Make a ponytail hairstyle!
Learn to make a neat ponytail using a brush, hair tie, and optional clips, practicing sectioning, securing, and adding simple decorative touches.
Step-by-step guide to make a ponytail hairstyle
Step 1
Stand or sit in front of the mirror so you can see all of your hair.
Step 2
Use your brush to gently detangle your hair from the ends up toward the roots.
Step 3
Decide where you want your ponytail to sit (high middle or low) and point to that spot.
Step 4
Tilt your head slightly forward or keep it up to make gathering the hair easier.
Step 5
Use the brush to smooth all your hair toward the chosen spot.
Step 6
Use both hands to gather all your hair at the chosen spot.
Step 7
Hold the gathered hair firmly with one hand.
Step 8
Loop the hair tie once over the gathered hair with your free hand.
Step 9
Wrap the hair tie around the ponytail two to three more times until it feels snug.
Step 10
Use clips to secure any loose sections if you have them.
Step 11
Add a scrunchie or tie a ribbon around the hair tie for a decorative touch.
Step 12
Gently pull out one or two small pieces near your face for a softer look if you want.
Step 13
Share your finished ponytail on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use if I don't have a hair tie, brush, or clips?
If you don't have a hair tie, use a clean elastic or a long ribbon tied securely (steps 8–9 and 11), and if you lack a brush use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle from the ends up (step 2).
My ponytail keeps slipping or has bumps — what should I try?
If your ponytail slips or has bumps, tilt your head forward to gather hair more easily (step 4), smooth with the brush toward the chosen spot (step 5), wrap the hair tie two to three more times and secure loose sections with clips (steps 9–10).
How can I adapt this activity for toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids?
For toddlers, have an adult gather the hair and loop a soft scrunchie for them (steps 6–9 and 11), for preschoolers practice pointing to the desired spot (step 3) and for older kids let them try high, middle, or low placements and added ribbon styling (steps 3 and 11).
How can we make the ponytail look fancier or more personal before sharing it on DIY.org?
To enhance the look, braid a small section and incorporate it when you gather the hair (step 6), add a decorative scrunchie or ribbon (step 11), gently pull face-framing pieces (step 12), and then share your finished ponytail on DIY.org (step 13).
Watch videos on how to make a ponytail hairstyle
The Perfect Ponytail: A Step-by-Step Guide for Kids
4 Videos
The Perfect Ponytail: A Step-by-Step Guide for Kids
I Tried Simple Kids Ponytail Tutorial @BeautyEyeLips
Teach Your Child to Make a Ponytail in 3 Minutes (Ages 5+)
How to do a Basic Ponytail
Facts about hairstyling for kids
⏱️ With a little practice, a neat ponytail (brush, gather, secure) can be done in about 1–2 minutes!
🪮 Brushing hair before styling spreads natural oils from scalp to ends, which helps hair look shinier and smoother.
🏃 Many athletes and schools favor ponytails because they keep hair tidy and safe during sports and play.
🎀 Using a soft elastic or fabric-covered hair tie is gentler and can reduce hair breakage compared to thin rubber bands.
💇♀️ The ponytail is one of the oldest practical hairstyles — people in ancient cultures tied hair back to keep it out of the way.
How do I make a neat ponytail on my child?
What materials do I need to create a tidy ponytail?
What ages is learning to make a ponytail suitable for?
What are safe tips and fun variations for a child's ponytail?
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