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THE DAD FIELD GUIDE / Parenting Skills

How to Do a Ponytail

A comfortable, tidy ponytail is a five-minute skill. Start low, be gentle with tangles, and don't overthink the flyaways.

5 minBeginner6 illustrated steps

Adult gently gathering a young child’s long hair into a ponytail

What you need

Step by step

Step 01

Work through tangles

Hold above knots and gently detangle from the ends upward.

Work through tangles
Step 02

Choose the spot

Start low at the back of the head for easier control.

Choose the spot
Step 03

Gather and smooth

Brush or finger-comb hair toward the chosen spot.

Gather and smooth
Step 04

Hold the bundle

Keep gathered hair in one hand while reaching for the elastic.

Hold the bundle
Step 05

Loop the elastic

Twist and wrap until secure but not tight.

Loop the elastic
Step 06

Check comfort

Smooth loose sections, then ask whether it pulls anywhere.

LOOSE + COMFORTABLE06Check comfort

Diagrams are schematic overviews, not exact vehicle or product instructions.

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