How to Do a Ponytail with Short Hair

Co-authored by Christine George

Last Updated: January 20, 2024

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
Divide your hair front to back into three sections. 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]
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- For example, begin each side section at your temple, then create a part that goes over and behind your ear.
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]
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Expert Source

Christine George
Master Hair Stylist & Colorist

Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.} 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
Secure with bobby pins. 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]
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- 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
Tease the ends of your 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]
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- After you tease your hair, you'll want to gently smooth the top of the hair using a light touch with a brush.
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
Put your hair in a low ponytail. 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]
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- 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.
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]
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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]
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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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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
Braid the underside of your 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.
You should be in an upright position. Make sure that the braid is still intact.
4
Gather your hair into a ponytail. 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.

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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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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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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Tips

You can put your hair into a ponytail while it’s dry, but it’s easier to manage when it’s slightly damp. Be careful putting up your hair when it is still wet, though, as that can lead to breakage and damage to your hair.^{[11]
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Christine George
Master Hair Stylist & Colorist

Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.}

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Scrunchies are a good alternative to elastic bands, as they have a looser hold and are easier on your hair.^{[12]
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Christine George
Master Hair Stylist & Colorist

Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.}

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If your hair is very short, use small elastics so that you won’t have to wrap the elastic several times.

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