Tired of shelling out for salon trims? The ponytail haircut method could be your new go-to. This simple, viral DIY technique delivers salon-style layers from the comfort of your own bathroom—no stylist required.
💇♀️ What Is the Ponytail Haircut Method?
It’s as easy as it sounds: gather your hair into a ponytail, adjust the position, and make one cut.
This method creates beautiful layers and texture in under 10 minutes—perfect for spontaneous refreshes or busy mornings when you want to look put together fast.
✅ Why It Works (and Why You’ll Love It)
- Beginner-Friendly – No hairdressing skills required. Really.
- Totally Customizable – Adjust the ponytail position for different layer effects.
- Budget Saver – Skip the $80 salon trim and do it yourself for free.
- Fast & Efficient – Perfect for quick touch-ups or last-minute glow-ups.
✨ Pro Tip: While this cut gives you layers on the outside, strong, shiny hair starts from within. I’ve recently been using a collagen supplement that supports hair, skin, and nails—and I’m already noticing a difference in strength and shine. ~ I use this one: Collagen Refresh
🧠 Ponytail Placement Cheat Sheet
Where you position your ponytail determines your layer style:
- ⬆️ High Ponytail (top of head): Face-framing layers + shorter back
- 🔼 Mid Ponytail (crown): Balanced layers with soft volume
- 🔽 Low Ponytail (nape): Subtle, long layers with minimal lift
📝 Step-by-Step Guide
- Wash & Prep – Clean, dry, and detangled hair is easiest to work with.
- Gather Your Tools – You’ll need a comb, sharp haircutting shears, and a couple of hair ties.
- Position Your Ponytail – Choose your desired placement (use the cheat sheet above).
- Secure and Snip – Tie your ponytail tightly, then cut straight across.
- Optional Finish – Use point-cutting (vertical snips) to soften the edge.
🔧 Tools to Make It Easy
Here’s your DIY haircut starter kit:
Stronger hair starts at the root. This collagen formula supports fuller, healthier hair while also improving nails, skin, joints, and even energy.
🧠 Insider Tips for Best Results
- Cut Less Than You Think – You can always take off more.
- Wet Hair Shrinks – Don’t overcut while wet!
- Point Cutting = Softer Finish – Angle the scissors for a natural look.
🤯 Advanced DIY Ideas
- Add Bangs – Trim them separately after styling the rest.
- Try Multiple Ponytails – Adds even more texture and dimension.
- Record the Process – Great for TikTok or Pinterest tutorials!
🤔 Common Questions
What if it’s uneven?
Don’t panic—use point cutting to blend out any harsh lines.
Cut off too much?
It happens! Play with texture, volume, or just rock a bolder style for now. Hair grows.
Does it work for curly hair?
It’s best on straight or slightly wavy hair. For curls, consider the unicorn method instead.
📌 Related Reads (Internal Links)
- Best Tools for Cutting Your Own Hair
- Unicorn Haircut Trick for Curly Hair
- My DIY Hair Mask for Damaged Ends
💁♀️ Final Thoughts
The ponytail haircut method is a game changer for anyone wanting to take control of their hair—without a stylist, a big budget, or complicated tools.
📸 Try it, take a before/after photo, and tag @welcometotheonepercent—we love seeing your results!
FAQ
What is the ponytail haircut method?
It’s a DIY layering technique where you tie your hair into a ponytail and cut straight across to create natural-looking layers.
Does the ponytail haircut work on curly hair?
It works best on straight or slightly wavy hair. Curly hair may need a more customized approach.
How often can I use the ponytail haircut method?
Every 6 to 8 weeks is ideal for maintaining layers without overcutting.
What tools do I need for a ponytail haircut?
You’ll need haircutting shears, a comb, hair ties, and optionally, sectioning clips and texturizing spray.
Can I fix uneven layers after cutting?
Yes—use point cutting to soften harsh edges and blend any uneven spots.
💡 Want stronger, healthier hair to go with your new cut?
I highly recommend Collagen Refresh™—it’s packed with science-backed ingredients that support hair thickness, growth, and shine from the inside out.
It’s like a haircut… for your follicles.
👉 Try Collagen Refresh™ here
Yes cutting your hair at home is a great idea. My husband has been cutting my hair for me since we started dating. I had a really bad haircut and it had been over 9 months since then when I met him. I told him of my dread and he offered to give me a haircut. I said sure, he couldn’t do any worse than the salon and it would be free. Well he did a great job, and he has been my stylist ever since. He took over cutting my children’s hair and I figure between the cost of haircuts and transportation costs, I save nearly a thousand a year. Never a bad haircut and my best friend who got a really bad haircut at the salon is now getting her haircuts from my husband as well. There is no reason to think you are locked into going to the salon and having them give you a haircut you are unhappy with and then pay out a lot of money for it. I had another friend last week if my husband could cut hers for her as well. I don’t miss the hassle of going to the salon.
I have crazy thin hair and generally it only takes a few snips and my hair is cut. I’ve never paid to have my hair cut in the last 20+ years. I had friends that were hairdressers or going to school to be and they always cut my hair. Now I’ve moved away from them all and am left cutting my own hair. Why? Because I’m cheap and can’t see paying someone $60 for 4 snips of the scissors. Long story short, I’ve watched many videos on how to cut your hair and tried most techniques out there. Honestly it’s not as hard as one may think. Don’t go taking inches off at a time unless you’re sure that’s what you want. I take off little it’s at a time until I have the length I want. (My hair is about to the middle of my back) I don’t have “bangs” but do have shorter layers in front. I take what would be bangs and twist one time and it gives me the layers I like for bangs. It’s all trial and error. And it’s just hair, if you mess up it will grow back. Just don’t let a 2 year old cut your hair and you’ll be fine.
You spell meathod wrong!