Pigtails: Two symmetrical ponytails or braids worn on opposite sides of the head.

This style features twin bunches of hair gathered at either side of the scalp. The term originally described twisted tobacco before becoming a standard hairstyle name in the seventeenth century.

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The term originated from twisted tobacco in the seventeenth century.
British barristers wear wigs with pigtails for anonymity.
Chinese tradition linked the style to marriage status.
Japan celebrates Twin Tail Day on February second.
Britney Spears wore them in her first music video.

What it is

Pigtails consist of two separate sections of hair tied on opposite sides of the head. They can be left loose as ponytails or woven into plaits. The look is often associated with youth and casual wear. Variations include placing the ties high, low, or to the side. Some styles incorporate beads or ribbons for decoration.

Where it comes from

The word entered English in the American colonies during the seventeenth century. It initially referred to a twist of chewing tobacco shaped like a pig's tail. By the late seventeenth century, it described any plaited hair. British soldiers wore a single queue as part of their uniform. British lawyers still wear wigs with pigtails to obscure the hairline.

What it means

In parts of China, this style indicated marital status. Unmarried girls wore two buns called ox horns to show availability. Married women switched to a single plait. In Japan, the twintail represents innocence. It is popular in anime and manga fandom. The Japan Twintail Association promotes the look officially.

How it is made

Divide the hair down the centre of the head. Gather each half into a bundle near the scalp. Secure them with elastic bands. The result is two symmetrical tails. You can braid the ends or leave them straight. Accessories like ribbons can be added for style.

A drawing made by EveryHairstyle from what this page says. It is a diagram, not a picture of the real hairstyle.

Who and what it suits

Any hair type can be styled this way. The length usually falls between the shoulders and mid-back. It suits those who prefer a playful or youthful appearance.

Versions

Unbraided versions are called bunches or doggie ears. The odango style coils the ponytail base into a bun. French braids and fishtails are also common variations. The queue was a single plait worn by men. Ox horns were specific buns for Chinese brides-to-be.

In culture

Pop culture features many famous wearers. Baby Spice and Britney Spears wore them in music videos. Fictional characters like Harley Quinn and Sailor Moon use the style. Hatsune Miku helped popularise it in Japan. Twin Tail Day is celebrated on February second.

Frisure er et fransk låneord for opsætning af hovedhåret. I 1930'erne blev det foreslået at erstatte ordet med det mere danske ord hårset. Det ord vandt aldrig indpas i det danske ordforråd. — Frisure er et fransk låneord for opsætning af hovedhåret. I 1930'erne blev det foreslået at erstatte ordet med det mere . Photo: Mostafameraji, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Questions people ask about Pigtails

What is the difference between pigtails and bunches?

Usage varies. Some people call unbraided twin ponytails bunches or doggie ears. Others use pigtails only for braided styles. Both terms describe two symmetrical hair bundles on opposite sides of the head.

Why did British soldiers wear queues?

From the late seventeenth to the nineteenth century, the British army adopted a single pigtail or queue as standard dress for long hair. It was a formal military requirement for male soldiers.

What does the twintail symbolize in Japan?

It traditionally represents innocence. Popularised by anime and manga since the sixties, it is now a mainstream cultural symbol. The Japan Twintail Association promotes its celebration and popularity.

Good reading and sources

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

Where this page comes from

The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Pigtail", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryHairstyle rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.

It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.

Pigtails