How to beat the high ponytail headache

Nothing screams "I am about to get sh*t done" quite like a woman pulling her hair back into a high ponytail.

Practicality aside, the high pony can create the illusion of lifted cheekbones, elevated brows and tighter skin. In fact, the 'ponytail lift' is a real procedure, popular amongst cosmetic surgeons that claim to take seven years off your life.

However, for those wanting to create this natural facelift with nothing but a trusty hair elastic, you may find yourself suffering from a nasty external compression headache. AKA a headache caused by something on the outside of your head, similar to if you were wearing a tight hat or headscarf.

Image credit: Getty

If this is the case, we have the answers.

So the next time you need a high pony to hide your day three dirty hair, get through a sweaty workout, or to compliment a statement lip, here's how to achieve it sans pain:

1. Don't leave it up longer than required

If you are committed to rocking this style, but are prone to headaches, try not to whip the hair back for longer than necessary.

Make your hair the last part of your glam routine, and remember to take it out once you're home.

2. Swap out elastic bands for coils

Unlike regular elastic hair ties, coiled ones won’t tug at your hair or create any extra pressure by pulling certain strands more tightly than others.

They're designed to balance out the pressure of your ponytail, with the specific intention to stop headaches.

bh recommends: Lady Jayne Style Guards™

3. Bobby pin the excess

Bring in the help of bobby pins to keep all the pieces of your hair off your face, without having to scrape it too severely into the elastic.

Start by brushing your hair gently back into a pony. Tie what you can into the elastic at a pressure that is comfortable for you, and anything that won't go with it can be pinned back after.

bh recommends: Rock & Ruddle Boar Bristle Acorns & Butterflies Brush and Lady Jayne Bobby Pins

4. Fake it with hairspray

Another hack for a slicked-back look without putting all the pressure on your pony is to utilise hairspray. Using a clean, unused toothbrush, spray the bristles and use it to comb down hairs that don't fit in the elastic, as well as smoothing flyaways.

bh recommends: JUSTICE Professional Firm Hold Hairspray

5. Give your hair a chop

Shorter hair means a lighter ponytail, which means less pressure on the scalp. Simples.

Image credit: Getty

Main image credit: Getty

Do you ever get headaches while wearing a ponytail? Have you got any tips to beating them?

63 Member Comments

Erin837 3 Nov 2020 3:38 PM

I can never get my hair to stay up that high!

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Petal 5 Sep 2020 8:58 PM

I often wear my hair in a high ponytail but it never gives me the illusion of lifted cheekbones, elevated brows and tighter skin; especially at my age (I'm in my fifties).

misfortune8 28 Aug 2020 4:46 AM

I've marked lilycarter500, a few posts below, as SPAM!

Simonja 30 Jul 2020 7:37 PM

Bobby pins and coils wouldn't hold but I sure loved my pony tails when my hair was long....and I mean REALLY long .

Ameena0805 26 Jul 2020 5:54 PM

I hate it when i wear a high pony tail for the day and when i undo it i get a headache, hopefully these hacks work!

elmorules 25 Jul 2020 6:42 PM

Silk Scrunchies are the best for very fine hair.

clearcrystalwater 31 Jul 2020 4:26 PM

Yeh elmo I really love my silk scrunchie! I only have one but it's always lovely to wear and feels great.

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Beautalicious 7 Jul 2020 9:09 AM

Super helpful tips, thank you Beauty Heaven =)

Am1851 4 Jul 2020 9:48 AM

A pony tail is always easy. I always had my hair in a pony tail when I went shopping, mainly to stop me touching my face to get the hair away because of Covid-19. Using a soft hair elastic or even the old fashioned scrunchie allows the hair to be up loose which minimises the pull. Also I heard hears ago that having a tight pony tail stretches the skin and you will end up with wrinkles when you get older. ha ha It will take a few years to prove that theory right or wrong. I do agree to let your hair loose as often as possible though.

rach_ 2 Jul 2020 2:31 PM

I often wear a high ponytail so this these tips could be helpful.

Love bug 2 Jul 2020 1:48 PM

but Ive got to admit myself that I've never actually tried to wear the high pony tail, but the sleek bun, which is as equally painful if left for too long

Love bug 2 Jul 2020 1:45 PM

Cant deny how gorgeous they are tho, so sleek and classy

Gilded 2 Jul 2020 1:37 PM

My hair roots start hurting from having my hair up. I can't go too long having my hair up.

Beautyguru101 28 Jun 2020 5:38 PM

I always get headaches when having my hair up in a high pony and next time I will being using these tips.

bun 27 Jun 2020 4:01 PM

I love a high pony but my scalp ends up being so sore afterwards, nothing seems to have helped.

perthchick 27 Jun 2020 3:58 PM

Nice tips

lianatriesmakeup 26 Jun 2020 5:49 PM

hairspray on a spoolie also works just as great as a toothbrush!

Peach perfect 24 Jun 2020 11:49 AM

Need to try this

Sam91 23 Jun 2020 5:46 PM

I don't put my hair up into a high pony often, as don't want to place pressure on my fine hair. Jealous of those that have thick hair and rock this look!

Ness904 23 Jun 2020 3:54 PM

I use a scrunchie instead of tight hair tie. I loosen up the high pony when I get home to reduce headache/pressure from weight of hair.

neha.gamine 23 Jun 2020 12:10 AM

I love high ponytails but don't have the required length to create one :(

Chloemadeleine 22 Jun 2020 11:10 PM

Just tie it lower and little looser ladies X

Maryam Naeem 22 Jun 2020 10:05 PM

I love high pony tail. I believe it gives you a fresh and young look. Also the hair are mess free.

GeeJ 22 Jun 2020 12:16 AM

High ponytails never work for me. I find that coils result in a saggy ponytail too.

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How to beat the high ponytail headache