Don't Skip This Step To Achieve The Perfect High Ponytail

From Women's Health

You can blame it on gravity, stubborn bumps, or a crappy hair tie, but it could be that what's standing between you and a perfect high ponytail is simply your technique. No, laying upside down at the edge of your bed in an effort to tie your hair up is not the answer.

In order to ace that Ariana Grande-worthy high ponytail, we asked hairstylist Annagjid Kee Taylor for her best tips on nailing the trend for any hair type. See below for her how-to guide.

Step One

"First, depending on the type of pony vibe you’re going for, you're going to need either a gel (like Garnier Fructis Style Pure Clean Styling Gel), a wax (like OUAI Matte Pomade) or a medium hold hairspray (like TRESemme Compressed Smooth Hairspray Hold Level 2) to keep everything in place," Taylor says. "If you're going for more of a messy look, you shouldn't use any product at all."

Step Two

"Next, you're going to need a pretty firm hairbrush (like Raincry Restore Large Reinforced Brush) to be able to get all of your strands swept up with no issues," Taylor explains. She also shares a genius tip for smoothing hair up: Flip your head upside down and brush everything to crown of your head. "It helps not only placement but also your arms not hurting," she says. "I know we all love a good tricep curl, but now is not the time!"

Step Three

"Once you've swept your hair to the top and have added your product of choice, you want to gather the hair up using both hands, get it sturdy enough for one hand and step back and make sure that your placement is perfectly centered," Taylor instructs.

Step Four

"Once you've approved, take a ponytail holder (like Goody Ouchless Hair Forever Women's Braided Elastics) and lock that ponytail in!" Taylor says. Make sure you aren't using rubber bands or ponytail holders with metal clasps because "they will ruin your hair and cause breakage almost instantly."

Step Five

"Now you can style it! I always like to take a hairpin and a piece of hair or even braid a small section and use it to cover the ponytail holder," Taylor shares. "With the ponytail, you can either wear it straight, wave it up, curl it or define your coils and you are out the door."

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