Huda Kattan. Photo: Getty
A ponytail is undoubtedly one of the most versatile hairstyles out there. Lately, however, high ponytails seem to have found fans in many A-list celebrities. Once spotted mainly on American pop star Ariana Grande, high ponytails are being sported by makeup mogul Huda Kattan, American models Hailey Bieber and Jasmine Sanders, and socialite Khloe Kardashian.
“This hairstyle has been trending on and off for years now,” says Catherine Hawkes, Hair Artistic Director at Tips & Toes. “It is making a serious comeback at the moment on the celebrity scene with the likes of Huda Kattan, Khloe Kardashian and everybody who loves big hair wearing it out to major events.”
Jasmine Sanders. Photo: Instagram/@golden_barbie
While some may throw their hair into a ponytail to keep it away from their face or to escape the blazing heat, it is worth knowing that when done correctly, the pros of a high pony aren’t limited to functionality. “Firstly, pulling the hair tight gives you a mini facelift and can look very nice with well-shaped eyebrows. Secondly, it’s a look that creates major volume in the hair, which is really on-trend at the moment,” shares Hawkes.
The key to making this look work? “Having gorgeous long hair,” says Hawkes. “This actually gives the appearance of lots of hair and adds height to the face.”
She adds, “Most rounder face shapes or ones with softer features look great with this hairstyle as it defines their features and pulls their face longer by pulling the hairline. This look doesn’t look so good if you do not have a very symmetrical face or a large nose – as this look can then highlight those features.”
Like any other hairstyle, wearing it frequently at a stretch can progressively worsen your hair over time. “Pulling the hair this tight every day causes something called traction alopecia. This is where the hair is continuously pulled so tight, that eventually, the follicle dies.”
Khloe Kardashian.
To avoid this and still create the look without damaging the hairline this is what you can do:
Step 1: Prep the hair with Schwarzkopf Osis Undercoat.
Step 2: Find the highest point of your head. You can do this by putting a flat comb on top and finding the highest point. This will be where your pony sits.
From that point, split the hair in two from ear to ear. Clip the front half away. (Creating two ponytails will take the weight away from one point.)
Step 3: Using a bristle brush bring the bottom half of the hair into a pony at the top part of the head and secure with a bungee or Invisibobble. If the hair is very silky, use Schwarzkopf Professional Osis+ Session Label Powder Cloud Sprayable Powder to add texture and make sure it stays.
Step 4: Unclip the front half of your hair, and using a tail comb, section out an inch from your hairline. Now using the bristle brush, create another pony to sit on top of the previous one. Use a strong hair spray around the hair in the pony to keep it nice and tight.
Step 5: Now you have 2 ponytails and the weight is distributed evenly. But we have the hairline to put into the pony. Using the Schwarzkopf Osis Undercoat, smooth the hairline into place over the head, scooping the ends around the pony.
Step 6: Taking a section from pony 1 and 2, put them together and wrap around the secured ponytail until you are left with an end. Spray the end with the Schwarzkopf Osis+ Session Label Strong Hold Hairspray and pin into the base.
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