Alright, let’s talk about this high ponytail thing. Sounds simple, right? Just whip your hair up. Well, let me tell you, for ages, mine looked like a sad, lumpy mess or gave me a splitting headache. It was a whole process, a real trial and error situation, before I got something that actually worked for me and didn’t make me want to shave my head.
Figuring Out the Basics
So, first things first, I had to gather my tools. I used to think any old brush and any hair tie would do. Wrong. Learned that the hard way. My fine hair would just slip right out of those flimsy elastics, or the brush would create more static than smoothness. I eventually settled on a boar bristle brush – it seemed to grip better without pulling – and some of those thicker, no-metal elastics. The ones that look like old-school phone cords also work pretty well for not leaving a massive dent, but for height, a good tight traditional one felt better initially.
My first few attempts were genuinely comical. I’d stand in front of the mirror, brush all my hair back, and try to gather it at the crown of my head. What I usually ended up with was:
- A ponytail that started high but would slowly sag down my head within an hour. Super annoying.
- Bumps everywhere. Seriously, no matter how much I brushed, the underside would look like a poorly plowed field.
- Or, if I did manage to get it tight enough to stay, my scalp would be screaming in protest. Not a sustainable look.
The Turning Point and My Method
I remember getting so frustrated. I was watching some video, probably unrelated, and the person just casually flipped their head upside down to do their hair. A lightbulb went off. Seemed too simple, but I was desperate.
So, here’s what I started doing, and it actually made a difference. I bend over, flipping all my hair forward. Then, I start brushing it from the nape of my neck towards the floor, gathering it all in one hand. I aim for the very top of my head – like, if I stood up straight, it would be right on the crown, maybe even a tiny bit forward if I want that super perky look.
While still upside down, I use my other hand to really smooth things out, especially around the hairline at the back of my neck. This seemed to be key for avoiding those dreaded bumps. Once it feels smooth and is gathered where I want it, I secure it TIGHT with the elastic. Like, really give it a good few wraps. Sometimes I even use two elastics if I know it’s going to be a long day.
Then, the big reveal: I flip my head back up. Most of the time, it’s surprisingly good! The height is there, it’s generally smooth, and because I secured it while all the hair was being pulled in one direction, it tends to stay put better. I might have to do some minor adjustments, like pulling a few strands around my face or using a bit of hairspray to tame flyaways, but the foundation is solid.
Final Thoughts
It’s still not a 100% foolproof, five-second hairstyle for me every single time. Some days my hair just has a mind of its own. But this upside-down method was a game-changer. It took a bit of practice, and my arms would ache a bit at first from holding my hair up while bent over, but it’s way better than the saggy, bumpy ponytails of my past. So yeah, that’s my journey with the high ponytail. A bit more involved than you’d think, but worth it when it works out!
