How to Wear Faux Ponytails the Right Way

I've always wanted to have long, thick, wavy hair. My earliest desire for such hair was based on the original Star Trek women's hairdos-I loved the seemingly endless amount of hair-braided up-dos over ponytails, goddess-like. I also remember watching Taxi, and hoping it would be an episode featuring Simka, Latkas's wife, played by Carol Kane-who arguably has the best hair to ever live. I wanted it.

Alas, my fine, straight hair may have its own pluses, but it just isn't what I dream of. A couple of years ago, I decided to get hair extensions. Although they looked great, especially at first, the maintenance required and general discomfort made it all a big nuisance.

I'm not a fan of spending much time whatsoever styling my hair-as a matter of fact, I don't even own a blow dryer, curling iron, curlers, or any sort of hair styling appliances at all. I'm definitely a "wash and wear" type.

After I had my extensions removed for good, I missed the abundance of hair-I felt naked without it. So, I decided to try a clip-on ponytail I found at Walgreen's for less than $15.00. It matched my hair color exactly, and was very attractive, with loose waves and body.

I took it home, clipped it on, and started experimenting a bit with hair pins and accessories. I was trying to avoid the ridiculous fake look of lesser quality, cheap dollar store type ponytail clips. My goal was to incorporate the ponytail seamlessly into my own hair, and make it less of a "ponytail." It worked.

Now, I use and think of these faux ponytails more as just another hair accessory than "fake hair." After all, it's simply a regular, old hair clip-a claw-style or comb-under all that faux hair. Think of it and use it as such.

I have several faux ponytails. Although there are probably very high quality ones for way more money, the ones made by Scunci are fabulous. They're easily found in drugstores like Walgreens and Rite Aid for under $15.00. Below are some ideas for wearing your faux ponytail the right way.

Basic directions

Wearing the faux ponytail by simply clipping it on as instructed, is a mistake, in my opinion and experience. Strategically placed bobby pins or clips make all the difference. When the faux ponytail is just clipped in place, sometimes the claw clip can be seen. Also, it seems to just kind of ridiculously stand out from your own hair, especially if there are any color or texture discrepancies.

To minimize these factors, take a section from one side the faux ponytail (once it is securely in place in your hair) and wrap it over the top of the clip, so the faux hair lies between your hair and the top area of the faux hair/clip area. Pin the end of the faux hair section in place on the side of your head-near to the actual claw clip. I've found that tiny claw clips do a nice job here.

Next, Take a section from the opposite side, and arrange it in the same manner, across the first section layer, clipping it on the opposite side. The overall idea here is to "bridge" your own hair and the faux hair, with sections from the faux hair.

Also, if your hair is short enough that sections or strands hang down in the back or sides, small claw clips or bobby pins are a must in any such areas.

Advanced ideas and techniques

It takes a bit of maneuvering, experimenting, and amending to get in the hang of artfully arranging your faux ponytail. Once you're comfortable with the basics as described above, there are endless things you can try. Wearing a hair band toward the front looks nice, as does a larger scarf, tied underneath. Experiment with any hair accessories you normally might use.

I've even worn two faux ponytails. It ended up looking unlike ponytails at all-because of the volume, and the way I wrapped it, it just looked like very full, loose hair. Starting out as high-placed pigtails, I wrapped the tops as described in the basic instructions above, and then tied a wide scarf (hair band style) around my head.

Another thing that looks great are braided sections. Instead of simply using the sections of hair to place over the top as described in the basic directions, braid them first. After the faux ponytail is secured, take the sections from the side as usual, but comb them out and braid them neatly before placing and pinning them. The normal clipping or pinning is all the securing the braids will need to keep their shape and stay in place.

After trying these ideas, and after all the compliments you'll receive on your beautiful hair, I'm certain you'll agree it's an ideal way of wearing the faux ponytail.