Pigtails

What it is

This style involves dividing hair down the centre and gathering it into two separate sections on opposite sides of the head. These sections may be left loose as ponytails, often called bunches or doggie ears, or woven into braids. Variations include placing the ties high, low, or to the side. Styles can also incorporate beads, ribbons, buns, or specific braiding techniques like fishtail or French braids. The look is versatile and worn by people of various ages, though frequently associated with younger women and girls.

Where it comes from

The word entered English in the American colonies during the seventeenth century to describe a twisted bundle of chewing tobacco. This name derived from the resemblance of the cured tobacco bunch to a twisted pig's tail. By the late seventeenth century, the term extended to any plaited hairstyle. In Britain, the military adopted a single pigtail known as a queue for long hair dress codes. British barristers still wear wigs with pigtails to conceal hairlines. In China, traditional customs linked specific pigtail styles to marital status, with unmarried girls wearing two buns known as ox horns.

What it means

In Japanese otaku culture, unbraided pigtails represent innocence and are popular among young girls. The style gained mainstream traction through anime and manga characters since the 1960s. Vocaloid character Hatsune Miku further cemented its status, leading to the formation of the Japan Twintail Association. February 2 is recognized as Twin Tail Day in Japan, where enthusiasts share images online. Historically, in parts of China, the style signalled availability for marriage before transitioning to a single bun upon wedlock.

How it is made

Begin by parting the hair straight down the middle of the scalp. Gather the hair on each side into symmetrical bundles near the crown or desired height. Secure each section with elastic bands to create two distinct ponytails. For braided versions, weave the strands into plaits starting from the base. Accessories such as ribbons or beads can be added to the secured sections. Variations include coiling the base of each ponytail into small buns, known as odango, leaving the rest of the length free.

Who and what it suits

It is described as suitable for any hair type, provided the hair is long enough to be divided into two substantial sections. The style relies on symmetry rather than texture, making it adaptable across different natural hair forms.

Versions

Unbraided versions are termed bunches, bunchies, angel wings, or twintails. Braided variations include fishtail and French braids. The odango style features partially coiled bases forming small buns with hanging ends. In historical contexts, the British queue was a single pigtail used for military dress. Chinese traditions included ox horns, which were double buns indicating bachelorhood. Modern interpretations range from casual everyday wear to stylized looks in animation and music videos.

In culture

The style appears prominently in pop culture, notably with Baby Spice of the Spice Girls and Britney Spears in her music video. Fictional characters like Harley Quinn, Angelica Pickles, Sailor Moon, and Boo from Monsters Inc. are known for wearing pigtails. Louise Lasser portrayed Mary Hartman with this hairstyle. In Japan, the twintail is celebrated in anime fandom and mainstream media, supported by official associations and dedicated days. The aesthetic remains a staple in visual storytelling and youth fashion.

Questions people ask about Pigtails

Good reading and sources

• Louise Lasser, Star of TV’s ‘Mary Hartman,’ Is Dead at 87The New York Times, Article

• Pigtail on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data