Hairstyle How-To: Flipped Ponytail

A flipped-through ponytail is a very easy variation on a regular ponytail, and can also serve as a base for some hairstyles that I will be demonstrating in future entries. It's a softer look than a regular ponytail, and can be worn high or low, off to one side and even horizontally.


When I did a tutorial on my Easy Summer Updo, I did an inverted version of a flip-through. Today I'm demonstrating the regular flip-through.

I used to do this style with my fingers only, but it is quicker and easier to do with a Topsy Tail Tool.

1. Put hair in ponytail. It is best to make the ponytail well above the nape. In the photo, this is about the lowest that the ponytail could go and still have a flip-through work.  Experiment with the placement of the initial ponytail.

2. Place tail of Topsy Tail tool vertically behind ponytail holder.

3. Feed hair through the loop of the Topsy Tail.

4. Pull ponytail completely through behind ponytail holder.

5. This is the finished product. Once you're done, check to see if you have a split above the ponytail holder as I do in this photo. You can then take a fine toothed comb and comb the split together, if you desire.  Also, check to see if the ponytail holder still shows.  If so and you want to cover it, adjust hair with your fingers to completely hide the ponytail holder. I'm afraid I forgot to do these checks before taking the final photo.

So that's a Flipped-Through Ponytail.

On a personal note, I never should have implied yesterday that I couldn't feel any worse than I did. I truly tempted Fate. Last night I awoke with chills and a fever, after only 2 1/2 hours of sleep. That did not make me feel any better today. Somehow, and I don't know why, occasionally fevers come along with the migraines. 

So I'll be relaxing for the rest of the evening, heading off to bed early, and hoping to get a good and full nights' rest.

Thank you to everyone for your well wishes yesterday.

'Til tomorrow. Love to all.

The Top 5 Best Hair Tools

These items would not be in everyone's top 5, but for my hair type and for styling my hair the way I like to, this is the list of my personal favourite hair tools.



1. Heavenly Harvest Horn Comb

I don't know what I did before I had this comb.  It's smooth, seamless and has wide, strong teeth.  It's perfect for detangling after my hair has been finger-combed and is dry. It's also the main grooming tool that I use on my hair.


2. Denman Boar Bristle Brush

I've had a few different boar bristle brushes, but the Denman is my favourite. It penetrates my hair better than other brushes I've used, and it actually reaches my scalp.  I use this primarily at night, after I put a couple of drops of jojoba oil on my ends.  The Denman brush really distributes the oils evenly throughout my hair.  I brush rarely otherwise, but when I do, I reach for my Denman.


3. Topsy Tail Tool


Maybe you remember Topsy Tails being very popular in the mid-90s.  It was not then a new style.  People have been making flip-through ponytails since Victorian days and perhaps sooner.  The innovation with the Topsy Tail tool was that it made flipping the hair through much neater and easier.  While I don't often wear a regular Topsy Tail ponytail on its own, it is a great base for several interesting hairstyles, such as the Victorian Twist and the Braided Victorian Updo.  I have found so many uses for the Topsy Tail in so many other hairstyles as well.  

One of these days, I'll write about some of the many things that I do with this versatile hair tool.


4. Scunci Magic Grip Hair Pins


Also known in some areas as Good Day Hair Pins, I have found these pins to be indespensible.  They hold very firmly, and I always keep a few in my handbag for when I want to quickly put up my hair.

While many hairstyles can be held up with a hairstick or a hair clip alone, there are time when you do need pins to hold a style together.  The Magic Grips are far superior to bobby pins; they're more hair-friendly, and they have a much better hold.


5. Goody Ouchless Hair Elastics


This one is almost a no-brainer, but I couldn't be without them. Everyone needs elastics to make braids or ponytails and even some updos.  These elastics never snag my hair or break hair when I remove them.  They also come in a good variety of colours, many of which are a close match to just about anyone's hair, which is nice when you don't want the elastic to stand out too much.


They can be found in large thick sizes, large thin sizes and small thin sizes.  I have use for every size and thickness.

So that's my list of must-have hair tools.  I'd love to hear what people with other hair types like using the most.

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend, and Happy Mother's Day!