Voluminous Ponytail

Okay, so you've mastered the basic voluminous ponytail, but what if you want to take it up a notch? I totally get it! I often get asked how I manage to keep my high ponytails looking so effortlessly chic, especially when I add a headband or want that extra 'oomph' at the front, almost like a little puff. Let me spill my secrets! My Go-To for a Snatched High Ponytail with a Headband Sometimes, a simple high ponytail just needs a little something extra, and that's where headbands come in! I find they instantly elevate the look and are super practical for keeping those pesky flyaways at bay. Here’s how I do it: Prep Your Hair: Before you even think about the ponytail, give your roots a little spritz of volumizing spray or dry shampoo. This gives your hair some grip and lift, which is essential for a truly high and voluminous style. Create Your High Ponytail: Gather all your hair as high as you want it – I usually aim for the crown of my head. Use a strong elastic that matches your hair color. For an extra secure hold, I sometimes do the 'double elastic' trick, where I loop one elastic, then wrap a second one tightly over it. Don't worry about it being perfectly smooth yet. Add the Headband: Now for the star! Slide your headband on. I usually place it about an inch or two back from my hairline. If you pull out a few face-framing pieces beforehand, it creates a softer look. Make sure the headband isn't too tight, or it'll give you a headache later! Fluff and Refine: Once the headband is in place, gently tug at the hair around your crown – the part behind the headband – to create more volume. This is key for that 'voluminous' effect. You can also carefully pull a few strands from the ponytail itself to make it look fuller. Finish with a light hold hairspray to keep everything in place. How I Get That Perfect Front Puff (No Juda Needed!) For those days when you want a little more drama and height at the front, a 'puff' is your best friend. It’s similar to what some call a 'puff juda' style, giving you that elegant, lifted look. This is especially great if you have fine hair or if your ponytail tends to fall flat. Section Your Front Hair: Start by taking a triangular section of hair from your front hairline, extending back to your crown. The bigger the section, the bigger the puff, so experiment to find what you like. Clip the rest of your hair out of the way for now. Tease for Volume: This is the magic step! Take small subsections within your front section and gently backcomb or tease the roots using a fine-tooth comb. Spray each teased section with a little hairspray as you go. Be gentle – you don't want to damage your hair, just create a cushion. Smooth and Shape: Once you’ve teased enough, gently smooth the top layer of your section with your comb, without flattening the volume you've just created underneath. Push the section slightly forward to create the desired puff shape, then secure it at the back of your head (where your high ponytail will start) with a couple of bobby pins, crisscrossing them for extra hold. Integrate with Ponytail: Now, gather all your remaining hair, including the pinned puff section, into your high ponytail. Make sure the elastic goes over the bobby pins holding the puff. This hides them and secures everything together. Give the puff one last gentle tug for perfection. Voila – instant elegance and volume!