The Right Ponytail Height For Healthy Hair

Hair breakage is literally the worst, but it can happen to the best of us. You probably take all the necessary precautions, like deep conditioning and using scrunchies or soft hair ties, but you may not realize that the height of your ponytail could be hurting your hair. You don't have to give up the style altogether, you just have to know how high to tie your ponytail to avoid breakage. Say good-bye to those annoying half-split shafts!

Fact: Tying your hair up in an elastic creates tension by pulling the hair taught around your hairline. Not only can this cause breakage, but it can also lead to thinning, receding, and even bald spots. Yikes! If you've been noticing your hair thinning, or frizzy baby hairs around your hairline, then it might be time to switch up your ponytail placement. I know high ponytails are cute, but they could be seriously damaging your hair.

So what's the perfect ponytail placement? Well, the lower the better. "A low ponytail is going to be the least stressful because you don't have the gravity of the hair pulling down," says hairstylist Mark Garrison. If you can keep it low at the nape of your neck, that's best, but if you want a little height and volume, just don't tie it above your ears.

Bummed? Don't be. Your hair is going to be strong and healthy, and you definitely won't miss those broken pieces. Try these tutorials to help create low ponytails that aren't totally basic.

Sleek

There's nothing more chic than a sleek and elegant ponytail, and this style is a favorite of Kim Kardashian, so it's got her seal of approval.

Voluminous

Just because you're keeping it low, doesn't mean you have to sacrifice volume.

Messy

A high pony has always been my go-to for that undone, messy look, but you can get the same effect with a low pony by curling your hair, using spray, and leaving your front pieces out.

Jazzed Up

Make your pony a little more exciting by adding in a twist, or folding strands on top of each other.