Learn how to do a ponytail! Whether you’re helping a friend get ready, styling a child’s hair for school, or just learning hair basics, mastering a simple ponytail is a great skill to have. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to make both a high and low ponytail on someone else — step by step.
You’ll also learn how to hold the hair, where to place your hands, how to secure the elastic, and give some practical beginner tips so your ponytail stays in place and doesn’t pull or hurt.
This post is all about ponytails!
Who is this tutorial for?
This tutorial is for anyone who wants to learn how to do a ponytail on someone else — or even on themselves.
Whether you’re a beginner learning basic hair techniques, a parent or caregiver styling a child’s hair, or a friend helping out before a big event, this guide is made to be simple, clear, and easy to follow.
It’s also great for men with long hair who want to learn how to tie it back neatly, whether for everyday wear, work, workouts, or just to keep hair out of the way.
If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to hold the hair, how tight to make the elastic, or how to get a smooth finish, this step-by-step guide is for you.
No hairstyling experience is needed — just a brush, an elastic, and a few minutes of practice.
What You’ll Need
- Hairbrush or wide-tooth comb
Use this to detangle the hair and smooth it out before you start. A brush helps create a neater ponytail and prevents bumps or knots. - Snag-free hair elastic
Choose a strong, smooth elastic that won’t pull or damage the hair. These are essential for keeping the ponytail secure without causing discomfort. - Spray bottle with water (optional)
Lightly misting the hair can help tame frizz, smooth flyaways, and make the hair easier to manage — especially for dry or textured hair. - Leave-in conditioner or smoothing serum (optional)
A small amount can help control frizz and make the hair more pliable, giving you a cleaner finish when gathering and securing the ponytail. - Hairspray (optional)
Use this to hold the style in place and keep any loose strands from falling out throughout the day. - Bobby pins (optional)
Great for securing shorter layers or pieces that don’t reach the elastic. You can also use one to pin a wrapped hair strand over the elastic for a polished look.
Prepping the Hair for a Ponytail
Before you start making a ponytail, it’s important to prepare the hair so it’s smooth, manageable, and easy to work with.
Start by brushing the hair thoroughly to remove any tangles. This makes it easier to gather the hair evenly and helps prevent bumps or uneven sections in the ponytail.
If the hair is dry or frizzy, lightly mist it with water or apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner or smoothing serum to control flyaways.
For very thick or textured hair, sectioning it as you brush can help you keep better control. Prepping the hair properly will make the ponytail neater and more comfortable to wear.
Should You Go High or Low?
If you’re just starting out, it’s usually best to begin with a low ponytail. Low ponytails are easier to manage because you don’t have to lift the hair as high, which gives you more control as you smooth and gather it. The position at the nape of the neck also helps prevent arm fatigue — something beginners often struggle with when working on a high ponytail.
Once you feel confident with the basics, you can try a high ponytail, which sits at the crown or upper back of the head. High ponytails give a more lifted and styled look, but they can be trickier to get smooth and secure, especially on thicker or layered hair.
So if you’re unsure where to start, go low first — it’s faster, easier, and a great way to build your skills and confidence.
How to do a ponytail
Time requirement: 10 minutes
Skill level: Easy
For a more detail tutorial watch the video below!
Step 1: Decide the Ponytail Height
Choose whether you want a low ponytail (easier for beginners, sitting at the nape of the neck) or a high ponytail (sits near the crown of the head, a bit trickier but great for a polished look). The steps are the same — only the placement changes.
Step 2: Gather the Hair
Use both hands to gather all the hair into one place. If you’re making a high ponytail, lift the hair up toward the crown. For a low ponytail, bring it together at the nape of the neck. You can use a brush or your fingers to smooth the sides and top as you gather.
Step 3: Hold the Hair Firmly
Once all the hair is gathered, hold it tightly with your non-dominant hand (for example, your left hand if you’re right-handed). This keeps the hair in place while your other hand handles the elastic.
Step 4: Secure with a Hair Elastic
With your dominant hand, take a hair elastic and stretch it over the ponytail. Loop it around the hair two to three times (depending on hair thickness) until the ponytail feels snug and secure. On the last loop, pull the ponytail all the way through.
Step 5: Smooth and Adjust
Use your fingers or a brush to gently smooth out any bumps or flyaways. If needed, you can lightly tug the ponytail to tighten it or reposition it. Don’t forget to ask the person if it feels comfortable — not too tight or too loose.
What to Learn Next?
Now that you’ve learned how to make a ponytail on someone else, the next step is learning how to tie your own hair — a skill that takes a little practice but is completely doable, even if you’ve never done it before.
In the next tutorial, “How To Tie Your Own Hair Into a Ponytail For COMPLETE BEGINNERS – For Guys & Girls – Easy Hairstyle,” we’ll walk you through how to handle your own hair, where to place your hands, and how to get a clean, comfortable ponytail by yourself.
Whether your hair is long, medium, thick, or fine — and whether you’re a guy or a girl — this guide is made for total beginners. No styling experience needed.
This post was all about how to make ponytails on other people!
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You may also find the following articles helpful:
- Learn How To Braid Your Own Hair For Beginners
- 4 Easy Side Braids – Quick Everyday Hairstyles
- How To Tie Your Own Hair Into A Ponytail – For Guys & Girls
