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Loosen a hairstyle that pulls

If a ponytail, bun or pinned style pulls or stings, release its tie or pins. You do not need to wait for visible damage.

Step by step

  1. A woman with a ponytail turns her head with her hands lowered.
    STEP 1 OF 3

    Locate the fastening

    • If the style pulls or stings, stop arranging it. Locate the tie or pins, using a fixed mirror if that helps.
    • Check that you can reach the fastening comfortably. Avoid tugging at the hair or pressing sore skin; arrange help if you cannot release it.
  2. Supporting the ponytail while loosening its fabric tie.
    STEP 2 OF 3

    Release the tie or pins

    • Support the gathered hair with one hand. Use the other to unwind the tie or open and remove pins, one at a time.
    • Keep the roots slack. If hair catches, ease it free with your fingers instead of dragging the fastening through it.
    • Set the fastening down and let the hair hang loose. If installed braid roots still pull, contact the installer promptly.
  3. Leaving the hair loose after removing the tie.
    STEP 3 OF 3

    Leave the area loose

    • Check how it feels with the hair down. Avoid putting it back into the same tight style.
    • Ask a medical professional about lasting soreness, sores or hairline changes such as short broken hairs or thinning.

About 15–60 sec hands-on for checking a simple tied or pinned style and loosening its fastening. Rebuilding the style or removing an installed style is separate.

Practical editorial estimate, not measured. A comfort check and releasing one tie or pin should be immediate; do not wait out pain to meet an estimate.

You’re done when…

The reachable fastening is out and the hair hangs without pulling. Remaining pain or a pulling installation needs further help.