What Are Pigtails?

There really isn't a huge debate on this subject, but there are some differences of opinion. This article looks at some of the differing opinions related to pigtails hairstyle definition, attempts to find some middle ground (perhaps unsuccessfully), and closes with this author's own definition and description of the ideal pigtails.

A ponytail is when the hair is tied together into a bunch and hanging from the back of the head. Most would agree on that. But if that ponytail is braided, is it still a ponytail? Some say it is, others say that this is called a braid. The same question applies to pigtails, the most common term for the gathering of the hair into twin ponytails (one on either side of the head). Can pigtails be braided and still be called pigtails? Do the terms "braided pigtails" and "unbraided pigtails" make sense? Some argue that "braided pigtails" are just "braids" and not pigtails at all!

The Random House College Dictionary defines "pigtail" as "a braid of hair hanging down the back of the head." Huh? It refers to ONE pigtail hangs down the back of the head, and calls it a braid? Hmm, there's no mention of TWO pigtails at all! Something doesn't seem right here. The dictionary entry for "ponytail" matches the definition I gave above. So what's up with all this? Is the dictionary wrong? Are there multiple dialectal or regional terms for twin ponytails, hence the difficulty for a dictionary to properly address the word's definition? Has the definition been too fluid over time for the dictionary to pin it down? And why doesn't the definition include the phrase "the cutest hairstyle ever?"

The word pigtail is also a wire cabling term that applies to a particular method for terminating an electrical cable's braided shield. (There's that word "braid" again!) Another technical, and even more contemporary, use of the word pigtail is for some sort of wireless accessories for radios or cell phones, or something like that - I haven't completely figured this one out yet.

A few years ago, a survey was done in a college classroom regarding the term pigtails. The students pretty much agreed that pigtails are two ponytails, one on each side of the head, and that they cannot be braided. If they were braided, they were called braids. The class instructor, being of a different generation, had a different definition. He believed that pigtails specifically meant two braids and that two unbraided ponytails should actually be called doggie tails. My personal analysis of this "experiment" is simply this: The instructor must have been elderly, or nearly so, and possibly losing his memory, so who knows what his generation really called "twin ponytails." And doggie tails? There is no way I could ever adapt to using such a term. The word dog, or anything like it, can never be used to describe a woman with the playfulness, boldness, and/or superior self-esteem to wear her hair in pigtails. The students clearly had a much better handle on what pigtails are all about.

So, where does this leave us? There appears to be generational differences and possibly regional or dialectal differences contributing to the debate (if you'd call it that). So, I'll put it this way: Pigtails are two gatherings of hair hanging on the left and right sides of the head. They may be braided or unbraided. But I'll add my preferences here as well, because the way I see it, there's one right kind of pigtail. Pigtails are far more attractive when unbraided. They should be located on the sides of the head, maybe a little behind and above the ears. Pigtails that are too high on the head, too low, or too far around in back, just don't possess the true spirit of pigtails. And pigtails without this true spirit are simply unable to work their undeniable magic on the wearer and those around her.

Bob Decker is a pigtails hairstyle aficionado and one of the webmasters at http://www.PigtailDreams.com. The website tastefully honors "the cutest hairstyle ever."

---

Better Links Directory

Beauty Tip: Foundation Secrets For A Flawless Complexion

1. For a natural look your foundation must match your... Read More

Hyaluronic Acid Secures its Place Among Wrinkle Removal Products

Hyaluronic acid has firmly secured its place among wrinkle removal... Read More

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

In the following article we will attempt to shed some... Read More

Non Prescription Contact Lenses Are the Best Way to Alter Your Look Without Altering Your Sight

Today's world has a staggering 75 million contact lens wearers,... Read More

Facial Exercises - A New Trend in Non-Surgical Facial Toning

There is a moment in everyone's life, when you notice... Read More

Surgery for the Stars

While plastic surgery might remain for many of us something... Read More

Flawless Makeup: Are You Using the Right Tools?

Like organizing our closets we must from time to time... Read More

Unpowered Color Contacts - An Optical Illusion

Gone are the days when contact lenses were the domain... Read More

Tanning Bed Pillows - A Great Addon to Your Tanning Bed Experience!

Remember the last time you were on a plain vanilla... Read More

Cleanse and Stimulate Your Scalp with the Right Shampoo!

Shampoo contributes to good hair care. In our quest for... Read More

The Best Self Tanning Lotion

Jeremy was the kind of guy who always wanted the... Read More

The Facts About Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery is big business now, the advances of science... Read More

The Secrets of Becoming More Beautiful

Like every organ in your body, our skin requires adequate... Read More

Smoking, Can it Harm My Skin?

Yes it can harm it in several ways. Here are... Read More

Plastic Surgeons: Texas

The decision to enhance the body by surgical alteration is... Read More

Pierced Ear Problems and Solutions

The practice of ear piercing dates back to thousands of... Read More

Selling Skin Care, Consumer Report 75% of All Drugs and Cosmetics are Derived from Nature

Cosmetic companies like Erno Laszlo, Estee Lauder and Lancome, train... Read More

How To Recognize an Essential Oil?

A selection of essential oils is now available from health... Read More

Dry Skin - Causes and Solutions For Great Looking and Feeling Skin

Dry skin, also referred to as xerosis or eczema or... Read More

Seven Quick and Simple Reminders for Healthy Skin

Healthy skin is a sign of good health. The skin... Read More

Eczema: Tips On How To Care For Your Skin

Eczema can best be described as a non-contagious skin condition,... Read More

Best Plastic Surgeons

Who can I trust to find me a best plastic... Read More

Skin Care Home Remedies

Natural homemade recipes for your skin are simple to make... Read More

Fade My Freckles!

Freckles, age spots, pregnancy mask - these harmless skin defects... Read More

Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Alpha Hydroxy Acids treatments have the ability to create a... Read More