High ponytails have become a popular hairstyle choice in recent years due to their versatility and simplicity. Whether you’re heading to the gym or a fancy event, a high ponytail can be styled to suit any occasion.
However, creating the perfect high ponytail can be tricky, and many people end up making common mistakes that can affect the overall look and durability of the hairstyle.
In this post, we’ll take a look at the most common high ponytail mistakes and provide you with practical solutions on how to fix them.
So, whether you’re a seasoned high ponytail lover or a beginner to this versatile hairstyle, read on to learn how to achieve the perfect high ponytail every time.
Common High Ponytail Mistakes
Are you tired of creating high ponytails that just don’t look quite right? If so, you’re not alone.
While a high ponytail can be a stylish and convenient hairstyle, several common mistakes can detract from its overall effect.
Let’s explore some of the most common high ponytail mistakes and provide you with tips and tricks for avoiding them.
So, grab your hairbrush, and let’s get started!
1. Not Brushing Hair Before Tying it Up
One of the most obvious mistakes people make when creating a high ponytail is not brushing their hair beforehand. This can lead to tangles and knots in the ponytail, making it difficult to achieve a smooth and polished look.
To avoid this mistake, start by brushing your hair thoroughly from the roots to the ends to remove any tangles or knots.
Once you’ve brushed your hair, use a fine-toothed comb to create a straight part down the middle of your head. Then, gather all your hair towards the crown of your head and secure it with a hair tie.
This will help to create a sleek and polished high ponytail.
To achieve the perfect high ponytail, you can also use a boar bristle brush to smooth out any bumps or kinks in the ponytail. This will give your hair a shiny and polished look, making it the perfect hairstyle for any occasion.
2. Placing the Ponytail Too High or Too Low
Another common mistake people make when creating a high ponytail is placing it too high or too low on the head.
Placing the ponytail too high can create a top-heavy look while placing it too low can make the face appear droopy.
To fix this mistake, start by positioning the ponytail in the middle of your head, at the crown. This will help to balance out the look of the hairstyle and create a flattering silhouette.
If you prefer a higher ponytail, aim for the base of your crown, where your head starts to curve downwards. This will create a lifted look without appearing top-heavy.
Remember, the key is to find a placement that flatters your face shape and balances out the overall look of the hairstyle.
3. Using the Wrong Type of Hair Tie
Using the wrong type of hair tie can lead to a high ponytail that doesn’t stay in place or one that is too tight and uncomfortable. Elastic bands with metal fasteners or rubber bands can cause damage and breakage to your hair.
Instead, opt for a fabric or elastic hair tie that is gentle on your hair and won’t cause damage or breakage.
Silk scrunchies are a popular option as they are gentle on hair and don’t leave creases or kinks in your hair.
If you have thick or heavy hair, consider using a thicker hair tie or multiple hair ties to secure your ponytail. This will ensure that your ponytail stays in place and doesn’t slip down over time.
Lastly, avoid tying your hair tie too tightly, as this can cause tension headaches and damage to your hair. A comfortably snug fit is all you need to keep your high ponytail secure throughout the day.
4. Not Securing Flyaways and Loose Strands
Flyaways and loose strands can make your high ponytail look messy and unkempt. If you want to avoid this, use hairspray or hair gel to smooth down any flyaways and loose strands before tying up your hair.
For shorter hair, you can use bobby pins to secure any loose strands and prevent them from falling out of the ponytail.
For longer hair, consider wrapping a small section of hair around the base of the ponytail and securing it with a bobby pin. This will help to conceal the hair tie and give your ponytail a more polished and put-together look.
Another trick to keep your high ponytail looking neat is to use a spoolie brush sprayed with hairspray to tame any flyaways and baby hairs around your hairline. This will create a clean and polished look for your high ponytail.
By securing any flyaways and loose strands, you can achieve a more polished and put-together high ponytail that will last all day.
Speaking of lasting all day, take a look at our post on the reasons high ponytails are perfect for any occasion.
5. Creating a Crooked Ponytail
Creating a crooked ponytail can make your hairstyle look uneven and unbalanced. To avoid this mistake, you should always use a mirror to ensure that your high ponytail is centered and straight.
You can use your fingers to feel any unevenness in your ponytail. Gently tug on the sides of your ponytail to adjust any lumps or bumps until it appears straight and centered.
Remember, creating a straight and centered ponytail may take some practice, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a few attempts to get it right.
With patience and practice, you’ll be able to create a high ponytail that is both stylish and balanced.
6. Over-Teasing the Hair
Teasing the hair can add volume and texture to your high ponytail, but overteasing can lead to a messy and tangled look.
Start by using a boar bristle brush to smooth your hair and create a sleek base for your ponytail.
If you want to add volume to your high ponytail, start by teasing only the crown of your head. Use a comb to tease small sections of hair at the crown, gently backcombing towards the scalp. Avoid teasing the length of your hair, as this can lead to tangling and breakage.
Once you’ve teased the crown, gently smooth the top layer of hair with a brush to create a polished finish. This will ensure that your high ponytail looks voluminous and put-together, without appearing messy or tangled.
Start with small sections of hair and avoid over-teasing to achieve a voluminous yet polished high ponytail.
7. Using Too Much Hairspray or Gel
Using too much hairspray or gel can make your high ponytail look stiff and unnatural. Always start by using a small amount of product and gradually add more as needed.
