I’ve always found ponytails to be such a quick and easy hairstyle, but there’s always one major issue—the dreaded hair dent. Whether it’s from sleeping weirdly, wearing a hat, or even the incorrect product application, that unsightly crease can leave your curl pattern or straight hair looking completely off.
I’ve experienced it myself, especially after spending so much time straightening my hair, only to end up with a dent from the hair band. It’s frustrating to put in all that effort only for your hair to go to waste in just a few minutes.
No matter how long you wear a ponytail, when you take it out, you’re often stuck with a dent that ruins all your effort. It can really mess with your style, leaving you with unwanted creases and frustrating hair waste. But after a little experimenting, I’ve found ways to minimize the dent while still rocking my favorite hairstyle.
Why These Dents Form?
Ponytail dents often form when the elastic hair ties are too tight or improperly positioned, causing pressure on the scalp and hair follicles. Tight hairstyles, especially ponytails, can cause strain on your hair shafts and limit blood flow, preventing your hair from breathing.
Over time, this pressure can lead to hair damage, including breakage and split ends. Using scrunchies or traditional hair ties can also cause friction on hair strands, increasing the chances of hair loss or even traction alopecia. It’s important to make sure your hair tie is snug but not overly tight to avoid these issues.
A ponytail dent also happens because of the weight of the hair. When your hair is tied, especially when it’s wet, it can cause the hair to bend. The tension from hair ties can also create this dent, and it gets worse if you use hair bands made of plastic.
These bands tend to heat up and contract around your hair, leaving a noticeable dent. To prevent this, switching to different hair ties can help alleviate the problem.
Is it True That Curly Hair is More Prone to Ponytail Dent?
When you pull your curly hair into a ponytail using hair ties or hair bands, especially those made of plastic, they can heat up and contract. This often leaves an unwanted dent in your hair. Since curly hair has a fragile structure, it’s more susceptible to damage like breakage, frizz, and tangles. This stress on the hair can lead to split ends and even hair thinning over time.
If your hair dries in a ponytail, the shape it takes—whether a bend on your shoulders or sections from a braid—often stays even after it’s undone. Unlike naturally straight hair, which might just lose the dent with some brushing, curly hair might retain these impressions or indentations more stubbornly.
To help revive droopy curls and remove the dent, a refresher spray can be useful. Spray your hair thoroughly and try re-scrunching to get it back to its original shape. If that’s not working, consider a quick two-strand twist or pin curl to reshape without the mark.
How to Avoid the Ponytail Dent?
We always love somewhere, somehow to do ponytails either when we are at the gym for a daily workout or on a sunny summer to keep our twisty treasure away from our faces and necks. However, ponytail dent or crease is a big concern after prolonged use of hair ties. Stylists recommend using tips and tricks to keep your ponytail healthy and prevent damage. Keep reading
Avoid Tying Your Twisty When They Are Wet
When your hair is wet, it’s in its most fragile state. It’s recommended not to rub it aggressively with a towel or comb through it, as these actions can be damaging. Instead, wait until it has dried thoroughly before you tie it into a ponytail. Tying your hair when damp can lead to usual dents and snags that are even worse than in a dry ponytail. My own experiences affirm waiting for the hair to dry completely minimizes these issues significantly.
Give 2 Rounds While Tie
When you’re ready to put your hair tie, start by combing your hair back in one direction. Grab the ponytail, hold it firmly, and go from the top while taking the hair tie over. Remember to tie it only twice—this keeps it secure without causing a deep dent. Trust me, this method saves your hair from unnecessary stress and minimizes the risk of ponytail crease.
Caution to Untie
Tugging at your hair tie might seem like the quickest way to let hair down, but it can cause damage or even snapping. Instead, take time to unravel the tie gently, ensuring your hair stays healthy and free from breakage. Trust me, rushing this step isn’t worth the risk!
Always Use Invisibobble/Spiral Hair Ties
Switch to Invisibobble, the spiral hair tie that resembles an old telephone cord. Its unique twists apply uneven pressure on your hair, which helps prevent the ugly dent typically left by regular hair bands. After hours of wear, you might notice just a hint of a mark, unlike the deep marks that appear within minutes with traditional ties.
These weird yet effective hair bands are perfect for those who are always on the move, from a run to the gym, and want to let their hair down straight after without needing extra styling. Although they might not be the prettiest, their functionality is unmatched. They are durable, and offer a tight grip, and if they ever get loose, just soak them in hot water for a minute to see them contract to their original size and shape.
Rotating Your Ponytail Placement
Switching up where you tie your ponytail can help prevent dents and reduce stress on your hair. Instead of securing it in the same spot every day, try alternating between high, low, and mid-level ponytails. This simple trick minimizes pressure on specific areas, keeping your hair smooth and damage-free.
Straighten Out Your Hair Crease
If you have thick hair and other tricks haven’t worked, the smartest move is to grab a straightener. Sometimes, you simply don’t have the time to struggle with trying to fix that dent. Straightening the strands is a quick way to get your hair looking great and going about your day. In my experience, this method not only smooths out the dent but also gives your hair a fresh and sleek look.
A Break from Ponytail Styles
High ponytails, often pulled tightly, are among the worst offenders for causing hair breakage and stress. If you need to keep your hair up but can’t get away from ponytails on down days, try to switch from high ponytails to low, loose styles.
These alternatives are great for keeping hair off the face while minimizing strain on your locks. Changing your hair part can also help disguise the dent left by regular ponytails. Incorporating half-up styles not only refreshes your look but significantly reduces the tension that traditional high ponytails exert on the scalp thus preventing those persistent dents.
Keep Your Hair Down Before Bed
To ensure your scalp gets some recovery time, our stylists strongly recommend keeping your hair loose when you prepare to sleep. Tying it up is tempting, but doing so can lead to unwanted dents. Instead of using cotton pillowcases, which can pull and tug at your hair, causing it to move and crease overnight, try sleeping on silk or satin.
These smoother fabrics allow your hair to glide freely, reducing stress on your strands. For added protection, consider using a hair cap, or bonnet, or wrapping your hair in a silk or satin scarf at night. This setup acts as a shield, preventing your hair from rubbing against the pillowcase and helping to protect your hair from dents.
Incorporate Some Better Alternatives Like Fabric Hair Ties/ Claw clips
Bands with metal can catch and damage your strands, while tight elastics often leave your hair dented so it is time to throw away old hair ties that could snag your hair. Instead, choose hair ties made from fabric. These are soft, stretchy, and kind to your hair, helping to prevent damage.
Alternatively, you can use a claw clip. Claw clips are designed to hold hair in place without pulling or straining the strands. They distribute tension evenly, reducing the risk of breakage. Not to mention, they allow for several cute hairstyles you can easily create.
Avoid Pulling the Hairline Too Tightly
When styling your hair into a pony, be careful not to pull the hairline too tightly. This area is the weakest and under too much stress, it can lead to breakage and even bald patches. Instead, leave the front of your hair a bit looser for a more tousled, undone finish. This approach helps maintain the health of your hair while still enjoying a stylish look.
Final words
In conclusion, avoiding the dreaded ponytail dent is all about choosing the right hair ties, adjusting tension, and switching up hairstyles. Opting for silk scrunchies, loose braids, or rotating your ponytail placement can help maintain smooth, dent-free hair. With a little care and the right techniques, you can keep your hair flawless all day!
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.