The high ponytail is a hairstyle that masterfully combines simplicity with sophistication. Far from being just a quick fix for the gym, a well-executed high ponytail can be a statement of elegance, suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions. Achieving that sleek, voluminous look seen on red carpets requires a few key techniques focusing on preparation, smoothing, and securing. This guide will walk you through the process step by step, helping you to create a flawless and lasting high ponytail that looks professionally styled.
Preparation: The Foundation for a Flawless Ponytail
The secret to any great hairstyle begins with how you prepare your hair. Starting with the right base will make the entire styling process smoother and the final result more polished. It's often easier to style hair that isn't freshly washed, as the natural oils provide a bit more grip and texture. If you do need to wash your hair, ensure it is completely dry before you begin.
- Start with Dry Hair: Attempting to create a sleek ponytail with damp hair will lead to frizz and an uneven finish as it dries. Use a blow-dryer, directing the nozzle downwards to encourage smoothness and close the hair cuticles.
- Apply a Smoothing Product: Before you start gathering your hair, work a small amount of a lightweight smoothing serum or cream through the mid-lengths and ends. This will help to tame frizz, add shine, and make the hair more manageable without weighing it down.
- Brush Thoroughly: Use a paddle brush or a boar bristle brush to remove all tangles. Brushing not only detangles but also helps to distribute the hair's natural oils, contributing to a shinier, healthier look.
Achieving a Sleek, Bump-Free Base
One of the biggest challenges of a high ponytail is creating a perfectly smooth surface without any lumps or bumps. This requires patience and the right tools. The goal is to gather every strand of hair neatly into position before securing it.
The Gathering Technique
Start by flipping your head upside down and brushing your hair forward from the nape of your neck towards your forehead. Then, flip your head back up and begin to gather the hair at the crown of your head, which is the ideal placement for an elegant high ponytail. Use a boar bristle brush to smooth the hair on the surface as you gather it. This type of brush is excellent for smoothing flyaways and creating a sleek finish.
Smoothing the Details
Once you have the hair loosely gathered in one hand, use your other hand to continue smoothing the sides and back with the brush. For any stubborn bumps, use the end of a pintail comb to gently lift the bumpy section and re-brush it into place. To ensure the front is sleek, look in a mirror and use the brush to smooth the hair back from your hairline. Hold the base of the ponytail firmly as you make these final adjustments.
Building Volume and Securing the Ponytail
A truly elegant ponytail has both height and volume. A flat, lifeless ponytail can pull down your features, whereas one with lift and body has a more uplifting and dynamic effect. Securing it properly is crucial for a look that lasts all day without drooping.
- Secure Tightly: Use a strong, thick hair elastic. For extra security and lift, try using two elastics or a hair bungee. To secure, wrap the elastic around the base of the ponytail as many times as necessary to feel tight and secure. It should be firm but not uncomfortably tight on your scalp.
- Boost the Volume: Once the ponytail is secure, you can add volume to the tail itself. Split the ponytail into two or three sections. Gently backcomb the underside of the top section, close to the elastic, using a fine-tooth comb. Let the top layer fall over the backcombed section to hide it. This creates instant lift and fullness.
- The Double Ponytail Trick: For a more advanced technique that adds incredible height, create a small, hidden half-ponytail first with the top section of your hair. Then, gather the remaining hair from the bottom and combine it with the first ponytail, securing both together with another elastic. This creates a supportive base that props the ponytail up.
Finishing Touches for a Polished, Lasting Style
The final details are what elevate a simple ponytail into a chic and polished hairstyle. These steps conceal the mechanics of the style and ensure it stays perfect for hours.
Conceal the Elastic
A visible hair elastic can cheapen the look. To hide it, take a small, thin section of hair from the underside of your ponytail (about half an inch wide). Spray it lightly with a flexible-hold hairspray for grip, then wrap it around the base of the ponytail to cover the elastic completely. Secure the end of the wrapped section by tucking it underneath the elastic with a bobby pin. Push the pin in from the top, pointing downwards into the base of the ponytail.
Tame Flyaways
For an ultra-sleek finish, address any remaining flyaways around your hairline. Instead of spraying your head directly, which can make hair stiff and sticky, spray a clean toothbrush or a small, clean spoolie brush with a flexible-hold hairspray. Gently brush back any stray hairs around your forehead and nape. This gives you precise control for a soft, natural-looking hold.
