A sleek ponytail is the go-to that needs to be part of your natural hairstyles. If you’re looking for a low maintenance style to wear throughout the week, a sleek ponytail on natural hair is the perfect solution. Type 4 hair is perfect when it comes to sleek hairstyles. Our tight coils can hold hairstyles significantly longer (up to 10 days for the lucky ones) when using the right products and method for your hair. Creating a sleek ponytail on natural hair can be easy to create when the right steps are followed.
Trust us, a sleek ponytail is your staple hairstyle for any occasion: whether you’re headed to work, a date night or a festive event. Read through to learn how to create a sleek ponytail on natural hair that will look stunning and stay in place (with no flyaways!)
What products do you need for a sleek ponytail on natural hair?
Using the right products is essential when creating a sleek ponytail on natural hair. Products are important but you will also need a few tools to help you achieve a sleek ponytail that can last for days.
You will need to have the following ready:
- Leave In conditioner
- Styling mousse
- Gel or edge control
- Boar Bristle Brush
- Rat Tail Comb
- Hair Ties
- Bobby Pins
- Silk or Satin Headscarf
- Extension Ponytail
This product list can seem long, but they are all essential to style your natural hair in a sleek ponytail. If this list must be reduced you’ll need at the very least a good hair gel, a hair brush that can lay your hair down, hair ties and a satin scarf.
Can you use mousse for a sleek ponytail? Is gel or mousse better for a ponytail?
Gel or mousse can both be used for a sleek ponytail on natural hair. The best product to use will depend on the effect you want to create for your hairstyle. A gel will create a wet and shiny look and will give your hair a harder texture. Whereas a mousse will sleek down your hair without changing the appearance of your natural hair. Both products will prevent flyaways and enable you to maintain your ponytail over a long period of time.
How do you make a sleek ponytail on natural hair?
Step 1. Start with clean hair
When creating a sleek ponytail on natural hair, it’s best to start on clean hair to ensure the longevity of the hairstyle. It’s not mandatory to style your hair right after wash day but we would recommend to create this style on clean hair. Clean hair will give you that fresh and sleek look you’re after while products won’t adhere on your hair if it has already been styled risking product build up.
If you’re starting on your wash day, follow your routine: wash, condition, detangle and moisturize your hair.
Step 2. Straighten your hair
Our type 4 hair is majestic, it can shrink to beautiful coils and stretch all the way to straight hair strands. To create a sleek ponytail on natural hair, it’s easier to create this style on stretched hair. It will avoid creating a ponytail that is too tight and put too much pressure on your scalp and coils. You have two options: straighten your hair without heat with the African threading method or use heat with a hair dryer. Both these options are safe for your natural hair and won’t damage your curls.
- If you’re using a hair dryer : Separate your hair first in as many sections as needed.
- Hold one section of your hair by the ends.
- Move the blow dryer up and down on the hair section to stretch it with heat.
- Complete for all sections.
Step 3. Create your part
Here is the moment to decide whether you want a middle, side or zig-zag part. Use your rat tail comb to create the part for your sleek ponytail.
Step 4. Section your hair
To create a sleek ponytail on natural hair, it’s essential to work in sections. It will be easier to sleek down your hair and make sure it is flat and smooth.
Section your hair into four parts, starting from the back and working your way to the front. Use hair ties to secure each section in place. Start by sectioning your hair in two from the back of your head. You can add as many sections as you want. The number of sections depends on your hair density and how thick your natural hair is. Fine natural hair might not need more than two sections while thick natural hair is easier to style in more sections.
Step 5. Create your ponytail base
Once your hair is sectioned, add some styling gel to the roots of your bottom section to sleek it down. Brush that section in the direction you wish to style your ponytail. Down for a low ponytail or up for a high ponytail. Tie this section. Untie the next section of your hair and repeat the same steps and tie it with the previous section. Repeat until all your hair has been brushed and tied together.
Make sure to go over each section multiple times with the help of your brush and your hands to effectively smooth your hair from any bumps or flyaways. Once you have secured all sections into a bun or a ponytail, apply a gel or mousse of your choice on top of your hair. This step is vital to create a sleek ponytail on natural hair.
Step 6. Lay your edges (optional)
Use your edge control to style your baby hairs if you want to. Baby hairs are not mandatory, this style can still look very sleek and elegant without styling your edges.
Step 7. Wrap it up
This step is the secret to get your hair perfectly sleek and super flat. Tie your hair around with a silk scarf. Keep the silk scarf on your hair for at least an hour to set your hair in place for the day and prevent flyaways.
Step 8. Add your Ponytail Extension
If you’re using a ponytail extension, your hair needs to be secured into a bun. Wrap the ponytail extension around your bun and secure it with bobby pins or another hair tie. If your ponytail has a drawstring, pull it to make it tighter and tie it around your ponytail. Take a small section of hair from your ponytail as well to wrap it around it’s base to hide it.
Et voila! You’re now rocking the perfect sleek ponytail on natural hair.
How long does a sleek ponytail last on natural hair?
A ponytail can last from 7 to 10 days. Type 4 hair can hold hairstyles for a long time especially if you create your ponytail on clean and moisturized hair. We advise you to keep your hairstyle for a maximum of 10 days to let your hair breathe and relieve possible pressure from your scalp. To increase the longevity of a sleek ponytail on natural hair, it’s important to wear a silk scarf when going to sleep and in the morning when refreshing your style to keep it smooth and flat.
Creating a sleek ponytail on natural hair requires the right techniques and products. Start with clean hair, use a gel or a mousse, and section your hair to make it easier to style. You can add a ponytail extension and secure it in place with bobby pins or a hair tie. With these tips, you can create a stunning and stylish ponytail that will make everyone guessing and stay in place all day long!
