Hair Crease After a Ponytail

Q: Whenever I wear my hair in a ponytail, there's an annoying crease or dent in it afterward. How can I avoid this crease from happening, or fix it without having to wash my hair all over again?

A: That frustrating crease you're dealing with is actually caused by the same scientific principles that allow hairstylists to create curls with rollers or curling irons. When your hair is pulled tightly against your scalp in a ponytail, it's being held in a bent position for an extended period. The natural warmth from your head, combined with this sustained tension and angle, essentially "heat sets" the bend into your hair shaft. This is why the crease can be so stubborn and noticeable, especially if you've worn your ponytail for several hours or overnight.

The good news is that removing this type of bend is usually much easier than you might think, and you have several effective options that don't require a full wash and restyle. One of the most reliable methods involves applying gentle tension combined with additional controlled heat. You can use a warm flat iron on a low to medium setting, slowly gliding it over the creased sections while gently pulling the hair straight. The key is to use just enough heat to relax the bend without damaging your hair, so start with a lower temperature and increase gradually if needed.

If you prefer to avoid heat styling tools, the spray and comb method works wonderfully for most hair types. Lightly mist the affected areas with water until they're damp but not soaking wet, then use a wide-tooth comb or paddle brush to gently work through the creased sections. The moisture helps to temporarily break down the hydrogen bonds in your hair that were reformed during the "setting" process, allowing you to reshape the strands back to their natural state.

For even better results with the misting method, consider using a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray instead of plain water. These products not only help eliminate the crease more effectively but also provide additional benefits for your hair's health and appearance. Leave-in conditioners contain moisturizing agents that smooth down the hair cuticle, which can become slightly roughened from the friction and pressure of elastic bands.

To prevent ponytail creases from forming in the first place, you can try a few preventive strategies. Consider using silk or satin scrunchies instead of regular elastic bands, as these materials create less friction and are gentler on your hair. You might also try positioning your ponytail at different heights throughout the week, alternating between high, mid-level, and low placements to avoid repeatedly creasing the same sections of hair.

©Hairfinder.com

See also:

Ponytails and hair damage

How to put your hair in a ponytail

Is it okay to put your hair up in a ponytail right after coloring it?