How Do You Make Hair Look Thicker in a Ponytail? Experts Weigh In

Reviewed by Sky Kim

Many of us have experienced that moment of envy when we spot someone with a perfectly voluminous ponytail, while ours seems thin and uninspired. If your ponytail tends to be more wispy than wondrous, rest assured, you're not alone. Ponytail envy is a common feeling, but we have good news for those with thinner hair– there are lots of effective solutions to help give your ponytail the boost it needs, making it look fuller than ever. We tapped celebrity hairstylists, Angelo Rivera and Priscilla Valles, for their expert-approved tips.

Scroll through to see the ponytail hacks everyone with thin hair should know.

Meet Our Experts

Angelo Rivera is an editorial, celebrity, and commercial hairstylist.

Priscilla Valles is a celebrity hair extensionist and creator of the the Priscilla Valles Luxury Hair Extensions.

Prop it Up

One of the biggest qualms of those with fine hair is that it falls flat in a ponytail. To combat a droopy pony, prop it up. It’s as easy as using two hair ties. Doubling up gives your ponytail a little extra lift. You can also hold it up with bobby pins. Simply make an X with the pins right at the base of the ponytail to give your hairstyle a boost.

Use a Volumizing Spray

Apply a volumizing spray or mousse to your hair before blow drying. This can lift the roots and give your ponytail a fuller appearance.

Double Up

Or you can double up on actual ponytails. Separate your hair into two sections, tie off the top portion, and then tie off the bottom half. The first pony will fall on top of the second pony, camouflaging it and leaving you with the illusion of one fuller, longer ponytail. Click here to see the tutorial.

Curl Before Styling

Curling your hair with a curling iron before pulling it back can add volume and texture, making the ponytail look thicker.

Stack Sections

Teasing your ponytail to add volume is a no-brainer, but if you’re only backcombing one section, your pony is not living up to its potential. Instead, split your hair into thirds (yes, even the puniest of ponytails can be divided up into three sections) and tease each one for major volume. Click here to see the finished look.

"There are products you can use to give the hair more body," says Rivera. "Rene Furterer Volumea mousse for fine hair expands the hair once dried giving the hair more body. Or you could use Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray on wet hair. Once it’s dried it will give you a fuller texture."

But, less is more when it comes to products and thin hair, says Rivera. "Stay away from using too many products as it can weigh fine hair down."

Byrdie Tip

If you don't have a teasing comb, fake the lifted look by adding a small claw clip beneath the top section of your ponytail.

Add Extensions

"I always recommend clip-in extensions for thickening a ponytail," says Celebrity Extensionist Priscilla Valles. "I recommend the smaller clip-ins designed for the sides of your hair. If you have finer hair, backcomb with a little hairspray before you put the clip in."

As for how to style your hair using clip-in extensions, Valles suggests this method. "Clip them at the base of the ponytail before you put in an elastic band. Be sure to use a stronger elastic band and a couple of bobby pins for security. Then, at the outside of the ponytail, grab a small section of hair and wrap it around the bobby pin to hide it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I quickly make my ponytail look thicker?

Quick fixes like backcombing your roots or using a volumizing spray can help give your hair an instant lift. A double ponytail, where one ponytail is stacked directly above another, can also create the illusion of a fuller ponytail quickly.

What are the best products to make a thin ponytail look fuller?

Dry shampoo, texturizing spray, and volumizing mousse are great for adding texture and volume to your hair, making it appear fuller.

What hairstyle tricks can make my fine hair look thicker?

Consider hairstyles like a voluminous blowout or waves to create the appearance of thickness.

Read the original article on Byrdie.