy as it gets, this ponytail style is a classic for a reason. The pairing of smooth hair and loose waves can’t be topped, and it’s basically the hair equivalent of the athleisure trend. Prep damp hair first with Fructis Anti-Humidity Smoothing Milk, which boosts shine and combats frizz. Then, blow-dry your hair, using a round brush to add body and a slight curl at the ends. Pull your hair back and you’re all set.

How to Do the Perfect Ponytail

Getting a ponytail just right is easier said than done. So, how do you tie your hair into a ponytail? Follow these simple steps the next time you want to pull your long or medium hair into a pony.

STEP 1: DETERMINE WHERE YOU WANT TO PLACE YOUR PONYTAIL

The first step to creating the perfect ponytail is placement. Where you decide to place your ponytail will determine how you should go about creating your updo. Learning how to do a high ponytail that’s level with your temples or above can give your hair more bounce. Low ponytails have less movement but look sleek and modern.

STEP 2: BRUSH YOUR HAIR THE RIGHT WAY

This may sound silly, but there is a right way to brush your hair when it comes to mastering how to make ponytail hairstyle. If you want to help keep frizzy hair and bumps from making an appearance, brush your hair in the direction of your ponytail.

STEP 3: ADD TEXTURE

Adding texture to your hair can create a more voluminous look. After all, nobody wants a flat ponytail, right? Spray a volumizing hair spray onto your hair and use your fingers to muss your hair up a little. If you want to create even more texture, backcomb your hair after spritzing on hairspray.

STEP 4: CREATE YOUR PONYTAIL

Gather all of your hair and pull it into your ponytail. If you see any bumps forming, even after you brushed away tangles earlier, take a round brush and roll it sideways over the bumps to smooth them back. Once you’re happy with how smooth your pony looks, take a hair elastic, and secure it. Wrap the elastic around enough times so that your hairstyle won’t fall throughout the day.

STEP 5: HELP TAME FLYAWAYS

Flyaways can completely ruin your ‘do. Now, let us just say, this hair hack might sound super-weird, but it actually works! Take a toothbrush (one that hasn’t been used, of course) and spritz it with hair spray, such as the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Fine Control Hairspray. Then use the toothbrush to brush down and tame those pesky flyaways.

BONUS STEP: HIDE YOUR ELASTIC

This step may not be 100% required, but it certainly will take your ponytail to the next level. If you don’t want your hair elastic to detract from your look, take a small piece of hair from your ponytail and wrap it around the hair tie to keep it hidden. Use a bobby pin to hold that strand in place on the underside of your pony, and no one will know it’s there.

Editor’s note: We mentioned this hairstyle is great for long and medium-length hair, but what about short hair? Don’t worry, having short strands doesn’t make learning how to make a ponytail—or even how to do a high ponytail—impossible. Simply use these same steps to create a half-up ponytail. Alternatively, if your tresses are just shy of fitting into a pony, pull up as much of your hair as you can, then use barrettes to clip down stray strands.

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