perfectly splendid: simple 50s ponytail tutorial

I've been meaning to post this tutorial for waaayyy too long, but every time I had a chance to, I'd be too lazy. The pictures are pretty bad quality because I had to use my webcam, but finally, here is my tutorial for how I wear my hair almost every day. My hair's starting to get too long for curling, but I can still manage this 'do without it looking too sloppy. I actually got the idea of just curling a ponytail from 13 Going on 30, one of my favorite movies. I couldn't find a screenshot of the right scene, but when Jenna is getting ready for a big party, there's a split second glimpse at her hair in a ponytail with curlers. She wears her hair completely different (much more early 2000s rather than mid century) than your hair will end up from this tutorial, but it's all the same general idea.
What you need:
(pretty self explanatory)

foam rollers
hairspray (I use Aussie, which is great for getting hair to stay all day without crunchy curls)
spray bottle of water
bobby pins
bandanna/scarf

Curl a section for your mini victory roll

you can skip this step if you have bangs or don't want it or want to do another style in the front, but this is just how I do it. My "bangs" are ridiculously grown out, but this little roll still works really well. roll this part UP, not down like the other curls will be.

Make a high ponytail

do I even need to explain this step?

Begin curling the ponytail

this part is very easy, but a little hard to explain. unlike most curl sets, you won't be making sections, or even curling all of your hair- it's very random and can use anywhere from 15-40 rollers.

basically, just take little pieces each time and roll. nothing has to be exact, but if it feels like you're putting too much hair on one roller, just use a smaller section of hair.

spray each piece-to-be-curled lightly with water and hairspray.

***roll every curl DOWN- this should be the opposite of doing something like victory rolls. when you finish each roller, the hair coming from your head should be at the TOP of the roller.

Continue like this with the rest of the ponytail

when you're done, you should have a sort of ball of curlers sticking off the back of your head.

tip: try to roll each roller as close to your ponytail holder as possible. remember, all of this hair is coming from one place and there is limited space to curl everything perfectly, but make tight curls and tuck each roller under the ones above it. I'm not sure if that made any sense, but hopefully you'll understand when you start curling. you can always leave a comment if you have any questions.

Curl your baby hairs (optional)

skip this step if you don't care, but I always like to curl the little baby hairs that grow by my forehead and at the nape of my neck.

Hairspray and cover with a scarf

spray everything and tie up in a scarf as you would normally do around your head. it doesn't have to be perfect, it's just to protect your curls while you sleep. (by the way- if you normally sleep on your back, that probably won't be happening with this tumor-looking thing hanging off your head. try sleeping on your side.)

In the morning, undo the baby hairs first

it helps to spray a little hairspray all over all the rollers, same way you did before covering with a scarf.

Make a little victory roll

skip this if you have real bangs or didn't curl this part. roll it up (neatly) as you would with any other sort of victory roll or pin curl. generously hairspray.

Undo the rest of the rollers (obviously)

start from the bottom and work your way up, so the first curls you put in will be the last to come out. you should end up with a result somewhat like the bottom two pictures. this isn't one of the best sets I've ever done, but you get the idea.

Brush out the top inch and hairspray

only brush the very very top. this step is just so that the top few curls don't stick up at the top.

hairspray once now and let it sit a minute or so. repeat and repeat again. sometimes I apply hairspray as many as 5 times before going out, just to make sure my curls stay for as long as possible. tilt your head to each side and spray the underside too.

Personalize it

I usually just add a ribbon, but you could also tie a bandanna around your head or clip in some flowers or pretty much do anything you want.

Finished product:

everyone's hair is different, so yours might be much more or much less curly than mine, but hopefully it all worked out and you ended up with something you're happy with. I like this style because it can be very casual and simple but still looks polished enough for nicer events. it's not as detailed and big as a lot of hairstyles on the rockabilly scene, but I think it's a pretty good modern representation of mid-century hair.