November 23, 2024, 2:47 pm | Read time: 5 minutes

There are hairstyles that never go out of style – and the sleek ponytail is definitely one of them. But did you know that the position of your ponytail can completely change not only your look but also the perception of your facial features? We explain why the sleek ponytail is so hyped right now and how you can perfect the trend for yourself.

The power of placement

The perfect sleek braid starts with the right height. TikTok creator Tina Prokas showed in her viral video how much placement can influence the effect. A low braid softens the face, a mid-height ponytail provides balance, while a high braid creates a real lifting effect. Her tip? “My favorite will always be the high ponytail – it makes my face look the most defined.”

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But what height suits you? There is a simple rule of thumb to follow:

• High ponytail: ideal for round or oval faces. It draws attention to the cheekbones and creates a radiant, lifted look.
• Medium-high braid: Perfect for heart-shaped or square faces. The hairstyle balances out proportions and emphasizes natural contours.
• Low braid: Particularly flattering for elongated faces. It gently emphasizes the contours of the face and adds elegance.

Sleek plait – how to achieve the look in no time at all

The secret of the sleek plait lies in the preparation and the right tools. Whether you have fine, thick, or curly hair, the hairstyle will always work with these tips:

1. Choose your placement

First, decide whether you want your plait to sit high, in the middle, or low. For a statement like Ariana Grande’s, place it at the top; for an elegant business dinner, a low braid is better.

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2. The styling product

For a sleek look, use a strong hold hair gel or styling cream. Work the product into the hair with your hands or a brush to achieve a flawless result.

3. The right brush

Choosing the right hairbrush is also crucial. A boar bristle brush is recommended for a sleek finish. This smoothes the hair perfectly and avoids unsightly unevenness.

4. Hair elastic or bungee cord

You should choose a suitable band depending on the density of your hair. Bungee hair ties with hooks are suitable for thick hair, while transparent hair ties hold better for fine hair.

5. Taming baby hairs

The little hairs that won’t stay in place can be tamed with a touch of hairspray and a toothbrush or precision comb.

Styling tips for every hair texture

Fine hair

For more volume, apply a texturizing spray beforehand. A clip-in ponytail provides additional volume.

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Straight hair

A volume and texture spray helps to create hold. Then, work in a shine cream to make the plait look particularly sleek.

Thick hair

Use moisturizing styling creams or gels to tame flyaway hair. Tip: Use a leave-in product that conditions your hair and reduces frizz.

Curly or frizzy hair

Decide whether you want to emphasize the natural texture or achieve a completely straight look. For the latter, the roots should be smoothed slightly before the hair is tied into a plait.

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Watch out! Don’t wear your sleek ponytail too often

But be careful: If you wear tight ponytails too often, you risk damaging your hair. The tension at the hairline can lead to so-called traction alopecia in the long term – a form of hair loss caused by too much tension on the hair roots. Hairstylist Dominik Tjumen explains to STYLEBOOK: “The hair in the front contour is particularly sensitive, especially if it is colored or bleached. Too much pressure can cause them to break or even fall out.” The first signs are frizz and broken hairs, later the hairline can recede permanently.

Nevertheless, you don’t have to do without ponytails – the solution is variety. “Sometimes wear your hair up, sometimes down, or leave it loose in between,” advises Tjumen. Spiral hair ties are also more gentle on the hair than tight bands. If you love the sleek look, you can work with gel or hairspray without tying your hair up too tightly. Another tip from the professional: “Use care products such as hair oil or treatments as a styling aid. This not only provides shine but also strengthens the hair at the same time.”