How to Create a Pull Through Braided Ponytail

Last Updated: January 28, 2021 References

A pull through braid looks similar to a regular braid, but it is composed of mini ponytails slipped through one another. The easiest way to do this is to start with a ponytail, then "braid" your hair. If you feel like going pro and doing something more complex, however, you could try a French-braid version!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
Making a Basic Braided Ponytail

1
Pull all of your hair into ponytail. If you'd like to, you can add mini twists or braids to your hair. Do this before you make the ponytail, however.^{[1]
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- A high ponytail looks best, but you can also do a mid-height or low ponytail instead.
2
Divide the ponytail in half. Slide your thumb or a rattail comb horizontally through your ponytail to separate it into a top and bottom section. Make sure that both sections are even.
3
Tie a hair tie around the top section. It needs to be about 2 inches (5 centimeters) down from the base of the ponytail.^{[2]
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Research source} To cut down on bulk, try to use a small hair tie.
4
Make a hole in the middle of the top section, just above the elastic.^{[3]
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Research source} Use your fingers to make a hole in the hair, then separate it slightly. This is the same technique as making a flipped ponytail or topsy-turvy ponytail.
5
Pull the bottom section through the hole.^{[4]
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Research source} Stick your forefinger down through the hole and hook it around the bottom section. Pull the bottom section up through the hole. The bottom section is now the new top section.
6
Tighten the loops.^{[5]
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Research source} Split the hair in the bottom section in half and gently tug on it. This will help tighten the loops and give you a neater finish. Avoid making the loops too tight, as that can cause breakage and damage to your hair.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Christine George
Master Hair Stylist & Colorist
Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.}
7
Continue "braiding" your hair until you get the length you want. Tie another hair tie around the top section, 2 inches (5 centimeters) down. Make a hole, then pull the bottom section up through the hole. Keep doing this until your braid is the length you want it to be. Don't forget to tighten the loops!
8
Tie the braid off. Gather all of your hair together in one hand. Tie the hair off with a hair tie.
9
Finish it off. At this point, your braid is done. If you'd like to, you can gently tug apart the loops to flatten/fluff them out. You can also add a bow or other hair accessory.
- When fluffing your braid out, start from the bottom and work your way up.^{[7]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
Making a French Braided Ponytail

1
Gather a small section of hair from the top of your forehead. Secure the section with a mini hair tie or clear elastic. You should have something that looks like the start of a French braid or a half-up, half-down ponytail.^{[8]
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2
Clip the ponytail out of the way. If you have very long hair, twist the top section into a loose bun first, then clip it to the top of your hea.^{[9]
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3
Tie a second ponytail just below it. Use your thumbs to sweep your hair back from your temples and gather it into another half-up, half-down ponytail. Tie it off with a mini hair tie just below the first ponytail.^{[10]
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4
Unclip the first ponytail and slit it in half. You will end up with a left section and a right section. Don't do anything to the bottom ponytail just yet.^{[11]
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5
Pull the bottom ponytail up and clip it out of the way. Be sure that you are pulling it between the left and right sections. Clip it out of the way to the top of your head. Do not clip the left and right sections.^{[12]
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6
Pull the left and right sections into another ponytail, adding some hair. Let go of the left and right sections. Use your thumbs to sweep back more hair from your hairline, just above your ears. Gather the hair, along with the two sections, into a ponytail, and tie it off with a mini hair tie.^{[13]
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7
Unclip the top ponytail and split it in half. Pull the bottom ponytail up between the split, and clip it out of the way. Gather the bottom sections into a ponytail, adding some hair from the hairline. Tie it off into a ponytail. Continue repeating these steps until you reach the nape.
8
Tie the test of your hair into a ponytail.^{[14]
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Research source} Try to use a mini or clear hair tie. If your hair is too thick, use a hair tie that matches your hair color. At this point, you can stop and call it a day, or you can continue "braiding" your hair.
9
Split your ponytail in half horizontally. Push your thumb or a rattail comb horizontally through your hair to divide it in two. You will end up with a top and bottom section.^{[15]
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10
Tie a mini hair tie around the top section. You want it to be about 2 inches (5 centimeters) down from the base of the ponytail. Don't do anything to the bottom section just yet.^{[16]
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11
Pull the bottom section through the middle of the top section. Make a hole in the top section, right above the hair tie. Slide your finger down through the hole, hook it around the bottom section, and pull it through. The bottom section is now the top.^{[17]
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- This technique is similar to making a flipped or topsy-turvy ponytail.
12
Continue "braiding" your hair, then tie it off with a hair tie. Wrap another hair tie around the top sections, 2 inches (5 centimeters) down. Make a hole, then pull the bottom section up through the hole. Keep doing this until you run out of hair, then tie it off with a hair tie.
13
Fluff it out. Use your fingers to gently tug the outer loops of the braid out. You can do this for just the bottom braid, or for both the bottom and French braid. This will help give you more volume and conceal the hair ties.^{[18]
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Research source} If you'd like to, you can add a bow or another pretty hair accessory.
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Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

What kind of elastics should I use if I want a ponytail that will stay put throughout the day?

Christine George
Master Hair Stylist & Colorist
Christine George is a Master Hairstylist, Colorist, and Owner of Luxe Parlour, a premier boutique salon based in the Los Angeles, California area. Christine has over 23 years of hair styling and coloring experience. She specializes in customized haircuts, premium color services, balayage expertise, classic highlights, and color correction. She received her cosmetology degree from the Newberry School of Beauty.

Christine George

Master Hair Stylist & Colorist

Expert Answer

A fiber wrapped elastic is the tightest ponytail you can get. I don't suggest a tight ponytail every day, though, as it can lead to breakage.

Warnings

Avoid making your ponytail too tight, as that can damage your hair and cause breakage. If you are worried about breakage from the elastic, try using a scrunchie as an alternative.^{[20]
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Expert Source

Christine George
Master Hair Stylist & Colorist
Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.}

Thanks!
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Make sure to wait until your hair is fully dry before styling it in any sort of ponytail. Putting your hair up when it is still wet can also cause damage and breakage.^{[21]
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Expert Source

Christine George
Master Hair Stylist & Colorist
Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.}

Thanks!
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0