How to Do Updo Ponytails

Arranging your hair in a ponytail up-do can turn any ordinary ponytail into a fashion statement. Although it can take some time to successfully complete a fancy up-do with a ponytail, the results are rewarding. Practice the following steps through to completion once or twice before relying on your hairstyling skills for a special event. This will help you avoid unnecessary last-minute hassle and frustration right before a party, prom, or a wedding.

Prom hairstyles like up-do ponytails are the solution to just about any festive occasion. You won't need to hire a professional hairstylist to do your hair when you can do it yourself with these easy steps.

Things You'll Need

• Hairbrush
• Comb with wide and narrow teeth
• 2 elastic ponytail holders, preferably close in color to your hair
• Curling iron, 1/2-inch to 1-inch barrel
• 2 small hair claws
• 2 bobby pins
• Aerosol hairspray
• Styling mousse
• Flat iron (optional)

Instructions

How to Do an Updo Ponytail for a Party, Prom, or Wedding

1. Brush dry hair until all snarls are gone. Separate bangs from the rest of your hair with a bobby pin to keep them out of the way.

2. Taking two fingers at the base of your scalp above the arch of each eyebrow, section off a portion of hair extending one-third of the distance on top of your head. Create a poof by exposing the roots at the back of the section, hair spraying the roots until stiff, and backcombing with the narrow edge of the comb. Lightly hairspray the front of the section, and comb over the poof until smooth. Hairspray it again, and secure it with two bobby pins criss-crossed on top of your hair.

3. Section off half the hair right above your ears, taking it to the back of your head. Secure this and any stray ends of the poof in a ponytail holder. This will provide extra stability for the rest of the up-do.

4. Secure all hair in the second ponytail holder, making sure it is fastened around the first one to obscure it from view. Divide the finished ponytail into three sections, and fasten two of these into a claw to keep them out of the way.

5. Section off a small portion of hair, work in a small pump of styling mousse, and curl it with the curling iron turned up to a high heat setting. Twist all the way to the base of the ponytail, hold it for 5 seconds, and slowly release the curl. Immediately hair spray the curl. When one section of hair is finished, repeat this step with the rest of the hair until the entire ponytail is curly.

   For a fluffier look, gingerly run your fingers through each curl before spraying, as this will multiply the curls in the ponytail and give it less of a banana-curl look.

6. If you have bangs, put on the finishing touches by straightening them with the flat iron and sweeping them off to one side. Hair spray until stiff. Curl any side pieces that don't fit into the ponytail, and hair spray these as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Spice up any up-do with a tiara, glitter spray, or a glossing spray. Dress in a zip-up sweatshirt or spaghetti strap tank top while doing your hair to prevent snagging or otherwise ruining your up-do as you change into your formal outfit.

• For best results, don't wash your hair right before doing the ponytail; your natural oils help keep the style together. Wash your hair the night before, or at least a few hours prior to styling the up-do ponytail.

• Always be careful when handling hot implements like curling irons and flat irons. If you get burned, Mayo Clinic suggests applying cool running water to the affected area; never apply ice to the burn.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Burns: First Aid