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Make a pull-through braid

Build a short half-up chain with four small ponytail ties. Alternate which ponytail splits and which lifts out of the way, then remove the ties from the bottom upward.

Step by step

  1. A woman holds two separately tied half-up ponytails, one above the other.
    STEP 1 OF 3

    Make two small ponytails

    • Start with dry detangled loose hair, four smooth removable ties and a sectioning clip within reach. Leave the lower hair loose.
    • Tie a small comfortable ponytail from the top section. Gather a second section just below it from the sides and tie that separately.
    • Keep the first tail out of the second tie. You should have two separate ponytails, one above the other, without root pulling.
  2. A woman separates the upper ponytail into two halves around the lower ponytail before lifting the lower tail.
    STEP 2 OF 3

    Split the upper around the lower

    • Divide the upper ponytail into two. Lift the lower ponytail between those halves and clip its free length up out of your working area.
    • Bring the split halves together beneath the lower ponytail’s base. Add a small nearby slice from each side and secure this third ponytail with another tie.
    • Unclip the lifted tail. It is now the upper working ponytail: split it in two, lift the third tail between its halves and clip that tail aside.
    • Join the new split halves beneath the third base, adding nearby side hair if it reaches easily. Secure with the fourth tie, then remove the temporary clip.
  3. A woman checks her loose hair after taking down the pull-through braid, with all four ties removed.
    STEP 3 OF 3

    Check and undo from the bottom

    • Lower your hands and check for pulling. Leave the loops as formed; do not tighten roots or stretch the loops to make them larger.
    • For removal, support the lowest ponytail and unwind its tie. Separate the joined halves gently before moving to the next tie above.
    • Repeat upward until all four ties are out. Ease any small catches apart with your fingers and put away the ties and clip.

One small style and later removal; detangling is separate.

Unmeasured editorial handling estimate for the stated scope. Familiarity, access and the item or hair being handled change the time.

You’re done when…

Two linked loops sit above loose lower hair, with comfortable roots, no temporary clip left in and four removable ties.