2021 Trend Alert: Rope Twist Ponytails
Rope Twist Ponies: Pro Tips & Video Tutorials
ICYMI: Our 2021 trend radar is calling for bubbles, braids, rope twist ponies and a more playful vibe with styling—here’s why we love to see it. This is an easy opportunity for you to boost tickets with styling services that will give clients the looks they’re seeing on TikTok. Get tips and tutorials from experts below to perfect the styling process!
Before we get started, let’s talk about what twisted rope ponies are NOT. They are not rope twists (or Senegalese twists), the protective style for natural hair. Learn more about that styling process in our protective style guide here!
Need inspo? Tap through some of our fave looks!
3 Quick Tutorials & Tips From Experts
Ready to try the technique? Here’s a breakdown and some pro tips from @sabrina.porsche on celeb client Shay Mitchell.
- Base ponytail: Brush hair into a loose pony and rewet for sleekness, and clip the hair into place. Sabrina prefers to prep with a styling cream over a gel to prevent the hair from hardening.
- Covering the elastic: Secure with a bungee, then smooth out a small section with an edging comb brush and wrap a few times to cover. Pro trick: Sabrina uses a crochet needle to pull the hair through the pony.
- Rope twist: Take two sections and twist the hair in both hands before twisting both sections together. Remember this: Twist both strands, twist together and repeat down the length of the pony.
- Add extra length: Sabrina adds extra hair alternating in two different shades for a natural blend as she works down the pony to add length and volume.
Watch Sabrina’s full tutorial below! 👀
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Get the sleek look with front hanging pieces.
Many clients will request having two face-framing pieces, while the rest of the hair is slicked back. To achieve this, @justinemarjan applies hairspray to the roots and brushes the hair with Oribe Rock Hard Gel and a smoothing brush—combo of boar and nylon bristles for the smoothest results—before it sets.
How to finish the rope twist.
After the rope twist is done, @chrisappleton1 puts the finishing touches on with some detailing. He applies Color Wow Cult Favorite Hairspray to a toothbrush to polish the hair and prevent any flyaways.
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Try this sectioning tip to elongate the ponytail.
Instead of one base ponytail section, @hairbyruslan uses two sections to increase the length of the braid and create a beautiful silhouette. To prevent any bumps or flyaway strands, Ruslan suggests getting the hair as smooth as possible with a lot of product—he works with R+Co MOTORCYCLE Flexible Gel.
Ready to try an advanced rope technique?
Watch this fast tutorial from @naeemahlafond below for her signature knotted rope braid and click here for five OMG braiding quickies.
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