How to do the perfect ponytail

[blossomhill]

Whenever I do mine it looks awful and I have loads of lumps and bumps.
I would love to have a sleek ponytail.
Please help

dampen the hair first??, i've been told that helps keep it in place better, never tried it though.

Make sure your hair is conditionaed first to keep the hair smooth.

Then try using a different kind og brush? Mason Pearson are great, and natural bristle brusehes push the hair down onto the head more than plastic bristles.. dont know if this helps.

Will try those thanks.

my hair has a slight wave and I can only get a good ponytail if it's absolutely dry and I use a comb - natural bristle brushes give me more lumps.
I think the trick is to let your hair fall where it wants to (ie if you have a natural parting don't fight it) rather than trying to scrape it straight back.
A clip often gives a neater finish than a band as you don't have to pull it about so much when you fasten it.

If you can do the ponytail with wet hair, that works, or a flat paddle brush sprayed with hairspray.

I have fine hair, so would also be grateful for a substantial ponytail. Ever considered straightening your hair first? IME dampening is only a short-term solution, that results in frizzy side bits when it dries! Depends on your hair type I guess.

DD does ballet and I use a brush first then squoosh a bit of styling spray then comb back with a fine comb.

I very lumpy bumpy then it may help to blow dry it back in the direction it will be once up. Lumps are usually where hair is trying to go one way and you pull it back.

If it is due to frizzing you need some sort of smoothing serum, gel or other styling product to slick it down.