I like to refer to a sleek ponytail on natural hair as a “staple hairstyle” since it’s a reliable go-to.

A ponytail is perhaps the best option whether you’re having a poor hair day or simply want a carefree look. To my dismay, however, it seems that a simple ponytail is no longer in style; now, it’s all about a sleek, long braided ponytail.

Extra-long ponytails are a perfect protective style for those with delicate textures, according to Jada Jenkins, Mizani artist, ambassador for Sam Villa, and owner of L’amour de Rose Salon. They can be made more elegant by sleeking them out, subdividing them for durability, and fine-tuning the hairline.

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We invited Jenkins and Yummie, the creator of Kosa Professionals and Yummy Extensions, to demonstrate how to style a chic, braided ponytail on a variety of hair types.

Step 1: Determine the Texture of Your Hair

Medium-sized, loosely packed curls with less interlocking make up 4A structure hair. Starting with wet, moisturized hair will make creating a ponytail on 4A hair simpler, according to Yummie. “Since 4A hair is easy to detangle and retains moisture, a long ponytail should take the least amount of time to style.”

Compared to 4A, 4B hair has tighter, more tightly packed curls. In contrast to 4A hair, 4B hair typically shrinks between 50 and 75 percent of its natural length. The first step in creating a neat ponytail on this texture is to blow dry the hair straight to extend it.

Yummie advises using a heat protectant before straightening 4B hair and prepping it with oils to make it easier to smooth back. 4B hair is more prone to breaking.

4C hair is tiny and tightly coiled. This texture is wonderful for holding a style for a long period, but it is more prone to breaking. To avoid breakage, you will need to add a lot of moisture and sealants to the hair. Yummie suggests using hair oils and hair butter to prep and seal your hair if your hair has this texture before styling it into a ponytail.

Step 2: Set Your Hair Straight
According to Jenkins, the first step in straightening your hair is to use a heat protectant, such as Mizani Press Agent. “Especially if you have higher texture hair, this assists with silking out the hair, preserving the curl pattern, and giving the style longevity.”

Next, use Sam Villa’s Signature Series Sleekr Professional Straightening Iron to smooth out the hair. It’s critical to consider your hair texture during this phase. Jenkins advises being careful not to apply too much heat. “The quantity of heat you use should be determined by the kind of hair—coarse, medium, or fine. Fabric is similar to hair. You should set the temperature of your straightener according to the kind of hair you have, just like you would when ironing satin, silk, or denim. The hot tool’s temperature should be lowered the more delicate your hair is. Read more

She clarifies, “Just because your hair has a higher texture type doesn’t mean it can handle high heat.” Fine 4C hair will need a lower temperature. Coarse 4C hair will need a higher temperature. This is referred to as density; your texture will be fine, medium, or coarse.

Step 3: Divide Your Hair
Divide your hair into the side, back, and side parts. After applying Mizani Edge Taming Hair Gel to each part, leave the face-framing wisps out. According to Jenkins, “sub-sectioning helps to smooth the hair.” Additionally, it keeps the ponytail from growing too tight and extends its lifespan. A sensitive, sore scalp and breakage may result from excessive strain. Apply edge control to the base and hairline after you’ve divided your hair. “Keep in mind that using too-wet of a product when working with natural hair may cause the hair to return to its natural state, which is undesirable, especially after taking the time to straighten it.”

Step 4: Establish Your Base of Ponytail
To smooth out hair partings and get rid of lumps and bumps, use a tail comb. Jenkins says to pull back one side of the hair and polish it using a Sam Villa Artist Series Polishing Paddle Brush before tying it back into a ponytail at the back with an elastic. With the hair on the other side, follow the identical procedures.

Yummie advises being careful not to pull your ponytail too tight. “Slicked back ponytails are gorgeous and in style, but if you pull them too tight, your hairline may thin and break,” the stylist says. “There are a few ways to avoid this, such as using a hair tie without a high-grip or rubber band texture, as this can get caught on the hair and cause friction that pulls on strands, and using mousse to smooth the hair back instead of pulling it tight.”

Step 5: Let the ponytail freeze
“Use Mizani Humidity Resistant Mist Flexible Hold Hair Spray to finish off the ponytail, and use a Sam Villa Artist Series Professional Blow Dryer on low heat to freeze the style,” advises Jenkins.

According to Yummie, you may also get a ponytail by wrapping a scarf over your head or using black style strips. “Cover your head with the strips or scarf, and allow the product to set for about ten minutes. Apply mousse to any stray bits and brush them down.

Step 6: Make Your Baby Hair Smooth
Next, use a straightener to smooth out the baby hairs and wispy sections. For a softer finish, give the face-framing portions a little bend.

Step 7: Tie Your Ponytail Using Hair Extensions
Include a lengthy piece of extension; you may braid your hair or use a ponytail extension like Yummy Extensions Raw Curly Ponytail. To tie your braided hair to your ponytail, thread an elastic band halfway through the hair. According to Jenkins, “leave the sub section of attached hair out and place on top of the head for later.”

Step 8: Make a Braid with Three Strands
Weave your natural hair and the extension together to create a classic three-strand braid. Jenkins advises tucking your hair ends beneath the extensions if they protrude. “While braiding, add more extension for a longer ponytail length. You can accomplish this by hooking and splitting a section on the pointer finger, then continuing to braid.” Once the braid reaches the appropriate length, finish it.

Step 9: Close the Braid’s end.
Take two strands of hair from each side of the braid’s end, tie them in a knot, wrap the hair around, and make another knot to secure the braid’s end. To further seal, add heated water.

Step 10:Cover the Elastic Holding . All together, the ponytail
Apply a liberal amount of hairspray to the top portion of your hair that you put aside. Using a paddle brush, smooth it out and then wrap it around the base of the ponytail, covering the elastic band. For more grip, use hairspray after two wraps. Jenkins advises “using a tail comb to tuck the end of the hair into the base of the ponytail.” “Spray once more, then use a blow dryer on low heat to freeze the area.” No need for pins!”

Step 11: Take Responsibility!
Take pride in your ponytail! You may choose to add adornments, smooth down your baby hair, or swirl it to make it more interesting. Make everything you do uniquely your own. Jenkins said that in order to create detail and define the hairline, she like using Mizani Sculpting Paste towards the finish.

How Much Time Is Allowed for a Long Braided Ponytail?
Ponytails usually persist for seven to ten days. It’s preferable to remove the style and let your hair breathe after that. When retiring to bed, Yummie suggests tying a silk or satin scarf over the base of the ponytail to assist keep the hair straight and flat.

Jenkins suggests putting a silk or satin hat over the silk scarf. “When you attempt to sleep, the hat will assist keep the braid in place and out in your way. According to Jenkins, satin or silk are crucial since they both help the hair retain moisture and avoid drying out.