When using hairspray, hold the can at least 6 inches away from your head and spray lightly, focusing on the top and sides of your ponytail. If you need to add more hold, you can always add more hairspray later.
If you’re using gel, start with a small amount and apply it evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the top and sides of your ponytail. Be careful not to use too much, as this can create a greasy and sticky look.
Remember, less is often more when it comes to styling products. Begin with a small amount and add more as needed to achieve your desired look.
8. Not Brushing Out the Ponytail
Not brushing out your high ponytail can lead to messy and unkempt natural hair. To stop yourself from having messy or unkept hair next time, always brush out your ponytail after tying it up.
Use a wide-tooth comb or a brush with soft bristles to gently brush out your ponytail, starting at the ends and working your way up. This will help to remove any tangles or knots and create a smooth and polished finish for next time.
If you want to add more texture to your high ponytail, you can also use a texturizing spray or dry shampoo before creating your next hairstyle.
Apply the product to your roots and mid-lengths, then use your fingers to create texture and volume the next time you style your hair.
Brushing out your ponytail is always an important step in creating a polished and put-together look.
9. Creating a Lopsided Ponytail
Creating a lopsided high ponytail can make your entire look appear unbalanced and asymmetrical.
If you’re having trouble creating a centered ponytail, try using a hair tie with two hooks. Gather your hair into a ponytail and insert one hook on either side of your head, then pull the hooks towards each other to secure the ponytail in place.
This will help to create a centered and symmetrical ponytail without any guesswork.
If you prefer to use a regular hair tie, start by gathering your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Use your fingers to adjust the height of the ponytail, ensuring that it is centered and straight.
Once you’re happy with the placement, use a hair tie to secure the ponytail in place.
10. Creating a Ponytail That is Too Tight
Creating a high ponytail that is too tight can lead to discomfort and even headaches. Avoid pulling your hair too tightly towards the back of your head, as this can create unnecessary tension on your scalp.
Instead, aim to create a ponytail that is secure but not overly tight.
If you’re having trouble finding the right tension for your high ponytail, try pulling your hair back with your hands first, and securing it with a hair tie once you’ve found a comfortable tension.
Remember, a high ponytail should be comfortable and easy to wear, not painful or uncomfortable. Take the time to find the right tension for your hair to avoid unnecessary discomfort.
Why Does My Ponytail Look Bad?
A possible explanation for a ponytail looking bad is that the hair is being pulled too tightly. Frequently wearing tight ponytails can cause tension in the hair follicles and lead to hair breakage and matting.
Another possible reason is that the hair is not being properly teased or detangled before being put into a ponytail. This can cause knots, matting, and tangles.
Lastly, sleek ponytails can emphasize your head’s roundness in an unflattering way. So if your ponytail looks bad, or you’re not happy with it. Tease your hair and ponytail to affect its shape and volume until you find a look you’re happy with.
Why Does My Face Look Weird in A Ponytail?
When you pull your hair up in a ponytail it changes the shape of your face. That’s because it’s putting upward pressure on your face and eyebrows. It acts similar to a nonsurgical facelift, which can look weird when you’re not used to your face looking different.
For a high ponytail, the hair is more on a diagonal in line with your cheekbones, which draws the attention upward and instantly creates the illusion of a different face shape.
So when you wear your hair in a ponytail, even a high ponytail, It can give the illusion that your face dimensions have changed. They are also more clearly visible with your hair pulled back.
Why Does My Ponytail Look Uneven?
So why does my ponytail look uneven, crooked, or lopsided?
If your ponytail looks uneven a few possible explanations may be:
- How you style your ponytail – How you tie your ponytail and the hands you use (right or left-handed) can both affect how even your hair will look.
- How your hair grows – If your hair grows unevenly due to genetics, stress, or pregnancy your hair may be naturally more uneven.
- Hair damage – If your hair is damaged, has breakages, or is full of split ends it may look more uneven than healthy hair.
- Frequent styling – Over-styling your hair and putting your hair up into a ponytail frequently can cause breaks or uneven growth.
- An uneven haircut – When your last haircut was uneven or a wonky cut. It will grow unevenly making it much harder to achieve a flawless and even ponytail.
What Is the Jawline Rule for Ponytails?
The “Jawline Rule” for ponytails means that when you align your ponytail height with your jawbone it creates a more flattering look to your face. Following the line of your jawbone helps you to anchor your ponytail to the curves of your face.
By following the “Jawline” or “Jawbone” rule when placing your hair in a ponytail. You can ensure it looks even and well-balanced with your face shape from the front.
Even though many people believe that there are no rules when it comes to ponytails, believing that it’s best to just do what you feel most comfortable with.
The “Jawline Rule” is still an approach to strongly consider using when you have trouble framing or anchoring your ponytail with your overall face shape.
Final Thoughts
Creating a high ponytail can be a quick and easy way to add style and sophistication to your look. However, several common mistakes can detract from the overall effect of a high ponytail. By avoiding these mistakes, you can create a high ponytail that looks polished, effortless, and stylish.
You should always brush your hair before tying it up, place the ponytail at the right height, use the correct hair ties, secure flyaways, and avoid over-teasing and using too much hairspray or gel.
Also, make sure your ponytail is centered and not too tight, and don’t forget to brush it out for a smooth finish.
By following these tips, you can create a high ponytail that looks flawless and polished every time. Experiment with different styles and textures, and don’t be afraid to try something new. With a little practice and patience, you can master the art of creating the perfect high ponytail.