Bows made of velvet, silk and satin are back for the festive season, including in ponytails. The low ponytail is the look that delivers a lot of impact with minimal effort. For the salon, that’s an opportunity: a recognizable festive service that you can easily add to your December schedule.
One look, three variations
Offer the ponytail in a glossy, sleek or wavy style. This way, it suits every hair type and outfit, and the client only has to choose one thing.
- Glossy: blow-dry smooth with a round brush, then finish with shine.
- Sleek: after blow-drying, use a straightener, then gel and a fine comb.
- Wavy: curl the lengths for a light beach wave. Hair.com calls this combination chic and modern.
How to schedule it
Consider creating a fixed festive slot in December for a blow-dry with a ponytail. A set name and structure make it easy to book and explain at the reception desk. Ask which variation the client wants when they book, so your tools are ready.
The technique at the chair
Preparation
- Work mousse or conditioner into damp hair, especially along the hairline. The heat from the hairdryer sets the product.
- Always use a heat protectant, such as Indola Thermal Protect Spray.
- Freshly washed hair can be slippery. Did the client just wash their hair? Add grip with a dry texturizing spray, such as Indola Dry Texture Spray.
The foundation
- Position the ponytail at the very base of the neck. Stylists call this the flattering, elegant spot.
- Create a sharp part with a fine comb and work in sections with gel, such as Indola Shaping Gel.
- Maintain tension with a brush and your hands, otherwise the ponytail will look limp.
- Have the client look straight ahead. Leaning forward loosens the base. A hand mirror at the back lets her see the result.
- Use a clear elastic or a bungee elastic for extra grip.
- Wrap a thin strand from the ponytail around the base and secure it with a bobby pin.
Finishing
- Smooth baby hairs flat with a little pomade, such as Reuzel Pomade Groen, and a toothbrush.
- Fix with a flexible spray if the client wants movement, or with strong hold for a whole evening. For example, Indola Flexible Hairspray or Indola Strong Lacquer.
- Always tie the bow last. Long ribbons for long hair, a shorter bow for shorter hair.
Curls and afro hair
For a soft version, leave the natural texture and let a few hairs around the face loose. For a sleek version: heat protectant on wet hair, then gel for stretch and smoothness. Blow-dry thick hair in small sections so the heat doesn’t stay on it for too long. It can also be done without heat: on clean, air-dried and straightened hair, lightly dampen it and apply gel section by section.
Add a warm gloss tint
Chocolate brown, burgundy and espresso are part of the Christmas trends. A demi-permanent gloss is a great addition as an extra service. Redken describes Shades EQ Gloss as ammonia-free and having an acidic pH. According to the SalonCentric usage guide, you apply it to dry hair. Wella Color Touch is another demi-permanent option. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Upselling: let the client watch along
Mention what you use while styling: the blow-dry brush, the pomade for baby hairs, the hairspray. Set up a festive hairstyle corner at the checkout with exactly those products. This way, the client can recreate the look at home for New Year’s Eve. You can find everything together in the Low Ponytail with Bow collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I offer a low ponytail as a quick festive service without overbooking my schedule?
Make it a fixed service with a set name and structure: preparation, blow-drying, foundation, finishing, bow. Ask which variation the client wants when they book: glossy, sleek or wavy. Then your tools will be ready and the treatment will remain manageable.
Which demi-permanent shade suits a warm festive look and can be applied quickly?
Warm shades such as chocolate brown, burgundy and espresso fit the Christmas trends. According to the manufacturer, Redken Shades EQ Gloss is ammonia-free and has an acidic pH; SalonCentric lists 05G Caramel as an example of a light golden brown result. Wella Color Touch is another demi-permanent option. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Which products should I give a client to recreate the look at home?
Think of a heat protectant, a round blow-dry brush, a texturizing spray for grip, pomade for baby hairs and a hairspray, flexible or with strong hold. Does the client have curls and want a sleek ponytail? Then a gel is essential. Show them what you use while styling.