How to wear a ponytail extension

How to Wear a Ponytail Extension (And Everything Else You Need to Know)

Slicked-back ponytails are one of the hottest hair trends that have followed us into 2023, but let’s be honest - ponytails have always been stylish!

From Ariana Grande to Kim K, dramatic ponytails are a staple on every red carpet and catwalk, and cover our social media feeds.

Maybe you’ve decided it’s time to embrace the up-do, or perhaps you have short hair and your natural ponytail just isn’t cutting it? Whatever your reason, you want to learn how to install ponytail extensions and everything else you can about the process.

At Stranded Hair Group, we have created an extensive range of hair extensions to ensure our customers can elevate their hair at the drop of a hat. Our team of industry-led professionals design all our pieces in line with current trends that become timeless classics, so that you can look stylish without falling for fast fashion.

In this article, you will learn how to install a ponytail extension in various ways, alongside how to prevent hair damage and how to ensure the longevity of your extensions.

Maybe ponytails won’t be for you in the end, but you won’t know until you’ve read this blog!

• What is a ponytail extension?
• How to wear a clip-in ponytail extension
• How to secure your ponytail extension
• Top tips for wearing a ponytail extension
• Do ponytail extensions damage your hair?
• How to care for your ponytail extension

What is a ponytail extension?

Ponytail extensions have been around forever! These days though, instead of having to wrap or glue a weave around your natural hair, clip-in extensions can give you long, luscious locks in minutes. These extensions clip onto your own ponytail to add length and volume, making your pony go from drab to fab, in an instant!

Stranded Ponytails extensions are available in 16”, 20”, 24” and 26”, depending on the style.

How to wear a clip-in ponytail extension

With the right guidance, wearing a ponytail extension is easy! Follow this 5-step routine to clip your pony in:

Step 1:

Style your natural hair to match the extension Before applying your clip-in ponytail, we advise styling your natural hair to match the extension style, for perfect integration.

Step 2:

Tie your hair back Tie your natural hair up in a sleek, high ponytail and fasten it with a hair tie to give the ponytail something to hold onto. For the most comfortable pony, make sure the hair is well fastened.

Step 3:

Increase the volume Tie a second hair tie about an inch away from the first for more volume and comfort. In addition to giving your pony more height, the second hair tie will help stop the extension from slipping. Alternatively, you can tie your hair into a bun if you have particularly fine hair.

Step 4:

Put the ponytail in place Your natural pony is all set for a makeover! Ponytail extensions are secured to the hair using clips, drawstrings or velcro fastenings. Start by attaching your ponytail extension to the top of your pony.

Step 5:

Secure the Ponytail (For wrap ponytail extensions) Push the internal comb into the base of your ponytail and then wrap the velcro around your natural pony. Use a hairpin to secure the wrap-around hairpiece to your pony to conceal your style.

How to secure your ponytail extension

Securing your ponytail extension is key to ensuring your look stays perfect, for as long as you want it to. And that’s the beauty of clip-in extensions!

Different ponytail extensions come with different attachment methods.

At Stranded, our main range of clip-in ponytail extensions uses the bulldog clip and drawstring methods. This gives two options to secure, either by simply clipping the extension onto your natural hair (ponytail or bun) or by wrapping and pulling the drawstring around. For extra security, you can use both attachments!

Our wrap-around ponytail range has an internal comb which is pushed into the natural hairstyle, and then secured by wrapping a piece of the extension around the ponytail and pinned into place. The more hairpins you use, the more secure your pony will be!

Top tips for wearing a ponytail extension

• If using the clip-in method, remove the bulldog clip in place of the drawstring, which will pull the extension closer to the hair, making the extension seamlessly blend into the natural hair.
• Wrap a piece of the extension hair around the installed extension to hide the attachment.
• Attach the extension to a bun instead of a ponytail, if you have particularly short and thin natural hair.
• Backcomb your roots, where the extension will attach, for more grip and a securer feel.
• Avoid brushing the extensions once fitted - instead, gently comb or finger comb the natural and extension hair to blend.

Do ponytail extensions damage your hair?

As long as you care for and wear your extensions properly, there is no reason why they should cause any damage to your natural hair. However, there are a few things you need to consider to protect both your natural and extension hair:

Can you wear ponytail extensions every day?

