Ponytails are a versatile hairstyle appropriate for a night on the town or an afternoon of running errands. Although ponytails can be simple to style, certain styling methods allow you to minimize part lines in your hair. When choosing an elastic band for your ponytail, pick a band that is covered. Uncovered rubber bands are uncomfortable to work with and may break off strands of hair. Avoid making your ponytail too tight; it can damage your hair and the pressure can cause headaches.
Wash your hair with shampoo and soften it with conditioner. Unsightly lines occur more often with oily hair than with clean hair.
Towel dry your hair and comb straight with a paddle brush. Apply hair serum or mouse to the roots of your hair to slick down frizz and flyaways.
Dry your hair with a hairdryer. Straighten your hair with a straightening iron if you want a sleek, straight ponytail. If you want a more wavy look, curl your hair with a curling iron instead of straightening it.
Tilt your head back at a 45-degree angle, and hold your hair slightly underneath the crown of your head. Tilting your head back allows your hair to fall naturally and prevents part lines.
Brush your hair from the root into the palm of your hand. Work all the way around your head until your hair is smooth and taut.
Loop an elastic band two or three times around your hair until it is tight. If you don’t want the elastic band to be visible, take a small chunk of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic band to hide it. Secure the chunk of hair at the bottom of the elastic band with a bobby pin.
Spray hairspray on the top of your head to keep your hair in place. If you notice any lines or irregularities in your hair, run a fine-tooth comb through them immediately after applying the hairspray.