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

What you need
- Soft brush or wide-tooth comb
- Covered, snag-free hair elastic
- Optional detangling product
Step by step
Step 01
Work through tangles
Hold above knots and gently detangle from the ends upward.

Step 02
Choose the spot
Start low at the back of the head for easier control.

Step 03
Gather and smooth
Brush or finger-comb hair toward the chosen spot.

Step 04
Hold the bundle
Keep gathered hair in one hand while reaching for the elastic.

Step 05
Loop the elastic
Twist and wrap until secure but not tight.

Step 06
Check comfort
Smooth loose sections, then ask whether it pulls anywhere.
Diagrams are schematic overviews, not exact vehicle or product instructions.
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