ICYMI, ponytails are set to be the biggest hairstyle trend of 2022. Given the fact that we can’t all commit to a three-hour beauty routine like Cassie From Euphoria– ponytails act as a quick and easy way of looking put together.
They are one of the most versatile hairstyles out there and work well for a day in the sun, a workout sesh, or a party. From sassy to sporty and snatched to straightened, there are many ways to rock the style. So, if you want to look fab in a jiffy, we’ve got some tips that’ll help you elevate your humble ponytail.
Your A-Z Guide On Nailing That Ariana-Esque Ponytail
Choose The Right Hair Tie
The kind of hair tie you use to secure your ponytail can lessen any breakage on your actual hair, which is why picking the right one is key. Choosing the right hair accessory also depends on your hair type and the style you’re going for. If you’re looking for an easy hairstyle that takes seconds to achieve, use a snag-free elastic. Look out for hair ties that won’t tug your hair when you’re ready to take your hair down. Folks with fine or straight hair can go for a spiral hair tie to minimize damage and snarls. For peeps with thicker or curly hair, we recommend hair ties that are larger in size or thicker in width but still have a softer outer material so as to not pull at the hair. Alternatively, you could also try to use your headband as a hair tie. If you want to add a touch of chicness to your daily look, no matter your hair type, a hair scrunchie made entirely of mulberry silk will do the trick.
Choose A Location: High, Low, Or Somewhere In Between
As a general rule of thumb, there are three places you can secure a ponytail: high on your head, low near the nape of your neck, or somewhere in the middle. There are a few things you can keep in mind while deciding the location of your ponytail. If you’re going for a formal occasion like an office party or a wedding, you’ll see people in ponytail hairstyles that are lower on the nape of the neck, like chignons, because this placement tends to create less friction and tension which makes it comfortable to wear for longer. High-ponytail hairstyles on the other end are now the purveyor of the currently trending ponytail facelift. They work best for events of a shorter duration, like informal parties, as the style needs an extremely slicked back base, as well as multiple hairpins and ties to keep it in place. Which can eventually lead to headaches, which Ariana Grande has admitted to. Middle ponytails tend to be the most effortless looks suited for a lunch with friends, zoom calls, or running errands. They work well across occasions and is the most versatile position.
Ponytail Extensions And Clip-Ins FTW!
If you don’t have the necessary length to pull your hair all the way back into a ponytail. For example, if you have anything from a bob to a pixie haircut, fear not because it’s easy to fake a ponytail with ponytail extensions or clip-ins. They make for a quick, easy, temporary, and affordable way of achieving thickness, length, and volume. Opt for an extension individual ponytail piece you secure at the elastic rather than the ones you apply at the scalp.
Brush Your Hair The Right Way
If you want to help keep your frizzy hair and bumps from making an appearance, brush your hair in the direction of your ponytail.
Add A Volumising Spray
If you’re going for a voluminous look, add a volumizing hair spray onto your hair and use your fingers to mess your hair up a little. If you want to create even more texture, backcomb your hair after spritzing on hairspray.
Style Your Ponytail
Ponytails are extremely fun to style because of how creative you can get. Whether you want an intentionally messy look and undone style or a sleek look smoothed closer to the scalp or a Kim K-esque braided look, there’s no wrong way to style a ponytail. Gather 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 an elastic and secure it.
Keep Flyaways At Bay
Take a toothbrush and spritz it with hair spray. Then use the toothbrush to brush down and tame those pesky flyaways.
Hide Your Elastic
This step is not 100% required, but it certainly will take your ponytail to the next level. 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 ponytail, and no one’s gonna know it’s there.
Ready to nail that red carpet-worthy ponytail?
Featured Image: Instagram