How to Do a Ponytail with Short Hair

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Ponytails are a cute way to style your hair and an easy way to get hair out of your face. Putting up a ponytail is not quite as easy when your hair is short though. There are several ponytail styles you can do that are simple and fast. All you need is a hairbrush, elastics, hairspray, and some bobby pins to achieve the look you desire. You can choose to do a full, half knot, or high ponytail.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Creating a Full Ponytail

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Ponytail with Short Hair
    The sections should start at your forehead and end at the nape of your neck. The middle section should have the most hair, and the two other sections should be equal. Put the middle section into a low ponytail. Leave the two other sections down for now. [1]
    • For example, begin each side section at your temple, then create a part that goes over and behind your ear.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Ponytail with Short Hair
    Pull on each side of the ponytail to push the elastic band up the ponytail. Try using a fiber-wrapped elastic for the tightest hold. [2] The elastic band will get closer to your scalp, pushing the top of your hair up into a small bump. If the bump isn't big enough, you can use a comb to tease your hair more. [3]
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Ponytail with Short Hair
    Pull the two other sections of your hair back towards the ponytail. Cover the elastic with the two sections. The elastic band should be hidden. Secure them with bobby pins at the base of the ponytail. Place the bobby pins vertically so that they are hidden, creating a polished look. [4]
    • The two other sections should be secured in a way that they make the ponytail look fuller. They should not appear separate from the ponytail.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Ponytail with Short Hair
    Use a hairbrush to tease the ends of your hair. This will contribute to a fuller looking ponytail by making it appear longer. You can use a teasing comb for extra volume if you’d like. [5]
    • After you tease your hair, you'll want to gently smooth the top of the hair using a light touch with a brush.
  5. Spray the ponytail with a hairspray that provides a strong hold. Secure the ponytail, but don’t use so much hairspray that your hair loses its natural bounce. Once you’re finished, you can push back your bangs or put on a headband. [6]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Doing a Half Knot Ponytail

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Ponytail with Short Hair
    Brush your hair behind your eyes. Divide it front to back into three sections. The sections should begin at your forehead and end at the nape of your neck. Pull the middle section into a low ponytail. Secure it with a clear elastic. Leave the other two sections down. [7]
    • Let the middle section be the thickest. It will be difficult to twist your hair if the other two sections are too thick.
    • For example, each side section should begin at your temple. Create a part that goes over and then behind your ear.
    • Brush your hair out first if it is straight or slightly wavy. Do not brush it if you have curly hair that you want to maintain.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Ponytail with Short Hair
    Put the left section over the right section. Leave a space in between the two section and pull the left section through the hole. Then pull the section into a knot. Pull them back over the top of the center ponytail. The knot should cover the clear elastic. [8]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Ponytail with Short Hair
    Wrap the ends of the two sections and pull them around and under the ponytail. Push the leftover ends into the bottom of the ponytail. Use bobby pins to secure the loose pieces at the bottom of the knot. [9]
  4. Smooth out the loose ends and flyaway hairs with your hands or with a brush. Lightly hairspray your hair. [10]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Putting Your Hair into a High Ponytail

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Ponytail with Short Hair
    The gel will help secure the braid you’re going to do. You can use gel or texture spray. Run your fingers through your hair to work the gel or spray into it.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Ponytail with Short Hair
    Flip your hair over. Starting from the nape of your neck, begin to French braid your hair. Stop braiding when you’ve gone halfway up your head. Secure the braid with a small, clear elastic.
    • You may have a difficult time braiding your hair from this position. If so, ask someone to help you French braid your hair.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Ponytail with Short Hair
    You should be in an upright position. Make sure that the braid is still intact.
  4. Begin gathering your hair into a high ponytail. You can use a brush for the top part of your hair, but do not brush the part where the braid is. Secure the ponytail at the crown of your head with an elastic.
    • You can use a comb to tease your hair for more volume.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Why is it not a good idea to put up your hair when it is wet?
    Christine George
    Master Hair Stylist & Colorist
    Christine George is a Master Hairstylist, Colorist, and Owner of Luxe Parlour, a premier boutique salon based in the Los Angeles, California area. Christine has over 23 years of hair styling and coloring experience. She specializes in customized haircuts, premium color services, balayage expertise, classic highlights, and color correction. She received her cosmetology degree from the Newberry School of Beauty.
    Christine George
    Master Hair Stylist & Colorist
    Expert Answer
    If you put your hair up wet, even if you are using a scrunchie, hair is a lot more elastic and can break.
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 9
  • Question
    How do I do a two step ponytail?
    Community Answer
    First, put your hair in a normal ponytail and then wrap a section around it to kinda cover your hair tie.
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  • Question
    How can I tie my hair ponytail with only a rubber band?
    Community Answer
    Tie the hair as normal, but be warned that the hair will be ripped if the band is truly rubber.
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    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Things You’ll Need

      • Elastic band
      • Brush
      • Hairspray
      • Gel
      • Bobby pins

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.more.com/standalonepages/systempages/404/?aspxerrorpath=/beauty/hair/hair-tutorials/pony-how-make-short-hair-look-full-ponytail/
      2. ↑ Christine George. Master Hair Stylist & Colorist. Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.
      3. ↑ https://www.more.com/standalonepages/systempages/404/?aspxerrorpath=/beauty/hair/hair-tutorials/pony-how-make-short-hair-look-full-ponytail/
      4. ↑ https://www.more.com/standalonepages/systempages/404/?aspxerrorpath=/beauty/hair/hair-tutorials/pony-how-make-short-hair-look-full-ponytail/
      5. ↑ https://www.more.com/standalonepages/systempages/404/?aspxerrorpath=/beauty/hair/hair-tutorials/pony-how-make-short-hair-look-full-ponytail/
      6. ↑ https://www.more.com/standalonepages/systempages/404/?aspxerrorpath=/beauty/hair/hair-tutorials/pony-how-make-short-hair-look-full-ponytail/
      7. ↑ https://thebeautydepartment.com/2014/08/short-hair-ponytail-idea/
      8. ↑ https://thebeautydepartment.com/2014/08/short-hair-ponytail-idea/
      9. ↑ https://thebeautydepartment.com/2014/08/short-hair-ponytail-idea/
      1. ↑ https://thebeautydepartment.com/2014/08/short-hair-ponytail-idea/
      2. ↑ Christine George. Master Hair Stylist & Colorist. Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.
      3. ↑ Christine George. Master Hair Stylist & Colorist. Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Doing a ponytail with short hair is a bit trickier, but there are still a few styles that should work for you. To do a full ponytail, first divide your hair into 3 sections at the top, middle, and bottom. Tie only the middle section back into a ponytail. Then, wrap the other sections around the elastic and secure them with bobby pins and a quick blast of hairspray. Alternatively, do a half-knot ponytail. For a half-knot, divide your hair into 3 sections at the middle and sides and tie the middle section in a low ponytail. Then, tie the 2 outside sections in a single knot above your ponytail and secure it with bobby pins and hairspray. For more tips from our Beauty co-author, including how to put your hair into a high pony tail, read on!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Joellen Nickelson

        Apr 17, 2019

        "It showed me that even with shorter hair, I still have some options for a ponytail."
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