Yes! Clip-in ponytails are the perfect everyday accessory. We love the ease and convenience of pulling our hair into a ponytail, attaching our favourite extension, and flying out the door at record speed. No need to save your extensions for special occasions - everyday luxury is something Stranded stands by!

However, pulling your hair into a ponytail every day can add stress to the follicles, which can lead to thinning. If you want to wear your extensions regularly, play around with the height of your pony and different styles. Looser styles, like low ponytails, will apply less stress than a tight crown ponytail. The hair tie you use can also apply stress, so try switching to silk or fabric bands instead of elastic.

If you have particularly fine, thin and/or damaged hair, the weight of ponytail extensions can add a strain to your hair follicles, causing excess thinning or damage. If this is your hair type, consider taking breaks from ponytail extensions and switching up your styles with other products, such as The Mum Bun.

Can you sleep in a clip-in ponytail?

No! You should always remove your clip-in ponytail before bed. Sleeping on your ponytail can not only be extremely uncomfortable, but can also damage both your natural and extension hair.

After each wear, gently brush through your ponytail, being careful not to tug at the hair. To keep your ponytail safe and clean, store it in the original packaging or a lint-free dust bag.

How to care for your ponytail extension

Your ponytail can last several months or even longer depending on how well it's cared for. Treat your ponytail gently, always hold the attachment securely when brushing and follow the recommended care steps to prolong its lifespan.

How often should I wash my ponytail extension?

You won't need to wash your hair extension every time it's used. However, we do recommend washing it every few weeks to keep it in top condition, depending on how often you wear it. A general rule is every 15-20 wears.

How to wash and style your ponytail extension

• Fill a sink with lukewarm water.
• Submerge the lengths of the extension into the water and rinse.
• Apply a gentle shampoo and massage it into the hair.
• Rinse out.

• Apply a gentle conditioner to the lengths of the hair and leave for a couple of minutes.
• Wash out using clean, lukewarm water.
• Leave it to dry naturally.
• Brush through before your next wear.
• Keep heat styling to a minimum.

Care recommendations

• Look for hair care products that are sulphate and alcohol-free, as these ingredients can have a detrimental effect on synthetic ponytail extensions.
• We recommend our Smooth Finish Extension Brush, specifically designed for hair extensions with anti-static boar bristles, which prevents pulling and damage. Always make sure to brush from the bottom upwards!
• Stranded clip-in ponytails are made from Clever Fibre, meaning they’re heat resistant up to 180°C. However, this is to tweak the style back - not to restyle!
• Avoid using hairspray or mousse, as these can dry out the synthetic fibres and can use damage.

TOP TIP: Take a break from ponytails, if you have particularly thin hair, and try other styles like The Mum Bun!

Your next steps

You came to this article curious about the world of ponytail extensions. You have learned what ponytail extensions are and how to install them, whilst also learning how to prevent hair damage and how to look after your extensions.

At Stranded, we love the ease and convenience of clip-in extensions - especially clip-in ponytails! Our brand is built on providing our customers with everyday confidence and luxury. Good hair days shouldn’t feel like a mammoth task, and they don’t with Stranded clip-in extensions!

So what next?

If you’ve decided to take the plunge with clip-in ponytails, we recommend getting expert colour matched, here. Rather do it yourself? You can instead order colour samples, here.

We have a wide range of clip-in ponytails from 16” to 26”, in various styles and attachment methods. All our ponytail extensions come in up to 34 multi-dimensional shades, for your perfect colour match.

Medium 16” Flicky Clip-in Ponytail is our most popular option, with bounce and movement using the bulldog clip and drawstring attachment methods. RRP £26.

Long 20” Straight Clip-in Ponytail is one of our most natural options, with a modern and sleek look using the bulldog clip and drawstring attachment methods. RRP £28.

24” Wand Wave Clip-in Ponytail is one of our newest extensions to the collection, with a salon-finish style using the bulldog clip and drawstring attachment methods. RRP £30.

20” Bounce Wrap Ponytail is another great, natural-looking option, with soft movement using the clip and wrap attachment method. RRP £28.

26” Body Wave Wrap Ponytail is our most dramatic and eye-catching extension in the collection, with a classic Hollywood glamour look, using the clip and wrap attachment method. RRP £30.

If even after all this reading, you’ve decided that ponytail extensions just aren't for you, why not read more about other types of extensions on our blog, here?