Ponytail facts for kids
A ponytail is a popular hairstyle where some or all of your hair is pulled away from your face. It's gathered and tied at the back of your head with a hair tie or clip. The hair then hangs freely, looking a bit like a pony's tail, which is how it got its name!
You can wear ponytails in different ways. They are often seen in the middle or at the bottom of the back of the head. Sometimes, people wear them on the side or even high up on the head. If hair is divided into two sections, these are often called pigtails or bunches. If these are braided, they are called plaits or braids.
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Ponytails for Girls and Women
For a long time in Europe, it was mostly young girls who wore ponytails in public. Women usually chose other hairstyles. However, by the mid-1900s, ponytails became much more common for women too.
Today, ponytails are popular for both women and girls. They are great for everyday activities, like going to school or the office, or when you are exercising. For special events, people might choose fancier hairstyles, perhaps with braids or accessories.
Ponytails are a good choice for school-aged girls. They are simple to do, and long, flowing hair is often seen as youthful. A girl can easily re-tie her hair after a sports class. A ponytail can also be a fashion statement, showing a sporty or chic look.
This hairstyle is also very practical. It keeps hair out of your eyes when you are busy with different tasks or hobbies. For safety, long hair often needs to be tied up in places like workshops, labs, or during sports. A ponytail, especially a low one, is often the easiest way to keep hair secure.
Ponytails for Men
A Look Back in Time
In Europe during the 1700s, many men wore their hair long. They would tie it back with a ribbon, similar to what we now call a ponytail. This style was known as a queue, which is the French word for "tail." This hairstyle became less popular for everyday people but was required for soldiers in European armies until the early 1800s.
In Asia, the queue was a specific male hairstyle worn by the Manchu people. Later, it was made compulsory for Han Chinese men during the Qing dynasty. From 1645 until 1910, Chinese men wore this waist-length pigtail.
More Recent Styles
In the 1970s, many men started wearing their hair long and in ponytails. This look became popular thanks to rock musicians of that time.
In the late 1980s, a short ponytail was seen as a bold and unique style for men. It allowed them to stand out while keeping their hair neat. An example is Steven Seagal's ponytail in the movie Marked for Death. You might also hear about the man bun, which is a similar style.
Images for kids
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Austrian footballer Sarah Puntigam with a ponytail.
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A fresco from the Palace of Knossos showing women with what looks like ponytail hairstyles.
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A blonde fashion model with a ponytail.
See also
In Spanish: Cola de caballo (peinado) para niños
