How to Add a Braid to a High Pony

Braids add style to a basic ponytail.

While long hair creates an attractive, feminine look, it often gets thrown up into an easy-to-manage ponytail. Women use ponytails to keep their hair under control while working, exercising, relaxing at home and even enjoying a night out on the town. These go-to hairdos get dull after a while, leaving women searching for ways to diversify their plain ponytails. Braids add detail to ponytails, keeping loose hair sleek and manageable. Add a braid to a high ponytail for an easy, yet modern, style.

Things You'll Need

• Hairbrush or comb
• 2 elastic hair bands

Instructions

1. Comb out your hair thoroughly and use your hands to gather it high on the back of your head. While firmly holding the hair with one hand, use the other hand to comb the gathered hair out again, brushing out any tangles resulting from pulling up the hair. Once the hair is smooth, twist the elastic hair band around your hair, forming it into a high and tight ponytail.

2. Create a standard braid by separating the ponytail into three equal sections. Start at the base of the ponytail and overlap the outside sections of hair over the middle section, alternating between left and right. Continue these motions until you reach the bottom of the ponytail. Squeeze the end of the braid between your thumb and forefinger and use the other hand to secure the braid with an elastic band.

3. Add a herringbone braid to your ponytail by separating the ponytail into two equal sections. While holding one section in each hand, use your index fingers to pull small pieces of hair from each section and transfer them to the other side. Take a small strand from the left side and pull it to the right, then take a small strand from the right side and pull it to the left. Repeat this process down the length of the ponytail until you have used all the hair from each section. Hold the end of the braid and wrap an elastic band around it.

Tips & Warnings

• Leave hair wet to easily separate hair for braiding.

• Wrap your braid into a bun for an alternative style.

• Embellish your braid by weaving colored hair strands into it.

References

• Hairstyles Teacher: Braided Ponytail
• Dishinout Beauty: Celebrity Trend Watch...How to Rock the Braid at Home
• Dreamweaver Braiding: Herringbone