Ponytail Made Easy

Nothing like a good old fashioned ponytail

Hmm, where shall I begin? The story of the ponytail is very similar to that of a younger sibling, cousin or friend. You know, they get the blame for everything. If you wanted to know who broke the window, stole the cookie or sneaked into mom’s closet; the little one always got the blame.

In hair care, the ponytail gets blamed for everything wrong with stressed tresses. The truth of the matter is the “incorrectly styled” ponytail is the culprit. 

A great ponytail begins with great hair. I know; great hair? Because hair reflects the inner workings of our body, start your hair care off with a sound diet, exercise, a good amount of water intake, get some sleep, think positive and don’t forget to poop! A toxic body contributes to stressed, fragile and dull hair. Be sure to stay on top of your health before you start walking the isles of the beauty supply or drug store. 

Now that we have that explained, let’s explore the next steps. Clean, conditioned and fortified hair creates manageable, soft and shiny hair. A shampoo is to your hair what cleanser is to your face. Just as you are selective as to what goes on your skin, use that same scrutiny when making hair care purchases. It is common for consumers to select a product based on the scent or celebrity endorsement. For all practical intents and purposes, the product should match your hair texture and type. If you are unsure of your texture and type, ask your stylist to tell you or come see me! Conditioners vary from treatments. Conditioners simply make hair manageable and soft. Treatments can penetrate through the hair strands tiny layers to repair, replenish and fortify hair. 

Next, are the options to wear a natural pony tail or a smooth and sleek ponytail. The best way to achieve a natural ponytail that will compliment your face and attire is begin to style it while it is wet. Next apply a mousse, gel or wax pomade combos which enhances textures and promotes shine. A mousse is best for less dense and textured heads of hair. Gels are nice for more dense to fine and medium textured heads of hair. Wax pomade combos are nice for very dense or more textured heads of hair. Using the wrong styling agent can tear hair, promote snapping or dry hair out. Be sure to read the label when making your purchase. If the product does not have the language to help you make the right choice, do not purchase it. Keep reading until one does or go to another store if you have to. 

For a sleek and smooth ponytail, blow dry hair first. Next flat iron your hair using 1/8^th inch sections with a flat iron that is at least 430-450 degrees. If your flat irons are not hot your hair will convert back quickly. If you will be pressing your hair, be sure to have the press comb hot enough to straighten your hair and use the back of the comb to achieve straight hair that will not convert back. Next apply more oil or pomade. Oil will not make the ponytail sleek; instead oils will make hair shiny. Pomades (grease) will make your straight hair sleeker with a little shine.

It is important to also be selective as to what you will use to hold your pony tail in place. The thick black or brown elastic coated brands are the best. Do not use rubber bands or elastic bands with metal connectors. Both bands crease into hair promoting stress points that leads to snapping. 

Taming the hair line on natural tresses is also a challenge. I recommend applying a pea size amount of wax, pomade or gel around the hair line and using a pin tail comb or soft bristle toothbrush to tame those tiny hair line hairs,

Finish your natural pony tail with a mist of your favorite oil sheen spray or simply walk out the door. 

To complete your look, be sure to arch or groom your eyebrows. Hoops or studded ear rings will illuminate your skin. Cleanse, exfoliate, tone and moisturize your skin to accentuate your ponytail and attire. Lastly, brush those pearly whites three times to bring the look together; then dash out the door with a smile!

Following these steps will result in a smooth, shiny and secure ponytail. If you do not have a sound diet, exercise, drink water, think positive and have regular poopies; the result is dry hair that excessively sheds and looks dull. The ponytail would not be the blame. If you use the wrong comb and brush it will tear your hair and you will see tiny pieces of hair in the sink and on the floor; don’t blame the ponytail. If you use inferior styling products and tools your hair will be difficult to manage, feel dry and will lack luster; the ponytail will not be the culprit. 

And the next time someone blames the ponytail for their hair woes, lead them to my blog!