How to do a high ponytail

Creating the perfect high ponytail only takes a few minutes. You’re six steps away from enjoying a stand-out hairstyle.

1. Prep your hair. If your hair isn’t freshly washed, apply dry shampoo so it has body and doesn’t look greasy in the ponytail. 
2. Brush your hair, detangling any knots. Work leave-in conditioner through your hair if there are any stubborn tangles. 
3. Flip your head upside down, brushing your hair along the scalp and collecting it all in the spot where you’d like the ponytail to sit. Hold onto your hair in this spot.
4. Tilt your head up, still holding your hair. Brush out any bumps, moving the brush toward the hand-held ponytail. 
5. Tie it. Once satisfied with the placement and smoothness, secure your ponytail with a hair tie. 
6. Set and style it. Take a comb and brush the ends of your hair for a smooth look. Use hair spray to set the ponytail so it lasts longer. If you don’t like the look of your hair tie or want something more noticeable, put a scrunchie or ribbon around it.

Get creative

Here are some fun ways to play with this classic style and try different types of ponytails.

• Add some curls to your ponytail with a curling iron or wand. This trick is great if you have thin hair, as it gives more body to the hairstyle.
• Tease the front of your hair with a comb to add volume before securing the ponytail.
• Braid your layers. If you have bangs or layers that fall out of the ponytail, braid them, using bobby pins to secure them into your hair. 
• Try a braided ponytail. Thick, long hair looks excellent braided in a high pony. If you’ve struggled to do a high ponytail with thick hair because it’s heavy and there are so many flyaways, braiding it can help. 
• Try a half ponytail, only tying the top half of your hair. This look is great for short hair that doesn’t all fit into a high pony. 

People also ask

What are other easy updos?

Here are a few classic updos that anyone can master.

• Messy bun. This is the easiest way to get your hair out of your face and rock a cute look. Follow the ponytail hair tutorial above, creating a messy bun when it comes time to tie your hair up. Or, create a high ponytail, twirling the rest of your hair around the ponytail and securing the bun with another hair tie. 
• Low bun. This is a great sleek and professional look. Brush your hair toward the back of your head, then hold and wrap your hair in a circular motion to create the bun, securing it with a hair tie. You can also create a low ponytail, making the bun using another hair tie afterward. Use hair spray to smooth flyaways.
• French braid. This braid style is perfect for getting hair out of your face while also enjoying a sleek, compliment-worthy look. Our tutorial outlines everything you need to know about braiding your own hair. 

Are ponytails bad for your hair?

The occasional ponytail isn’t bad for your hair, but creating this style frequently can cause some breakage. To avoid hair damage, use soft scrunchies and ponytails that don’t contain metal pieces. Brush your hair into the ponytail lightly, and don’t pull on the hair too tightly before securing it. 

You can also avoid hair damage by using a hair mask every so often and applying hair serum to the ends of your hair after creating the ponytail. 

What products help style a high ponytail?

Here are a few styling products that will help you create the perfect high ponytail.

• Leave-in conditioner smooths hair, making it easier to create a tangle and bump-free ponytail. We love IGK Hair’s THIRSTY GIRL Leave-In Conditioner because it creates a moisture barrier for deep hydration and protection against hair-damaging pollutants.
• Hair gel is excellent for creating a super sleek ponytail — especially if you have curly hair. Use a small amount to prevent frizz and flyaways. Fekkai’s Shea Butter Defining Gel Curl Memory is perfect for a sleek, curly high ponytail because it smooths bumps while defining curls.
• Hair spray ensures your extra-sleek style lasts all day. Spray the product several inches from your hair to avoid a crunchy texture. We recommend Unite’s GO365 Hairspray because the hold strength is easily adjustable.

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Get started

Ponytails are versatile and easy to create. If a top-of-the-head ponytail isn’t for you, experiment with different spots and find a go-to style that suits you. From a low pony with hair that sits over your shoulder to a sky-high braided look, the options are endless. 

A great way to figure out the ponytail style that’s best for you — without spending hours in front of the mirror — is to watch beauty tutorials. Check out videos from the Flip community. Chances are you’ll find a creator raving about the hairstyle tricks and products that are best for your hair type. Hunting for Flip app reviews? Find them on the App Store!