How to Put Hair Up

One great thing about having longer hair is its versatility. People with long hair can use a variety of techniques to change their look instead of being "stuck" with one hairstyle. They can quickly change from a casual and sporty look to one that is chic, professional and sophisticated.

Things You'll Need

• hair brush
• covered elastic hair band and/or
• large barrette

Instructions

High Ponytail

1. Place a covered hair band around the wrist of your dominant hand. For example, if you are right-handed, the band would go around your right wrist.

2. Brush hair in an upward motion and gather together at the crown of the head. Alternatively, bend forward, allowing gravity to help as you brush the hair toward the crown of the head.

3. Hold gathered hair in the hand that has the elastic hair band on the wrist. Use your other hand to pull the hair band over the hand holding the hair.

4. Wrap the hair band around your hair two or three times, depending on how tight of a hold that you want.

5. Lightly brush hair from front to back for a smooth finish.

Low Ponytail

1. Place a covered hair band around the wrist of your dominant hand.

2. Brush the hair back away from the face and gather the hair at the bottom of the hairline at the back of the head.

3. Hold gathered hair in the hand that has the elastic hair band on the wrist. Use your other hand to pull the hair band over the hand holding the hair.

4. Wrap an elastic hair band two or three times around the hair, or use a large barrette to hold hair--or use both for an extra-secure hold.

5. Lightly brush hair from front to back for a smooth finish.

French Twist

1. Gather your hair as you would for a low ponytail (see above).

2. Slowly twist the ponytail as you gently pull the ponytail upward. Continue to twist until the hair is tightened against your head up to the crown.

3. Fold in any remaining hair by folding it over and tucking it into the space where the ponytail twists under.

4. Fix ends in place using several bobby pins or hair combs.

5. Spray with strong hold hair spray if desired. As a variation, instead of tucking in the remaining hair, fold it over and clip ends to the rest of hair using a barrette.

Tips & Warnings

• Both types of ponytails can be turned into buns by twisting the ponytail while winding it around the hair band. Tuck the ends under and keep in place using either bobby pins or by wrapping a second hair band around the bun.

• Never use regular office-type rubber bands in your hair. They tear and break your hair.