How to Perfect a Mix and Match Braided Ponytail

Is it possible to be addicted to braids? Because we totally are obsessed with just about every variation on the style, from the three-strand to the fishtail to the French to the Dutch to the rope, and so on and so forth. There’s just something about the intricate designs that these weaves create that have us completely smitten—and we know we’re not alone. Take one scroll through your social media feeds and it’ll be plain to see that braids of all kinds are having a serious moment in 2019. The good news is, you can get in on the braided fun regardless of your skill level. Since we have trouble picking between Dutch, classic, and fishtail braids, we decided it was time to combine all three for one stunning look. Ready to make a mix and match braided ponytail part of your weekly hairstyle lineup? Follow along with our tutorial below!

STEP 1: SEPARATE YOUR HAIR INTO FOUR SEPARATE SECTIONS

Begin your braided ponytail by using a rat tail comb to divide your hair into four sections. Leave the front two sections loose while combing the back two sections together into a high ponytail.

STEP 2: WEAVE DUTCH BRAIDS

Split each front section of hair into three sections and begin weaving Dutch braids (a.k.a. inverted braids) at your hairline. Continue adding hair into your Dutch braids until you reach the crown of your head, at which point you should continue braiding one section all the way to the ends on one side, while combining the unbraided ends of the other side with the high ponytail.

STEP 3: WRAP THE BRAIDED SECTION AROUND THE PONYTAIL

Before wrapping your ponytail, tighten it to perk up the volume a bit. Then, take the fully braided side and wrap it around the hair tie to conceal it. Use a bobby pin on the underside of the ponytail to tuck the ends in place.

STEP 4: BEGIN BRAIDING YOUR PONYTAIL

Split your ponytail into two sections to begin fishtailing your ponytail. Take a small chunk of hair from one side and cross it over to join the other side. Continue this process back and forth for about an inch down your ponytail.

STEP 5: SWITCH BRAIDING TECHNIQUES

After you’ve fishtailed for an inch or so, split your ponytail into three even sections and stitch an inch further down your ponytail using the classic three-strand technique.

STEP 6: KEEP SWITCHING

Every inch, switch your braiding style until you reach the ends. Once you reach the ends, tie your ponytail off with a clear elastic. Wrap a small strand of hair around the elastic to conceal it and tuck the ends into the underside of the hair tie.

STEP 7: FLUFF UP YOUR BRAID

Starting at the bottom, gently tug at your braid to create more volume and style. Be sure not to pull too hard because that could cause the braid to unravel altogether. When fluffing up your Dutch braids, be sure to focus the fluffing on the first few stitches at the front of your head by using the tail end of your rat tail comb to create the appearance of lifted roots without adding volume to the sides. If you pump up the volume on the sides of your braid you could inadvertently make your head look wide, which probably isn’t what you’re going for (unless it is, in which case, you do you)!

STEP 8: FINISH WITH HAIR SPRAY

Now that you’re undoubtedly infatuated with your new braided ponytail, help secure it with a little hair spray. A few spritzes of the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Strong Hold should do the trick!

And just like that, you have a beautiful new style to add to your repertoire. Want to incorporate a few more braided hairstyles to your styling wheelhouse? Here are 5 Super-Stylish Braided Hairstyles for Spring. We have a feeling you’ll find at least one that you love—if you don’t fall for all five, that is!