Get This Look: The Boss Pony Tail

Step 1: Wash Hair

The first step to this entire process is to wash your hair. This is super important and determines the overall outcome of the hairstyle. Washed hair gives you a better base to start lowering the risk of flaky hair due to product build up. I also want to emphasize that the outcome of this look is possible on un-washed hair, but it can vary based on hair

texture and products already in your hair. My preference based on my hair and how I like it to look is washed hair; this is the way to go for me to get ultimate sleekness. But essentially it is up to you to follow or nix this first step.

Step 2: Well Moisturized Hair (L.O.C Method)

The next step is to moisturize your hair if you have chosen to follow step one. This allows you to seal in moisture while your hair is tucked away for this style. It keeps your hair from drying out under the gel. For this part I like to use the LOC method, my hair responds well to it so it is always my go to.

The LOC method is a technique used to retain as much moisture in your hair as possible. It stands for L (Liquid), O (Oil), C (Cream). It represents the order in which you put products in your hair. First start with water, the liquid, this is the most hydrating product your hair can have in it. Water is the base of everything and your hair absolutely loves it! Second you go in with an oil of your choice, I personally use black castor oil. This step will help to lock in the moisture from the water. Even though hair loves water, it is really difficult to keep it in your hair due to evaporation. The oil helps to prevent moisture loss so your hair is happy. Lastly, you put in a cream-based moisturizer of your choice, I personally use Liso Sedoso Slicon Mix. This provides extra hydration to your hair and keeps it soft.

This method is substantial to your hair health. It gives you an easy step by step process to properly protect your hair from moisture loss especially during the cooler months. Hydrated hair is the only way to length retention and overall hair health.

Step 3: The Perfect Gel Combination

Now it is time to set your hair in place for this sleek pony! First, you’ll want to part your hair in the place most comfortable for you. I did a deep right-side part, but this step is all about

preference, so you can part anywhere you want such as: middle part, no part, left-side part, or right-side part. After figuring out your part you will begin to put the first layer of gel and brush it downward with a bore bristle brush. This helps to smooth the gel down and lock your hair into place.

Gel is super important for this style because it allows you to control the way your hair lays and prevents frizz. Depending on your texture will determine the gel type and hold level that you will need. For the ultimate sleekness and flat look, I used Got 2B Glued on me edges and on the side part swoop; then Crème of Nature Flexible Styling Snot on the rest of my head. I’ve found that this combination works wonders for me!

Keep up with this same process of applying a bit of gel and brushing your hair downward into a low bun (the bun will be the base for your pony tail so get it as small as possible). You can stop applying gel and brushing after your hair is flat and sleek enough for your liking.

Step 4: Sleep on It

The most important and crucial step in this process is to secure the hair and let it dry overnight. Tie a scarf on tight and securely and simply go to bed (I recommend doing this style at night before bedtime).

Now you can’t just go to sleep after doing your hair; it is super important to put a scarf on. This is the part of the process that can either make your hairstyle a hit or miss. You must tie a silk scarf over the style, a bonnet will NOT do the job for this look! After your scarf is on you will want to wrap a scrunchie over your bun and on top of the scarf. This will get the scarf closer to your head so the style can properly set.

Sleeping on the hair style is the best way to let it dry and set into place. If you don’t let it dry you can easily disrupt the sleekness of the style. And the best time to dry without disrupting the settling process is when you’re sleeping.

Step 5: Attach the Pony

Now it’s the next morning, you’ll want to carefully take the scarf off and analyze your hair to make sure everything is in place and laying how you want. After everything looks good, it is time for the ultimate transformation of your look, the pony tail! For this I used the Outre Batik Grammy Wave 24, which I got from my local beauty supply store for about $8. I used one pack, but I definitely could have benefitted from using two with this style for a fuller look. This hair is wefted, so all I had to do was wrap the synthetic hair around the base of my bun and pin it down when I got to the end of the track. Lastly, I took a small strand of hair and wrapped it around the base of my bun to hide any visible tracks. Lastly fluff your pony, make sure your bun isn’t visible, and you are good to go!