Ponytail Placement Tips

If your client likes variety and utilizes ponytails, your job as a stylist is to know every little detail about how they plan to style their hair. Do they like high ponys? Middle? Low? Updos? Once they’ve established their desired hairstyles, start mapping out the head. It’s important to know where the extensions will end up before you begin the application for a number of reasons: To know how many extensions will be needed, how to create the desired look, and an organized layout means more comfort.

High Ponytails

When planning out placement for this style, the most important thing to note is to make sure there is enough hair to cover the nape of the neck and sides of the face. A good unit of measure is about 2 fingers wide, or a ½ inch. From there, the primary focus will be to create as much density as possible. This means plenty of cleanly-places rows.

Quick Tip: Remember when applying Keratin Fusion Extensions to try to match the density of the clients’ natural hair. Meaning, if they have thinner hair, you may have to cut the bonds with our Bond Cutting Pliers to create smaller bonds and lessen the tension on their hair. That being said, Cylinders might not be the best option for your client if their hair is thinner than the individual extension.

Mid-Length Ponytails

This style is more achievable with Tape-Ins, but can also be created with our other systems, always keeping in mind the perimeter of the face and neck. With Tape-Ins, it can be more challenging to place them in a way that will be comfortable for your client to wear back. In order to find a solution, have your client show you how they typically wear their hair up. This will give you an idea of where you'll want to avoid application. You'll probably have less surface area to work with on the scalp, therefore will be able to fit fewer Tape-Ins. To be able to accomplish this look with extensions, your client should be attempting to gain density, not length. Once you've mapped out where the extensions will be placed, it's time to begin the application process. When applying the extensions we always recommend placing them from top-to-bottom. This ensures enough space from the scalp, and flexibility for the tabs to move naturally. Here are a few things to keep in mind when creating an updo for your client: AVOID:

• Pulling the hair too tight back, can cause too much tension on the hair.
• Overdirecting Tape-In Extensions in the opposite direction they naturally lays—this will cause unnecessary tension on the hair.

GET THE LOOK When creating a mid-length ponytail, use your fingers to gently direct the hair back making sure not to tug on the extensions. Once you've found your desired ponytail position, hold it in place and section out the front hairline. Using a teasing brush backcomb the hairline section and continue by smoothing out the hair- creating volume, while simultaneously covering the bonds. Style as desired, and secure with your favorite hairspray for a long-lasting hold.

Low Ponytails

Any system can be worn to achieve this look. Generally, you can even apply the same Tape-In brick or row method placement structure that we recommend for most clients wanting length and thickness. Always keeping in mind to pull the hair back loosely away from the face to never add any unnecessary tension on the hair. All extension clients should be able to pull their hair back into a low ponytail without fear of the applications showing.

Updos/ Braids

If they are looking for a “weekend” or event ponytail, our Clip-In extension system is great for achieving that low maintenance look. Simply pull their natural hair in the ponytail of their choice—low, medium or high— and secure it with a hair tie. Then, take medium size Clip-In weft and secure the clips around the ponytail, in a circular fashion. Continue to build the ponytail around, with the remaining weft pieces, starting with the medium size, then the smallest sizes, and finishing with the longest piece. This will ensure the weight is distributed evenly around your natural ponytail. After the desired amount of hair is in, simply take a small section of hair and wrap it around the weft, hiding any clip ins or hair ties that may be showing; secure it underneath the ponytail with a small bobby pin. Style as desired! (Or for faster results, you can even curl the extensions before you apply them into your hair) A side swept fishtail or pancake braid is a super quick and easy style. Jazz it up by pulling out a few face-framing hairs or a small fringe and loosely curling them. The best part about a boho braid is the messier the better. The unpolished look is totally in! You can even add a cute hat or headband for that extra touch.