Fun Ponytail Tutorial ✨

Okay, so I’ve been getting so many questions about how I achieve my perfect French braid high ponytail, and I’m finally spilling all my secrets! This look is seriously my go-to when I want something chic, practical, and a little bit fancy, whether I’m hitting the gym or heading out for brunch. It looks complicated, but trust me, with a little practice, it's totally achievable, even for braiding beginners! First things first, let’s talk prep. I always start with brushed-out, dry hair. If your hair is super silky, a little texture spray or dry shampoo can give it some grip, which makes braiding so much easier. I also like to have a strong hair elastic, some bobby pins, and a fine-tooth comb handy. Now for the magic! Sectioning for Success: Lean your head back slightly – this helps keep the braid high and tight against your scalp. Take a small, triangular section of hair right at the crown of your head, basically where you want the top of your ponytail to start. This first section is crucial, so make sure it's neat! The First Braid: Divide this initial section into three equal strands. Start with a regular braid: cross the right strand over the middle, then the left strand over the new middle. Adding Hair & Braiding On: Here’s where the "French" part comes in! Before crossing the right strand over the middle again, pick up a small, even section of hair from the right side of your head and add it to that right strand. Then cross them together over the middle. Do the same on the left: pick up a small section from the left, add it to the left strand, and cross them over the new middle. Keep it High and Tight: Continue this process, adding small, even sections of hair from each side as you work your way down the back of your head. The trick to a "high" ponytail is to keep the braid directed upwards, following the curve of your head, rather than letting it sag downwards. Always aim to pull the added sections upwards and taut as you incorporate them. I find it helps to use my thumbs to gather the new hair cleanly. Reaching the Nape: Once you’ve braided down to the nape of your neck, or slightly above it (where you want the base of your ponytail to be), you can either continue braiding all the way down into a regular braid before securing, or simply gather all the remaining loose hair with your braid into a high ponytail. I usually go for the latter for a sleeker look. Securing the Pony: Use a strong hair elastic to secure your high ponytail. Give it a good tug to make sure it’s tight and won’t slip. If you want extra neatness, take a small strand of hair from the underside of the ponytail, wrap it around the elastic, and secure it with a bobby pin underneath. This hides the elastic beautifully! Finishing Touches: Gently tug on the loops of the braid to loosen them slightly for a fuller, more voluminous look – this is especially great if you have thinner hair. You can also use a little hairspray to tame any flyaways around your hairline. For extra bounce, sometimes I'll curl the ends of my ponytail. *Pro Tip:* Don't worry if your first few attempts aren't perfect. French braiding takes practice! Focus on keeping your sections even and your tension consistent. Also, for truly high ponies, sometimes leaning your head back against a wall or counter can help keep everything in place while you braid. This style is a total game-changer for me. It’s elegant enough for a special occasion but also holds up perfectly for a busy day. Give it a try, and let me know how it goes! You'll be rocking that gorgeous French braid high ponytail in no time!