A plait ponytail is a versatile and stylish hairstyle that can be worn for any occasion. It is a great way to keep your hair out of your face and looks great on all hair types. Whether you are a beginner or a pro at hair styling, this guide will show you how easy it is to create a plait ponytail that will turn heads.
Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles. Then, divide your hair into three sections: two at the sides and one at the back. Take the left section of hair and cross it over the middle section. Then, take the right section of hair and cross it over the new middle section. Continue crossing the sections of hair over each other until you reach the end of your hair.
Finally, secure the end of the braid with a hair elastic. You can then fluff up the braid by gently pulling on the sides. You can also add a ribbon or other hair accessory to dress up the look.
Tools and Materials Required
To craft a flawless plait ponytail, you’ll need a carefully curated kit of essential tools and materials. Here’s a comprehensive rundown:
Brushes and Combs
- Wide-tooth comb: Detangle hair gently and create even sections.
- Teasing comb: Create volume and texture at the crown.
- Paddle brush: Smooth and polish hair for a sleek ponytail.
Hair Elastics
- Elastic bands: Secure the ponytail and sections of the braid. Choose thin, clear bands to blend seamlessly with hair.
- Bobby pins: Conceal loose hairs and secure the ponytail tightly against the head.
- Hair clips: Hold sections of hair in place while braiding.
Braiding Tools
- Tail comb: Part and separate hair sections with precision.
- Sectioning clips: Divide hair into even sections before braiding.
- Hair hook: Create intricate braids with ease.
Hair Products
- Hairspray: Hold the ponytail and braid in place, adding a touch of shine.
- Mousse or gel: Add texture and hold to hair, preventing flyaways.
- Dry shampoo: Refresh hair and absorb excess oil for a clean, voluminous ponytail.
Sectioning the Hair
The first step in creating a plait ponytail is to section the hair. This will help to ensure that the plait is even and secure.
To section the hair, start by brushing it thoroughly to remove any tangles or knots. Then, part the hair down the center from the forehead to the nape of the neck. Tie the left side of the hair into a ponytail, and then repeat on the right side. This will leave you with two ponytails, one on each side of the head.
Now, it’s time to divide each ponytail into three sections. To do this, simply use your fingers or a comb to separate the hair into three equal strands. Once the hair is sectioned, you can begin braiding the plait.
Creating the Plait
To create the plait, start by crossing the left strand over the middle strand. Then, cross the right strand over the new middle strand. Continue crossing the strands over each other in this manner, always bringing the outer strands to the center. As you braid, be sure to pull the strands tightly to create a secure plait.
Once the plait is complete, tie the end with a hair elastic. You can then add any additional embellishments, such as hair clips or ribbons, to complete the look.
Combining the Plait and Ponytail
Now that you have your plait and ponytail, it’s time to merge them. Securely fasten the end of your braid to the base of your ponytail with a hair elastic that matches your hair color. To keep the braid in place, slide the hair tie up the ponytail until it reaches the desired height.
Positioning the Braid
After securing the base, determine where you want the braid to rest on your ponytail. You can place it in a straight line, an angle, or a zig-zag pattern. Once you select your placement, carefully wrap the braid around the ponytail, securing it with bobby pins as you go.
Securing the Braid
Use bobby pins that blend seamlessly with your hair color to prevent the braid from slipping out of place. Insert the pins perpendicular to the ponytail, making sure they go through the braid and securely into the ponytail hair. You may need to use multiple pins depending on the length and weight of your braid.
Creating a Polished Finish
To conceal the hair tie that secured the braid to the ponytail, use hairspray to lightly smooth down any stray hairs. You can also use a toothbrush to gently brush down the braid, creating a more polished and refined look.
| Ponytail Braid Combinations |
|---|
| Classic Braid Ponytail: A three-strand braid accents a high or low ponytail for a versatile and timeless look. |
| French Braid Ponytail: Intricate and voluminous, a French braid gradually incorporates hair as it weaves down the crown, merging into a ponytail. |
| Fishtail Braid Ponytail: With an enchanting, scale-like appearance, a fishtail braid creates an ethereal touch to a side ponytail or bun. |
Variations of the Plait Ponytail
High Plait Ponytail
This classic style involves creating a plait at the crown of the head and securing it with a hair tie.
Low Plait Ponytail
Similar to the high plait ponytail, but the plait is positioned at the nape of the neck for a more relaxed look.
Side Plait Ponytail
A variation that involves braiding the hair from one side of the head and sweeping it over to the other side before securing it in a ponytail.
Dutch Braid Ponytail
This Dutch braid ponytail is created by braiding the hair from the underside of the head, resulting in a raised and voluminous effect.
French Braid Ponytail
Similar to the Dutch braid ponytail, but the French braid is created by braiding the hair from the topside of the head, giving a flatter and more elegant look.
Fishtail Braid Ponytail
A unique variation that involves dividing the hair into two sections and interlacing them to create a fishtail pattern, which is then secured into a ponytail.
Waterfall Braid Ponytail
This intricate style involves creating a braid that cascades down the side of the head, leaving loose strands to create a waterfall effect.
Multiple Plait Ponytail
A fun variation that involves creating multiple braids of different sizes and securing them together in a ponytail for a playful and eye-catching look.
Messy Plait Ponytail
A relaxed and effortless style that involves creating a loose braid and pulling out some strands to create a slightly messy and undone look.
How to Do a Plait Ponytail
A plait ponytail is a versatile and stylish hairstyle that can be dressed up or down. It’s perfect for both casual and formal occasions. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do a plait ponytail:
- Brush your hair. Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles or knots.
- Create a high ponytail. Gather your hair at the crown of your head and secure it with a hair tie. Make sure the ponytail is tight and secure.
- Divide the ponytail into three sections. Take the ponytail and divide it into three equal sections. Label the sections as left (L), middle (M), and right (R).
- Cross the left section over the middle section. Take the left section (L) and cross it over the middle section (M). The left section should now be in the middle.
- Cross the right section over the new middle section. Take the right section (R) and cross it over the new middle section (which was previously the left section). The right section should now be in the middle.
- Repeat steps 4 and 5. Continue crossing the left and right sections over the middle section until you reach the end of the ponytail.
- Secure the plait with a hair tie. Once you reach the end of the ponytail, secure the plait with a small hair tie.
- Pancakes the plait. To give the plait more volume, pancake it by gently pulling on the sides of the plait.
- Finish with hairspray. To keep the plait in place, finish with a light spray of hairspray.
People Also Ask
How do you keep a plait ponytail from getting frizzy?
To keep a plait ponytail from getting frizzy, you can use a serum or anti-frizz spray. Apply the product to your hair before you braid it, and then finish with a light spray of hairspray.
How do you make a plait ponytail look messy?
To make a plait ponytail look messy, you can pull on the sides of the braid to loosen it up. You can also use a brush to tease the hair at the roots of the ponytail.
How do you do a plait ponytail with extensions?
To do a plait ponytail with extensions, you can use clip-in or sew-in extensions. Clip-in extensions are the easiest to use, as you can simply clip them into your hair. Sew-in extensions are more permanent, but they require a professional to install them.
