by Kimberley Heit

Created on: October 18, 2009

A ponytail is a classic hairstyle that never goes out of date. From time to time the trends fluctuate, but a basic ponytail never really goes out of style. It will take you from the gym, to work and beyond. They also form the foundation of many more elaborate up styles like a chignon. This article acts as a step by step guide to creating the perfect basic ponytail.

You will need:

Product

Hair tie (preferably a hair bungee)

Brush

Pins

Step by step guide:

1. Before you start creating your ponytail, make sure your hair is dry, because you are more likely to cause breakage to your hair if you put it up with a hair tie whilst it's wet. Day old hair is preferable to freshly washed hair, because it has some oil to help hold the style. Of course, you can create a ponytail with freshly washed hair, but it does tend to be more flyaway to work with.

2. After brushing your hair, apply a little product to your hair to smooth it back.

3. Make sure your hair bungee is on hand, or if you don't have a hair bungee it's time to prepare your own substitute. You can do this by taking two pins and a hair elastic. Slide a pin onto one side of your hair elastic, then place the other on the opposite side. It is beneficial to use a hair bungee or substitute, because it creates a tight hold without snagging the hair.

4. To gather your hair into position make sure you lean your head back and keep it tilted backwards until you have applied your bungee or substitute hair tie. If you put your hair up in this position it will help to minimize the loose poof of hair that sometimes forms under the crown of the ponytail.

5. For a classic ponytail, the best height is roughly at eye level. So gather the hair back into this position. To apply your hair bungee, or substitute, put one of your hooks or pins down into the top of the hair you have gathered together. Now still holding your gathered hair firmly with one hand, use the other to wrap the tie around your hair before inserting the second hook or pin. You should now have a nice secure ponytail.

6. A classic ponytail looks much more polished if you conceal your hair tie. So take a strand of hair from your ponytail and twist it gently, before wrapping it around your hair tie. Position the ends under the length of your ponytail and pin in place.

7. If you have a short fringe style it appropriately, then spritz your hair with a little hairspray or shine spray. Your basic ponytail is now complete, but remember that you can always play around with different accessories, curl the ends, or perhaps add some glitter spray if you want to mix it up for a special occasion.

Take care, if you like to wear ponytails on a regular basis, because they can cause damage to your hair. Try to vary your heights and always insert and remove your hair tie carefully to avoid tearing your hair.

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