The poof ponytail is pretty easy to achieve, provided you can get comfortable with the
techniques of styling it. Getting the “poof” involves using a technique called teasing or backcombing which a lot of women hate to
think of, much less do to their hair. This is usually because they do it improperly.
When trying to style the hair, and especially in a style that needs this type of manipulation
of the hair, you are best off starting with “day old” hair. Meaning the hair should be clean, but not freshly washed. If you can’t avoid
having to use freshly washed hair, you’ll want to “dirty it up” a bit, by applying a styling gel or other product before blow-drying
the hair fully, then lightly mist the hair with hairspray and allow it to dry before brushing the hair out to smooth it once more.
This will give the hair some texture and structure and make it easier to style. To begin
creating the style in question, take a segment of the hair at the front of the head (approximately one-and-a-half inches deep) and
hold it lightly in one hand as you pass your styling comb quickly (with the wide-tooth end) through the hair toward the scalp 10-12
times using 3-5 inch passes. You should see some of the hairs “scrunch” down toward the scalp and cause the segment of the hair to stand a little higher on the head.
Repeat this with additional segments until you have as much of the hair as you desire
puffed up. Then, gently flip the hair back away from the face and smooth the outer surface of the hair using your comb held at an
angle. Pull the remaining ends of the hair back to the desired point for creating your ponytail – whether it’s the crown area or at
the base of the skull – and secure the hair with a ponytail holder, barrette, or clip.
Lightly mist the hair with hairspray and gently comb over any strays or press the hair
lightly with your fingers to smooth the finished style. Depending on the length of the hair pulled back, the hair of the tail can be
styled into curls, doubled-under into a chignon, or twisted into a knot. Of course, you can always leave it unadorned for a simple look.
