How to Master Sleek Freestyle High Pony Braids With Salon-Perfect Results
Discover the insider secrets and exact steps to creating and maintaining ultra-sleek, criss-cross high pony braids that last.
If you’ve ever longed for a hairstyle that’s both practical and high-impact, the sleek freestyle high pony with braids could be your new go-to. Leveraging the creativity of intricate criss-crossed elastics with the power of protective styling, this look blends elegance, edge, and everyday functionality. Here, we dive deep into how to achieve this iconic style, as seen on “The Braid Up,” along with expert maintenance strategies and the insider product picks stylists swear by.
Why the Sleek Freestyle High Pony With Braids Is Trending
While mullets may have their ‘party in the back’ reputation, the modern high-ponytail braid is emerging as a cult favorite for its distinctive fusion of slicked edges, dramatic length, and striking criss-cross rubber band details at the rear. It’s a bold protective style perfect for anyone wanting to turn heads, protect their natural hair, or simply change up their look with something creative yet wearable.
- Showstopping design: The back features a criss-cross pattern with elastic bands, perfect for those who want something more than a basic ponytail.
- Protective benefits: Keeps hair tucked away, reducing breakage and environmental damage.
- Versatile and customizable: Easily adapted with accessories, color extensions, or variations in braid thickness.
What You’ll Need: Essential Tools and Products
Before you embark on this transformative style, gather the following tools and products to ensure every step is seamless:
- Wide-tooth comb and rat-tail comb
- Edge brush
- Strong holding gel or edge control
- Sleek styling mousse
- Soft, snag-free elastic bands
- Hair clips or sectioning tools
- Braiding hair or hair extensions (e.g., pre-stretched synthetic hair like X-Pression)
- Silk scarf or bonnet
- Finishing oil or shine spray
Having these on hand will make setup, braiding, and finishing touches more efficient and salon-worthy.
Step-By-Step Guide: Creating a Sleek Freestyle High Pony With Braids
The following detailed guide captures the method demonstrated by stylist Sherell Gittens—and includes optional pro moves for max impact.
1. Start With a Smooth, Product-Prepped Base
- Begin with clean, dry, detangled hair. For optimal smoothness, lightly press with a blow dryer if desired.
- Apply a generous amount of styling mousse and/or a smoothing gel from root to tip, focusing especially on the roots and edges to tame frizz and flyaways.
- Part your hair as desired—center or slightly to the side works perfectly—and use clips to section off the hair for easier styling.
2. Achieve Maximum Sleekness: Ponytail Placement
- Using your rat-tail comb, gather everything into a very high ponytail at the crown.
- Smooth your hair upward with a bristle brush, adding extra edge control at the hairline for laid edges.
- Secure firmly with a snag-free elastic band. For thicker hair, consider using two bands for extra security.
- Wrap the base with a silk scarf for a few minutes to set the style and tame any loose hairs.
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3. Create the Criss-Cross Rubber Band Pattern
This is the decorative signature that makes the style pop. Here’s how:
- At the back of the head, create zig-zag or horizontal partings below the ponytail using the rat-tail comb.
- Section these off into small boxes or angular shapes as desired.
- Secure each mini-section with a soft elastic band. Grab opposite sections and cross the bands over each other for a lattice-like look.
- Continue until the pattern covers the neck-to-ponytail area.
Pro tip: Soft elastic bands preserve hair health, preventing snags and breakage during both wear and takedown.
4. Add Braiding Hair for Drama and Longevity
- Take a bundle of pre-stretched braiding hair, folding it as needed to match your desired length and thickness.
- Split off a small strand to wrap around the base (this will disguise any scarf marks or bands).
- Either use a smaller elastic or hairpin to secure the bundle to your real ponytail, or prep by intertwining the base with your natural hair.
- Divide the hair (including your own) into three even sections and braid to the ends in a classic three-strand braid.
- Wrap the reserved small section of extension around the base multiple times, then secure with bobby pins or a small dab of holding spray.
5. Detailing: Edges and Finishing Touches
- Use a mini flat iron to gently curl sideburns and face-framing baby hairs for an extra swoop.
- Apply a light hold edge control, using an edge brush to sculpt and swoop your baby hairs for the perfect finishing touch.
- Finish with a spritz of shine spray or oil sheen to lock in the sleekness and give your ponytail a light-reflecting finish.
Expert Maintenance: Keeping Your Style Sleek
Maintaining the “just-left-the-salon” look for your high pony braid takes intentional nightly care and the right products. Here’s what stylists recommend most:
- Nighttime routine: Generously smooth a couple pumps of mousse onto your edges and scalp before bed. This helps tame stray hairs and keeps the look polished.
