How to Make a Ponytail

No longer just a bad-hair-day antidote, the ponytail is a chic and sleek hairstyle for day or evening. Wear it low at the back of the neck for dressy business or evening occasions or keep it in the middle of the head for a casual sporty look.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Hair Accessories
• Ponytail Holders
• Anti-frizz Hair Serums
• Combs
• Hair Gel
• Hair Mousses
• Hairbrush

1. Comb your hair, removing any tangles or snarls. Day-old hair transitions very well into a ponytail, as does de-tangled "bed head." Add a dollop of styling mousse or pomade to give just-dried hair some weight and texture.

2. Tame any flyaway hair with an anti-frizz serum or hair gel. Style the front of your hair, including any bangs, wisps or tendrils you do not want pulled back. Part your hair where desired.

3. Pull a rubber band around the wrist of your lead or brush hand. Brush hair into your free hand, letting the tail hang parallel to your spine. Collect all the hair you want to include between the L made by your thumb and palm.

4. Set the brush down, then tighten the grip on your gathered hair. Transfer the ponytail into your lead hand. Your palm should face the back of your head, with your fingers and thumb facing down and your elbow facing up. Let your hair form a cord in the tunnel of your grip.

5. Hook the rubber band with your free index finger and stretch it down. Pull your ponytail through the band, keeping a soft grip.

6. Keep the rubber band tense as you insert your other fingers and thumb into the band and twist it around the base of your ponytail. Press your pinky against the point where the rubber band crosses and make a wide circle.

7. Grab your ponytail and pull it through the rubber band. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until the rubber band fits snuggly.

8. Take a small section of the tail and wrap it twice - once for short hair - around the rubber band. Secure it by inserting it into a strap of the band. Use an extra dab of gel or anti-frizz serum on the twisting section for greater control.

Tips & Warnings

• If the band sits too low, take half of the ponytail in each hand and pull gently just under the rubber band. The ends should be parallel to your shoulders as you pull.

• Make sure that the hair leading into the ponytail lies flat and smooth. Check it using a mirror or simply run your hands along the strands running into the top of the band.

• Try not to make your ponytail too tight. Your hair could fall out if you do.

• Always use high-quality, covered rubber bands. Plain rubber bands, like those found around newspapers, may damage or break hair.