How to Style a Bela Band for Voluminous Ponytails: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

A voluminous ponytail is the ultimate hair goal: it looks polished, elongates the neck, and works for everything from a day at the office to a night out. But if your hair is fine, thin, or prone to falling flat, achieving that lift can feel impossible—even with teasing and hairspray. Enter the Bela Band. This innovative hair accessory is designed to add height, fullness, and staying power to ponytails without damaging your strands.
In this step-by-step tutorial, you’ll learn exactly how to style a Bela Band for a voluminous ponytail that looks like you just left the salon. Whether you have thick hair or fine hair, we’ll cover techniques to maximize volume, hide the band, and keep your ponytail secure all day. Plus, we’ll recommend a few products from Dona Bela that make the process even easier.
What Is a Bela Band and Why Does It Work for Volume?
A Bela Band is a soft, flexible hair band that sits underneath your ponytail to create instant lift and fullness. Unlike traditional hair ties that can flatten your roots, the Bela Band acts as a hidden support structure. It gently lifts the hair at the crown, giving you that coveted volume without backcombing or damaging your hair.
The band is made from gentle materials that won’t snag or pull, making it suitable for all hair types—including fine and delicate strands. It’s also reusable and easy to clean, so you can use it again and again. For those with thick hair, the Bela Band provides extra support to keep a heavy ponytail elevated throughout the day.
- Creates volume at the crown without teasing
- Works for both fine and thick hair
- Soft, snag-free material for gentle hold
- Reusable and easy to clean
Step 1: Prep Your Hair for Maximum Lift
Start with clean, dry hair. Volume starts at the roots, so apply a lightweight volumizing mousse or spray to damp hair before blow-drying. If you have fine hair, avoid heavy conditioners near the scalp—they can weigh you down. For thick hair, a smoothing serum on the ends will keep flyaways at bay.
Once dry, brush your hair thoroughly to remove any tangles. Part your hair where you naturally prefer it—a deep side part can add extra height. Now you’re ready to position the Bela Band. Place it at the crown of your head, just behind your hairline, with the open end facing downward. The band should sit snugly but not too tight.
- Use a volumizing product for best results
- Avoid heavy conditioners near the roots
- Position the Bela Band at the crown for lift
Step 2: Gather Your Ponytail and Secure It
Sweep your hair back into a ponytail at your desired height—mid-height works best for volume. As you gather your hair, make sure the Bela Band is fully covered by a section of hair from the crown. This hides the band and creates the illusion of natural volume.
Secure the ponytail with a hair tie. For extra hold, use a soft elastic like the Threads - Essential. Then, gently tug on the hair at the crown to loosen it slightly—this adds even more fullness. If you have fine hair, you can also backcomb the ponytail lightly for extra body. For thick hair, smooth the top layer with a bristle brush for a sleek finish.
- Hide the Bela Band under a section of crown hair
- Secure with a gentle hair tie like Threads - Essential
- Gently loosen crown hair for added volume
Step 3: Perfect the Ponytail and Add Finishing Touches
Now that your ponytail is secure, take a moment to refine the shape. Use a small section of hair from the ponytail to wrap around the base, covering the hair tie. Secure it with a bobby pin. This gives a polished, professional look.
For extra volume, gently pull the ponytail apart with your fingers to create a fuller silhouette. If you have fine hair, consider adding a volumizing powder or dry shampoo at the roots for all-day lift. For thick hair, a light hairspray will hold everything in place without stiffness. The result is a voluminous ponytail that stays elevated and bouncy.
- Wrap a strand of hair around the base for a clean finish
- Use volumizing powder for fine hair
- Light hairspray for thick hair
Product Recommendations for Your Voluminous Ponytail
To make this look even easier, Dona Bela offers a range of accessories designed for volume and hold. The Game Day Bela Band Singles are perfect for ponytails because they provide targeted lift without bulk. Pair them with the Lite - Game Day for a sleek, no-slip finish that keeps your ponytail in place through any activity.
For those with fine hair, the Lite - Prints + Patterns collection adds a touch of style while remaining lightweight. And if you prefer a classic look, the Threads - Essential hair ties are gentle and secure. Experiment with different Bela Bands to find your favorite combination for voluminous ponytails.
- Game Day Bela Band Singles for targeted lift
- Lite - Game Day for a sleek finish
- Lite - Prints + Patterns for style and lightness
- Threads - Essential for secure hold
Ready to transform your ponytail from flat to fabulous? Try the Game Day Bela Band Singles for instant volume and all-day hold. Visit Dona Bela to explore our full collection of Bela Bands and hair accessories designed to make styling effortless and beautiful.