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If you're not sure if you'd rather rock a ponytail or a braid, why not wear both? Adding braided detail to your pony only makes it that much more interesting. If you need a little inspiration on how to whip your African-American tresses into a fab braided ponytail look, find a few looks you like and you'll be ready to wear your hybrid look with confidence.
Fishtail Braid
A fishtail braided ponytail is a little complicated, but you can easily get it started by splitting hair into two even sections -- right and left. Take a small piece of hair from the outside of your right section and pull it over that section and into the left section. Repeat with the other side, pulling hair in from the outside of the left section, and keep braiding this way till you need to tie it up at the tip.
Accent Braid
Use a braid to accent a plain ponytail. Start by parting hair on the side and then creating a wide French braid, starting at your part and running it down the hairline. Or, braid it going back at a slight slant. Then pull the rest of your hair into a ponytail. Wear your pony straight or curly, or twist it into a bun to make your look even more elegant.
Sleek and Modern
Pull your hair into a slicked-back high braided ponytail. To work the look, just brush your tresses into a pony. If you have a few flyaways, add a bit of soft-hold styling gel and brush hair back. After you've secured your locks in your ponytail with an elastic band, just braid it down and tie it up at the bottom with one more elastic band.
Multiple Hanging Braids
Rock a Rasta-esque look by transforming your ponytail into a bunch of little braids. Simply slick back your hair into a pony, then divvy the tail into as many sections as you want braids. Plait and elastic each one, and there you have it -- a posse of plaits for your pony.
