Today’s hair tutorial was based off of a reader’s request, who wanted to know how I do my usual ponytail. Though I’ve been enjoying my shorter hair, I sometimes miss the versatility that came with the length. I rarely ever wore my hair down; I’ve always preferred updos. Short hair can make that a little limiting and somewhat complicated, but I’ve found my ways – like this faux updo and my nubby little ponytail. With my hair length, it can be difficult to gather everything into one elastic. Even when it gets just long enough to do so, it looks a little sad and flat. I’ve never liked a sleek ponytail on me; I prefer volume. Luckily, I’ve found that to be perfectly suited to my current style. Let me show you how! Follow the steps below to recreate my volumized ponytail.

Volumized Ponytail Tutorial For Short Hair

Start with second day hair (preferably).

Spritz your roots with dry shampoo. This soaks up the oils and adds some texture to your hair, which helps when adding volume.

Tease (gently comb backward, toward instead of away from your scalp) your hair at the crown of your head. I like to start in small sections from the front, near my bangs and work my way back, and I also tease the roots at the sides of my head, too.

At this point, your hair should look a little crazy, like you stuck your finger in an electrical outlet, or you’re Robert Smith of The Cure. You can take a break and start singing Just Like Heaven, if you want. It’s my ringtone, if you need some backup.

Smooth only the top layer of your hair with a comb, to hide the rat’s nest you just created.

Pull up half of your hair, pushing up from the back to create even more volume. Criss-cross two bobby pins to secure (use more, if you need them).

Tie up the remaining hair with an elastic.

Gently loosen up the sides with your fingers.

That’s it. Enjoy your tiny ponytail!