Make a ponytail hairstyle!
Learn to make a neat ponytail using a brush, hair tie, and optional clips, practicing sectioning, securing, and adding simple decorative touches.
About this activity
Learn to make a neat ponytail using a brush, hair tie, and optional clips, practicing sectioning, securing, and adding simple decorative touches.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Stand or sit in front of the mirror so you can see all of your hair.
- 2
Step 2
Use your brush to gently detangle your hair from the ends up toward the roots.
- 3
Step 3
Decide where you want your ponytail to sit (high middle or low) and point to that spot.
- 4
Step 4
Tilt your head slightly forward or keep it up to make gathering the hair easier.
- 5
Step 5
Use the brush to smooth all your hair toward the chosen spot.
- 6
Step 6
Use both hands to gather all your hair at the chosen spot.
- 7
Step 7
Hold the gathered hair firmly with one hand.
- 8
Step 8
Loop the hair tie once over the gathered hair with your free hand.
- 9
Step 9
Wrap the hair tie around the ponytail two to three more times until it feels snug.
- 10
Step 10
Use clips to secure any loose sections if you have them.
- 11
Step 11
Add a scrunchie or tie a ribbon around the hair tie for a decorative touch.
- 12
Step 12
Gently pull out one or two small pieces near your face for a softer look if you want.
- 13
Step 13
Share your finished ponytail on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I make a neat ponytail on my child?
Start with clean, detangled hair. Choose the ponytail height (low, mid, or high). Use a brush to smooth hair and gather it with one hand while the other holds the base. Keep the wrist firm to keep hair taut, then wrap a snag-free elastic twice around the base to secure. Tuck stray pieces with bobby pins or a small clip, and smooth flyaways with a bit of water, leave-in conditioner, or hairspray. Finish with a ribbon or bow.
What materials do I need to create a tidy ponytail?
You'll need a brush or wide-tooth comb to detangle, several snag-free hair ties or soft elastics, and optional bobby pins or small clips. A mirror helps with placement. For smoothing, use a spray bottle with water, detangling spray, or a tiny dab of leave-in conditioner. Optional decorations: ribbons, scrunchies, small bows, or hair accessories suitable for children's hair.
What ages is learning to make a ponytail suitable for?
Young children can start practicing with help: around age 3–4 they can hold and watch, ages 5–7 can learn basic brushing and simple ponytails with supervision, and by 8–10 many kids gain independence. Teenagers can master variations and finer styling. Consider hair length and fine motor skills—start on a doll or a friend and supervise younger children until they're confident and gentle with hair.
What are safe tips and fun variations for a child's ponytail?
Keep ponytails gentle—avoid overly tight elastics that pull or cause headaches, use soft, snag-free bands, and remove accessories before napping. Alternate ponytail placement to prevent tension in one spot. Fun, kid-friendly variations include low side ponytails, high sporty ponies, wrapped-elastic looks (wrap a hair strand around the tie), or add a braid at the base. Finish with a colorful scrunchie, ribbon, or small bow for decoration.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use if I don't have a hair tie, brush, or clips?
If you don't have a hair tie, use a clean elastic or a long ribbon tied securely (steps 8–9 and 11), and if you lack a brush use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle from the ends up (step 2).
My ponytail keeps slipping or has bumps — what should I try?
If your ponytail slips or has bumps, tilt your head forward to gather hair more easily (step 4), smooth with the brush toward the chosen spot (step 5), wrap the hair tie two to three more times and secure loose sections with clips (steps 9–10).
How can I adapt this activity for toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids?
For toddlers, have an adult gather the hair and loop a soft scrunchie for them (steps 6–9 and 11), for preschoolers practice pointing to the desired spot (step 3) and for older kids let them try high, middle, or low placements and added ribbon styling (steps 3 and 11).
How can we make the ponytail look fancier or more personal before sharing it on DIY.org?
To enhance the look, braid a small section and incorporate it when you gather the hair (step 6), add a decorative scrunchie or ribbon (step 11), gently pull face-framing pieces (step 12), and then share your finished ponytail on DIY.org (step 13).