Dealing with a ponytail dent is a common issue for anyone who loves to pull their hair back. Whether it’s caused by sleeping weirdly, wearing a hat, or using the incorrect product application, that unsightly and unwanted dent can really disturb your curl pattern.
The easiest and most obvious fix might seem like simply re-washing and re-styling your hair while it’s wet. However, no one wants to spend that extra time and effort, especially if you’ve just recently washed your hair.
While a ponytail may not always be your favorite hairstyle, it’s undeniably easy to wear and practical. But, the moment you take it out, that hair band can leave an annoying dent. After all the effort of straightening or curling your hair, this dent feels like a total waste.
I remember taking out my ponytail after a short period and being shocked by the crease it left behind. All my hard work to straighten my hair felt undone in minutes.
Is It Possible To Avoid Ponytail Dents? The Answer
Avoiding ponytail dents is all about choosing the right accessories and gentle techniques. Opt for alternatives like Invisibobbles, fabric hair ties, or claw clips to reduce pressure on your hair. Use hair steamers to smooth out dents, apply serum before tying up, and avoid tying wet hair. For long-term care, alternate between high and low styles, sleep with loose hair, and always untie your ponytail gently to prevent breakage.Why Does A Persistent Ponytail Cause Dents?
A persistent ponytail causes hair dents because the hair band used to secure the ponytail applies constant pressure to your hair strands, especially if worn for extended periods. This pressure flattens or bends the hair especially the cuticle a protective layer of cells that surrounds the entire hair strand and also the cortex region very next to the cuticle, leading to alternation in the appearance of hair tie specific hair shaft area and causing dent or crease.
Additionally, the repetitive stress on the same section of hair can disturb the natural curl pattern or the smoothness of straightened hair. Factors like the tightness of the ponytail and the type of hair band used (especially those without smooth surfaces) can worsen the issue. Over time, this constant pulling and bending can also weaken the hair, making it more prone to breakage and further unwanted creases.
Is There Any Way to Keep Away From These Stubborn Ponytail Dents?
Although the process of hair dent due to ponytail is not very rapid it requires a long period to cause, however, there are obviously some tricks and tips that I used and recommended to others to keep away the problem.
Give a Chance to Invisibobble
If you’re tired of the denting and kinking caused by regular hair ties, the Invisibobble is a great alternative. This curly-friendly tie is shaped like an old telephone wire, which creates uneven pressure on your hair and helps avoid those annoying ponytail dents. It’s also comfortable to wear and doesn’t cause the tension headaches that some curlies experience with traditional elastic bands.
I recently wore an Invisibobble for hours during a workout, and it left barely a mark on my hair, unlike the usual stretchy and nylon bands that leave a dent in just a few minutes. Plus, they are super easy to store—just be careful not to lose them!
Hair Steamer Can Do Miracle
A portable hair steamer can work like magic when dealing with ponytail dents. Simply spray your hair with a moisturizing Hair Serum, then fill the reservoir with filtered water. Aim the tool at the dent, and pull the trigger to let the steam do its work.
As the steam hits, you can use your fingers to gently rake or coil the affected section, helping the dent disappear and leaving your hair smooth and frizz-free.
Don’t Underestimate the Power of CO-Washing
For those with fine, long hair, switching to CO washing has proven effective in stopping indents from ponytails. By using a conditioner that is sulfate/silicone free, you allow your hair to maintain its natural texture and moisture.
Simply coat and scrub your scalp and ends during a shower, let it sit for the duration of your shower, then rinse thoroughly. Many find that their hair no longer holds a dent, and can enjoy healthier twists that leave the ponytail with no indent at the end of the day.
Give a Try to Banana Hair Clip
When it comes to hair accessories, many in the scrunchy category can be a bit of a double-edged sword—they either hold tightly and leave dents or don’t hold well enough to stay securely in place.
