new thread
My hair has finally grown to the point where I can put it in a decent ponytail. Never thought my hair would get long enough for that! Doesn't look too bad, either. Think I may wear it that way this weekend.
Any tips on wearing hair in a ponytail?
Well, firstly, don't use the store-bought elastics or rubber bands. Instead, go to the link below and click on the link that's in that message.
-J
If you wash it, then let it dry loose. Putting it in a tail while it is wet will damage it.
Hi and CONGRATULATIONS!
Definitely don't use those horrible little elastic things with the metal bracket on them, its like a little knife that will cut your hair. If you can use a scrunchy(fabric covered elastic) that is the best. Also don't pull your hair too tight. This can cause headaches. Other than that just comb it with a very fine tooth comb to slick it nicely(after you have combed out all knots etc with a large tooth comb) and then gather it where you want the tail to be. I like them at the nape of the neck on men, but you can wear it wherever you are comfortable. Make sure you are careful when you take it out. Don't want to damage that beautiful new long hair! have fun.
Avoid using plain rubber bands as ties. Not only do these look bad, they tend to snag and break hair. Get quality purpose-made ties that you like, and feel at ease wearing. You may also like to carry a spare one when out at work etc, as when these things eventually snap, they seem to do so at the least convenient time.
When I first tied my hair back, I tended to pull it tightly over my head to extract maximum tail length, which was uncomfortable. If when you tie your hair it feels like you have a motorcycle helmet on your head that's 2 sizes too small, it's definatly too tight!. Go for comfort, even if it does mean a slightly shorter tail.
Don't tie back hair that is wet, not only is wet hair weaker and more likely to break when stressed, the part of it that goes through the tie will probably remain wet for a long time. I don't know how true it is, but I have heard this can lead to mould & mildew growth.
Most importantly though, ENJOY!. What with all the waiting, awkward stage crap etc, you have certainly earned the right...Welcome Aboard
Sure, don't wear it in a ponytail!
Seriously, I have found that the "half ponytail" style works best for me - gives you the look of loose hair without the hassle (from the front), and a very nice look from the rear.
-Zorba
Indeed that look can be awesome, but it won't work on some men - those who don't have a mane that is all one color. I'm outdoors a lot, my hair abounds in sun highlights, and the hair exposed underneath by that maneuver is pitch black! I'd end up with a blond ponytail lying upon that.
One thing that's fun for any longhair to do, by the way, is stand in front of a mirror and lift your years-old tips up so they are against your new hair up on top of your head. The gradual change in your hair's color as it spends years on your head is hardly noticeable until you do that, and then when the two are laid right next to each other, the change is almost always surprising. You'll often see a shift in hue as well as lightness, and if these shifts are too great, a half-ponytail may place two clashing colors too close together.
I also favor the half ponytail style. It still gives the look of loose hair, yet keeps it out of my face. Just be careful though when you take it out as I have found that a half ponytail is much more likely to 'snag' upon removal than a full one.
what is a half pony tail ?
It's kinda like a tied-back undercut, but with long hair hanging loose under where the tail is tied. So, it's an undercut without the undercut, essentially.
-J
Is it anything like Jinn (Qui-Gon) is wearing?
Maybe... To me, however, it looks like he's just wearing a normal tail, but has long enough hair to have the tail come down on both sides of his shoulders.
-J
Tie back ONLY the small amount of hair from the front/sides and let the rest hang loose. The idea is to tie back the hair that gets into your face. From the front, it's looks pretty much like totally loose hair, from the back it does too but you've two small "bands" of hair that wrap around the back and are joined by a scrunchy.
Some find the look too feminine.
-Zorba
I've found that u definately gotsta tie back your hair with a cloth covered band without metal parts-I use Scunci black mediums that I bought at Acme.
After u wash it, let it dry loose and naturally (blow dryers make the hair puffy and damage it eventually). I do this at night a couple of hours before I go to bed.
After dry (or in the morning brush it all back carefully-I start brushing with my fingers and advance to a brush...brush the ends and end with the roots. Push it to the back of your head.
Then tie it all back. Put the band around your wrist. After u pull all the hair back near the knot on your head pull the band off your wrist and over the hair clump with your other hand. Then wrap it 4 times (if that feels tight then go with 3).
I'm still in the awkward stage, so all my hair doesn't fit into the tail. What I do is wet my hair and slick it all back with water (I spray it on with a water bottle)-I've used gel to hold it back too.
When your ready to take it out, make sure you hold onto the base of the hair clump till the band is out and then use your fingers to comb your hair.
Hope this helps and welcome to being a longhair!!
I've been doing this since the summer and found that it works well.
Thanks for all the tips. Got warm enough in Michigan to fire up the Ninja and go for a ride. Didn't put the hair in a tail since the helmet still holds it in pretty well. Felt good to have some hair showing below the helmet.
Hope to keep you all posted on my progress. Aiming for another 4-6".