Keep High Ponytail Up

High ponytail
Photo: Karyna Che/Shutterstock
Q: How can I keep my high ponytail up all day long? It is always falling out after a couple of hours. I'm looking for a solution that doesn't damage my hair. It took me years to grow it this long!
 
A: Creating a high ponytail that stays put throughout the day can be challenging, especially with very long hair. The good news is you can achieve lasting hold without compromising the health of your precious hair.
 
Start by prepping your hair with a firm hold styling gel or mousse on damp hair, combing it back smoothly before securing your ponytail. This helps the hair strands adhere to each other, creating a more stable foundation.
 
For significantly better staying power, try a compound ponytail technique. First, create an initial ponytail in your desired position using one hair tie. Then gather the remaining hair around this first ponytail and secure everything with a second hair tie. This double-securing method provides extra stability without requiring overly tight elastics that could damage your hair.
 
If you're still experiencing slippage, consider the anchor braid method. Take a section of hair from the inner portion of your style and create a small, tight braid. Pin this braid flat against your scalp using bobby pins, then pull the remaining hair over this anchor and secure it into a ponytail. While this creates a slightly smaller ponytail, the reduced weight makes it much less likely to droop or fall.
 
Woman who is wearing her hair in a high ponytail
 
For additional hold that lasts all day, try texturizing products like dry shampoo or texturizing spray before styling. These products add grip to smooth hair, making it easier for your hair ties to maintain their hold. And don't forget the power of strategically placed bobby pins. Crossing two pins in an X-shape under your ponytail can provide invisible but effective support.
 
The type of hair ties you use matters too. Seamless elastics or spiral hair ties can offer strong hold while minimizing damage and preventing those annoying creases and breakage.
 
©Hairfinder.com
 
See also:
 
How to put hair in a ponytail
 
How to do a poof ponytail
 
How to make a layered ponytail
 
How long does your hair have to be before you can tie it back into a ponytail?