I’ve had better luck avoiding dents by using banana-style clips or Concorde clips, which are long and smooth. These types of clips, along with smooth claws, seem to bypass the problem of creating dents or unwanted texture formation.
Apply Serum Before Tying Up
To avoid dents in your hair, start by using a refresher spray to revive droopy curls and remove any existing dents. After spraying your hair thoroughly, try re-scrunching it to bring back its original shape. If that’s not working, a quick two-strand twist or pin curl for about 10 minutes can help.
This technique allows the tie to glide over your hair smoothly, without pulling or snagging and adds a healthy dose of shine. For the best results, visit a salon and speak to a stylist about which serum is right for your hair type.
Use Satin Lined Cap/Hats in Winter
If you love wearing hats in winter to stay warm, but hate the dent they leave when you take them off, there’s a stylish solution. Opt for satin-lined caps or hats. These not only keep you warm but also prevent the fabric from disrupting your curl definition. Many curlies find these so gentle on the hair that they even sleep in them to preserve their curls.
Never Ever Tie Hair When It’s Wet
Tying your hair when it’s wet can be damaging. It’s a surefire way to add a dent where the ponytail holder grips your hair. When wet, your hair is in its most fragile state, making it vulnerable to dents, snags, and damage. Instead of rushing to tie it up, wait until your hair has dried thoroughly.
If you need to get your wet hair off your face, try clipping it back with a cinnamon bun, allowing it to dry into softer waves instead of tight curls with a dent in the middle.
Hair Wants a Break from Ponytail
High ponytails are often the worst offenders for causing hair breakage and stress, especially when pulled tightly. If you need to have your hair up regularly and can’t get away with a few ‘down days’, consider alternating between high ponytails and low, loose styles like buns. Half-up styles are also a great way to keep your hair off your face while minimizing the strain on your locks.
Sleep with Down Hair
To help your scalp and hair have some recovery time, stylists recommend leaving your hair loose when you sleep. If you need to tie it up, switch to sleeping on silk or satin pillowcases instead of cotton, or use a silk bonnet. This change allows your hair to glide over the fabric rather than pull against it as you move during the night.
Fabric Hair Ties or a Claw Clip: Another Good Option
For a healthy ponytail, it’s important to ditch old hair ties, especially those with metal bands that can catch and snag your hair. Opt for hair ties like scrunchies, which are much better than elastic hair ties because they are made from fabric and are soft, stretchy, and kind to your hair, preventing it from getting dented.
Alternatively, you can use a claw clip. These clips are designed to hold hair in place without pulling or straining the strands, distributing tension evenly and reducing the risk of breakage. They also allow for several cute hairstyles you can create effortlessly.
Don’t Pull the Hairline Too Tightly
When pulling your hair into a pony, be careful not to tighten around the hairline, which is the weakest part and most susceptible to stress and breakage. Excessive tension can lead to bald patches. Instead, leave the front of your hair looser for a tousled, undone finish. This approach reduces strain and helps prevent the typical ponytail dent.
Untie Your Hair Gently
Tugging on the tie to pull it out of your hair is the quickest way to cause snapping. Instead, take your time to unravel the hair tie and let your hair down gently. This careful approach helps prevent damage and minimizes the chance of leaving a dent in your hair after removing the ponytail.
Final Thoughts
Indeed a ponytail is an effective way to keep your strands away from your face. It is also less time-consuming, but staying on for a long period can cause hair indent and damage. So alteration in wearing hairstyles is recommended, it not only enhances your look but also exerts less strain on your hair.
Dive into the world of curls with Farah, a celebrated curly hair expert whose passion and expertise have transformed her into a beacon for those seeking to embrace their natural hair texture. With a vibrant career spanning over a decade, Farah has dedicated herself to the science and art of curly hair, making her an authoritative voice in this niche. Her deep understanding of curly hair’s unique needs and challenges allows her to craft personalized care routines and styles that not only enhance the natural beauty of curls but also promote hair health.