The kinky curly ponytail is the most fashionable hairstyle for women with natural hair. It looks lovely on various occasions, whether casual or formal. Therefore, it is now a favorite among those who want a stylish and adaptable hairstyle for any occasion.
Several aspects should be followed to achieve the best results. This guide contains a simple 5-step process for creating the perfect curly ponytail that enhances one’s beauty naturally. Experimenting with different hairstyles gives one a general idea of how to achieve a neat-looking ponytail.
Prepare Your Hair for a Kinky Curly Ponytail
Achieving a gorgeous ponytail starts with proper hair preparation. Before styling, it’s essential to wash and cleanse your curls thoroughly.
Start with Washing your Hair
Before you start any routines, shampoo and condition your hair properly to remove any styling product residue that might have been previously there, over time, this residual product can weigh down the hair and make curls dull if it’s not regularly washed out.
Detangling Tips
To prevent hair breakage, apply conditioner to wet hair and then detangle hair knots. The most suitable way to separate knots and hair tangles is to detangle them using fingers or widely spaced combs.
Hair Products Recommendations
Opt for lightweight leave-in conditioners to achieve manageable hair that feels soft and hydrated throughout. Additionally, look for sulfate-free shampoos that wash and cleanse hair without stripping it of its natural oils.
Curl Definition
Defining your curls is the next step to achieving a long-lasting curly ponytail. This step ensures that your curls have a well-defined shape without fizziness hindering their styling.
Choosing the Right Curl Defining Product
Defining your curls is the key to a slick and professional-looking kinky curly ponytail. Start by applying a curl-defining product to your damp hair. Curl creams, gels, or mousses enhance natural patterns by providing hydration and preventing frizz. Curl creams are great for soft, bouncy curls, while gels offer more hold and control, and mousses can add volume and definition.
Apply the Product Effectively
Rather than rushing through the curl-defining process, it is best to section your hair into small, manageable parts and thoroughly apply curly-defining products throughout the hair to avoid frizz. The prayer hands method can also be used, which involves raking hands from root to tip to ensure smooth application without disrupting curl formation.
Setting the Curls
Once all sections have been adequately covered, it is important to let curls fully air dry to form their natural hair pattern. If you do not have time to dry it naturally, a diffuser can be used on low settings for added volume and longevity.
Overnight techniques like braid-outs or twist-outs can also help reinforce definition by setting curls in tight patterns while sleeping. Properly defined curls will result in a complete, bouncy, long-lasting style.
Step 3: Creating the Ponytail
The position and smoothness of your kinky, curly ponytail can make all the difference in the final look.
Choosing the Right Ponytail Position
Now that your curls are defined, it’s time to gather them into a ponytail. The position of your ponytail—high, mid, or low—can dramatically change the overall look. Those wanting a sleek, polished look that softly contours on either side of the face can choose a high ponytail, which gives off a bold, youthful appearance. Meanwhile, a lower or mid ponytail sitting allows for a more elegant and sophisticated look.
Smoothing the Edges
Smoothing the baby hairs and shorter hairs along the hairline creates a perfect finish to the kinky, curly ponytail. A gel or a specific edge control cream could help tame that area without leaving any buildup or flaky residue.
Securing the Ponytail
Avoid tight, constricting elastics that rub against the scalp and cause unnecessary tension or hair breakage. Instead, choose soft scrunchies or ties that stretch just enough for comfortable wear without causing pressure headaches. Adjust the tightness so the ponytail itself has room to breathe without coming loose or requiring constant retightening throughout the day.
Step 4: Fluff and Style
Fluffing your curls and adding accessories can enhance the style and help you achieve that complete, voluminous look.
Fluffing for Volume
To achieve maximum volume, it is important to fluff roots after securing the kinky curly ponytail. Gently lift small sections from the root area by raking fingertips or using a tapered brush, building fullness while retaining well-shaped texture throughout. Fluffing stimulates volume without disrupting the curl pattern too much.
Accessorizing the Ponytail
Adding special touches like shiny hairpins dotted with sequins and bejeweled headbands wrapped loosely above the hairline provides versatility to the style. These accessories not only add flair but can also help keep hair in place throughout the day.
Step 5: Set the Style
Properly maintaining your kinky curly ponytail is essential to ensuring it lasts throughout the day. Using the right holding products and following maintenance tips will keep your ponytail looking fresh.
Using Holding Sprays
For styles that must endure daily movements and weather changes, choosing a flexible-hold hairspray is key to keeping frizz-prone areas intact throughout the day. Lightly misting your hair with a holding spray will lock in the curls and keep frizz at bay.
Maintenance Tips
Wearing satin bonnets or scarves to preserve curls overnight protects from frizz-causing cotton pillowcases and allows natural oils to be retained. Reapplying a dime-sized amount of edge control as the day progresses revives baby hairs as needed to look polished for extended hours.
Conclusion
With practice and the right product, the kinky curly ponytail can become your go-to style, working well with daily activities and professional settings. The key to a flawless kinky curly ponytail lies in proper preparation, curl definition, and the right finishing touches. By incorporating these five simple steps, you can achieve a look that enhances your natural hair texture.
Follow Nonty Carol’s expert advice and product recommendations to ensure your ponytail remains smooth and frizz-free during any activity or occasion.
