We sometimes think of ponytails as just a practical hairstyle. Hair dirty? Throw it up. Don't have time to style it? Ponytail it is. However, there are tons of ways to make the ponytail super stylish — and there are tons of ways to experiment with different ponytail styles. From sleek to wavy, worn up high or down low, long-ponytail looks were a dominant style at the last New York Fashion Week.
However, not all of us have the length to get this look naturally — but with ponytail extensions, you can have access to all things the ponytail has to offer. "What's most appealing about a ponytail is the effortless beauty of it, whether it's a sleek look or tousled, my personal fave," says Liyah Lashea, hairstylist at Brooklyn's H2 Salon. Because the look is so beautifully simple, she suggests keeping the styling process equally no fuss. "If you're doing it at home, I like the new wrap-around Velcro ponytail extensions," she says.
Don't worry, working with ponytail extensions isn't hard to do on your own. Here, Lashea walks you through all things ponytail extensions, from how to pick your hair extensions to perfecting different styles.
Step one: decide on your look. Whether you scroll through POPSUGAR, Instagram, Pinterest, or TikTok, start by finding your inspo (we have some ahead). That way you can pick your ponytail length and texture based on the hair goal you have in mind.
Step two: pick your placement. There are so many ways you can go with a pony — up super high, somewhere in the middle, or down at the nape of your neck. Before you start styling, know your spot. "I like to tell clients, 'Let's do the ponytail where you are most comfortable.' There is nothing more annoying than being uncomfortable," Lashea says. And have fun with it!
Step three: smooth hair back. If you're going for a sleek look, Lashea recommends taking small sections at a time, applying hairspray, and brushing each section back one at a time before fastening them into a pony with your hair tie. Let it dry slightly, she says. Some prefer to anchor their style by braiding up the pony so hair doesn't show.
Step four: attach your extensions. How you put in your extensions depends on what kind you get, but they are all pretty straightforward. If you're using a pony that has combs, insert the comb into the base of the pony, right on top in the middle, and wrap it around. They may have Velcro to facilitate the securing process. With all the styles, there should be a designated section of hair that you can wrap around the base, so your style looks seamless. Secure it with bobby pins.