- Wrap your hair in a silk headscarf or bonnet every night to preserve the style, minimize frizz, and reduce friction against your pillow.
- Refresh your edges: Swoop and lay your baby hairs each morning, but thoroughly rinse out edge control at night with water and an edge brush to avoid build-up or breakage.
- Moisturize your scalp: To prevent dryness or tension, use a light oil or scalp mist to keep your roots supple (but avoid heavy creams that could weigh down the style).
Top Tips for Making Your Freestyle Pony Last
- Handle with care: Avoid aggressively scratching, scrubbing, or tugging on your braids or scalp.
- Limit heavy products: Mousse and edge control are your go-to’s, but skip waxes or greasy serums that may attract lint.
- Bands matter: Only use soft, gentle elastic bands for the criss-cross design. Hard or rubber-based bands will snag and potentially break hair.
- Sleep smart: Besides a bonnet, invest in a silk or satin pillowcase for extra protection at night.
Must-Have Products for Sleek High Pony Braids
| Product Type | Recommended Features | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Styling Mousse | Alcohol-free, lightweight hold | Tames frizz without drying hair |
| Edge Control | Non-flaky, extra hold | Keeps edges in place, resists humidity |
| Elastic Bands | Soft, seamless, strong | Prevents breakage and maintains style integrity |
| Braiding Hair | Pre-stretched, tangle-free synthetic | Makes braiding easier and more natural-looking |
| Shine Spray | Non-greasy, lightweight finish | Adds gloss without weighing down braids |
What to Avoid: Common Mistakes and Fixes
- Don’t overload on product: Overusing mousse, gel, or edge control can create flaking, residue, or even scalp irritation. Use moderate amounts and always clean your edges at night.
- Don’t skip band quality: Cheap plastic bands can snag and break hair, undermining the protective purpose of the braid-up.
- Don’t leave edge control overnight: Rinse and cleanse the hairline before sleeping to protect fragile baby hairs and prevent breakouts along your hairline.
- Don’t ignore nightly protection: Failing to wrap your hair can result in flyaways, loss of sleekness, and premature style unraveling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long does a sleek high pony braid typically last?
A: With proper care—including wrapping hair nightly and minimizing scalp manipulation—the style can last about 1 to 2 weeks, though individual results may vary depending on hair type and lifestyle.
Q: Can I do this style on short or fine hair?
A: Yes! Short or fine hair can be slicked up and “fed in” with extensions to ensure both volume and strength in the final braid. Braiding hair provides extra length and structure.
Q: What’s the best way to remove criss-cross bands without breakage?
A: To remove bands, gently clip or stretch them out one by one—never yank. Use an oil-based product or a bit of conditioner to help bands slide off if you experience snags.
Q: Is this braid style suitable for working out or swimming?
A: While the style is secure, excessive moisture or sweat can cause frizz and loosen the base. Wrap hair in a scarf or use a workout-friendly cap when exercising, and avoid full immersion in water if possible.
Insider Advice: Achieving the Best Look for Your Hair Type
- Texture match matters: Select braiding hair that closely matches your hair type for the most natural, seamless blend.
- Try creative partings: Zig-zag, triangular, or curved parts offer extra visual impact beyond the standard straight line.
- Mix up the criss-cross: Experiment with colored bands or pearl/rhinestone elastics for a custom statement look.
How to Take Down Your Freestyle High Pony The Healthy Way
- First, gently remove any bands in the criss-cross section—consider adding a small amount of leave-in conditioner or oil for extra slip.
- Undo the braid, and remove extension hair slowly to avoid tangles.
- Cleansing: Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and follow with a scalp massage and hydrating conditioner to replenish moisture and promote a healthy scalp.
- Detangle with care using a wide-tooth comb, starting from the tips and working towards the base.
Recap: Why You’ll Love the Sleek Freestyle Pony Braid
- Perfect blend of practicality, creativity, and protective styling.
- Showcases individuality through design details and styling customizations.
- With proper nightly care, the style retains its polish for over a week.
If you’re ready to embrace a modern aesthetic that pays homage to tradition while elevating your everyday look, the sleek freestyle high pony with braids is the ultimate style to master this season. Armed with these tips, product picks, and pro guidance, you can achieve—and maintain—a look that demands attention from every angle. Happy styling!
References
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVcr8N1mV_4
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a43581480/sleek-freestyle-high-pony-braids-how-to/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQAKo1UeRW0
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwVBJxF-bRI
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8O64WMtL1P0
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVq-_SYN3wo
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8HOqyk-K9I
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