How do you make a ponytail with a bundle?

Making a ponytail with a bundle has become a popular hairstyle for adding volume and texture to ponytails. A bundle refers to a small section of synthetic or human hair that is wrapped together to create a bun or ponytail extension. Bundles can be secured to your natural ponytail in different ways depending on the look you want to achieve.

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What is a bundle?

A bundle is a small clump of hair, usually 6 to 10 inches long, that has been wrapped or braided together at one end to form a bun or tail shape. Bundles are often made from synthetic hair or human hair clip-ins and come in a variety of colors and textures.

The main reasons people use bundles for ponytails include:

Add thickness and volume – Bundles can make ponytails appear fuller.
Length – Extend the length of shorter hair.
Styling options – Curl, straighten or style bundles to change up your look.

Color – Add highlights or ombre tones.
Texture – Get a wavy or curly ponytail texture.
Protect natural hair – Reduce styling damage to your own hair.

What you need to make a bundle ponytail

Gather these supplies before styling your bundle ponytail:

Hair bundle(s) – 1 to 3 are common for a full look.
Ponytail holder – A scrunchie, band or tie for your natural hair.

Extension holder – A bungee, string, ribbon,band or clip to attach bundles.
Edge control gel (optional) – To smooth flyaways.
Hair pins – For securing and blending.

Styling tools – Such as a curling iron or flat iron.
Texturizing spray or dry shampoo – For added volume and texture.

Make sure your natural hair and extensions match in texture and color. For the most seamless look, choose a bundle within a shade or two of your natural ponytail color.

How to attach a bundle to a ponytail

Here is a step-by-step guide to attach one or more bundles to your ponytail holder:

Secure your natural ponytail. Brush hair smoothly and tie it into a ponytail at the desired height using your preferred hair tie or scrunchie. Leave the end loose rather than pulling all the way through the holder on the final loop.
Prep and position the bundle. For a curly or wavy bundle, finger style or use a diffuser for defined texture. For straight hair, use a flat iron. Place the bundle horizontally across the top of your ponytail holder, aligned with the head.

Wrap the bundle. Cross the loose bundle ends under the natural ponytail base and cross again to form an X shape. Pull the ends through the loop at the end of your ponytail holder.
Secure the ends. Wrap the bundle ends around the base of the ponytail one or more times to completely cover the tie and anchor the extension. Use hair pins to hold the ends in place.
Blend with your natural hair. Gently pull on the bundle to loosen and blend with your real ponytail. Use a texturizing spray to help it integrate. Add a second bundle on top of the first for a fuller look.

Smooth and finish. Use a bit of edge control gel to smooth any flyaways or baby hairs at the hairline and nape of neck. Curl or style the final ponytail as desired.

Tips for the best bundle ponytail

Follow these tips for the most flawless, natural-looking bundle ponytail:

Start with straight, smoothly brushed hair before securing your natural ponytail.

Use edge gel to slick down edges around your hairline for a polished finish.
Match your bundle’s texture and color as closely as possible to your natural hair.
Play with different heights and positions – top, bottom, side, back of head – for new looks.

Set your style by misting with a light hold hairspray once your ponytail is complete.
Take care removing bundles gently to avoid damaging your natural hair.
Store bundles properly when not in use to maintain their quality and longevity.

Maintenance tips

Caring properly for your natural hair and bundles will keep your ponytail looking fabulous. Follow these maintenance recommendations:

Gently detangle – Use a wide-tooth comb or fingers to detangle your natural ponytail and bundles from tip to root.
Wash bundles separately – Use a mild shampoo and conditioner to wash bundles 1-2 times per month, avoiding harsh products.

Air dry – Let bundles air dry on a towel rather than using heat to avoid damage over time.
Store properly – Keep bundles untangled and straight in a sealed plastic bag when not worn.
Trim split ends – Snip any split ends on your natural ponytail as well as the bundles.

Deep condition – Use a nourishing hair mask on your real hair 1-2 times a week.
Protect at night – Wear a loose braid or pineapple hairstyle to maintain your natural hair’s shine.
Avoid overstyling – Limit use of hot tools like curling irons on your natural hair and bundles.

Creative ways to wear a bundle ponytail

The basic bundle ponytail technique leaves you with lots of options for switching up your style. Get creative with these fun bundle ponytail ideas:

Full bubble pony – For a bouncy ’90s inspired look, backcomb your bundle(s) before wrapping around your ponytail base.
Curly texture – Scrunch bundles with a curling mousse or use a diffuser attachment while blow drying for glam waves.

High and tight – Pull ponytail up higher on the crown of your head and wrap bundles tightly for a dramatic, pulled-back style.
Fishtail braid – Do a loose fishtail braid with your bundle(s) appended to your natural ponytail for boho flair.
Accessorize it – Weave ribbons or a fun printed headband into your ponytail for extra pizzazz.

Voluminous curls – Tease and curl the bundle hair before wrapping for a bouncy, spiraled texture.
Asymmetrical position – Gather your hair to one side and pin the bundle ponytail over your shoulder for an elegant, unbalanced look.
Top knot style – Split your hair down the center and gather into two high, messy buns with bundles wrapped around each.

FAQs about bundle ponytails

How long do bundle ponytails last?

With proper maintenance, a high-quality bundle should last 3-6 months of regular wear before needing to be replaced. Avoiding heat styling, handling gently, and keeping bundles stored properly when not worn will maximize lifespan.

How much hair do you need for a ponytail with a bundle?

You’ll want at least 3-4 inches of your own natural hair to have enough length to secure into a short ponytail before adding your bundle(s). The bundle then provides additional length and volume.

Is it bad to sleep in a bundle ponytail?

It’s best to remove your ponytail bundles before bedtime. Leaving them in overnight can tangle the extensions and put stress on your natural hair at the scalp. Use a gentle loose braid or hair wrap to protect your hair while sleeping.

Should your own hair match the bundle color exactly?

Not necessarily – your bundles don’t need to perfectly match your hair color if you want a highlighted look. Just avoid more than a 2 shade difference between bundle and natural color for the most seamless blend. Use multiple bundles in varying tones for an ombre effect.

How do you blend bundle ponytails naturally?

The key blending tricks include teasing your natural hair, using multiple bundles, straightening or curling the lengths to match, and wrapping the bundles tightly around the base. Mist the final ponytail with hairspray or texturizing spray to integrate bundle and natural hair.

Conclusion

Ponytails with bundles make it easy to amp up the volume, length, and style of your hairdo. With the right tips and techniques for securing bundles, blending with natural hair, and caring for extensions, you can achieve a show-stopping ponytail with added fullness. Get creative in the way you style, position and accessorize your bundle ponytail to turn heads wherever you go!