non urgent, but desired help.

Here's the situation. My good friend found a job somewhere where she said they were actively searching for new employees. She tells me though that the rule there is the hair must be all above the collar. So she can do it in a simple ponytail, yet I've lived with a tail for almost 2 years now, and well, I fail that requirement with flying colors. I know that there are bun techniques that do exist, I just don't know them.


A suggestion from a friend of mine that flopped in my face though was take one hairband and see what you can do with it. If it fails, take two, then three. Then she said she was as clueless as me (not same friend as one with job)


Any advice would be appreciated. As stated, my hair is 18 inches long (1.5in below the nipple if i let it dangle forward). Plus, if the style would survive a martial arts class it would be a plus. Minimal or zero pointy objects (hairpin = pointy , sure, it ain't a jagged knife, but...) is a real plus when it comes to this. Thanks.


Assume I know nothing. Chances are you're right.

Hi Kintaro,

Do you have a job now? If so, and you're looking for another job, you can be more choosy (i.e., one that won't have strict requirements about hair length).

If you don't have a job now... how difficult are jobs to come by where you are? There may be other companies looking to hire. Maybe you need to expand your search.

If the thought of working for this particular company appeals to you, you could wear a low bun. A few years ago I went into the snack bar of the "clubhouse" at a golf course, and a young guy about your age was just starting his shift. I saw him gather his loose ponytail (about your hair's length) and wind it around into a bun and tuck the ends under the bun... off and above the collar. IMO this is the least "feminine" appearance of a bun on a man. (Of course, nobody would dare call a sumo wrestler feminine).

Well, I hope this helps. Good luck and let us know what happens.

Remember: Lots of practice makes perfect. It won't turn out the first time. Keep trying. You'll eventually get the hang of it.

1) grab ponytail with one hand, twist in one direction (either clockwise or counterclockwise)

2) grab ponytail with other hand, twist in the same direction

3) repeat (1) and (2) until you feel resistance from more twisting.

4) then, try to "wrap" the twisted hair around the base of the ponytail.

5) keep twisting and wrapping until only the end of the ponytail remains

6) wrap the ends around the base of the bun and tuck them in as you go

There you go. Simple.