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."

---

Turning Back the Hands of Time

When you shop for an anti-aging cream at your department... Read More

7 Steps to Great Makeup

1. Avoid wearing too muchMakeup is meant to enhance features... Read More

What You Should Know About Liposuction

If you're thinking that liposuction is a great way to... Read More

Hyaluronic Acid ? Newest Celebrity Beauty Secret?

We can always count on celebrities to serve as guinea... Read More

Cosmetics ? The Practical Way To Beauty!

Want that healthy, tanned look without that elusive Spanish holiday?... Read More

5 Tips to Enjoying Your Day Spa Visit

There's just something about walking into a day spa, isn't... Read More

Collagen in Skincare

Collagen is one of the main constituents of our skin.... Read More

An Intimate Approach to Beauty

An Intimate Approach to Beauty In this article we return... Read More

Sexy People Have This: Do You?

Nothing More Sexy than Self ConfidenceWhat you see in the... Read More

Repelling the Sunshine Killer

A Protective Cover for Your Skin, with Sun BlockUV rays... Read More

Exercise and Your Plastic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery can make an exciting and lasting difference in... Read More

Skin Care Home Remedies

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

The Secrets of Becoming More Beautiful

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

Homemade Beauty Recipes

Do you want to look stunning with out wasting too... Read More

Chemical Peels

Generally, chemical peels can be arranged into three categories of... Read More

Skin Care Enhance Your Pretty Look

Who doesn't want to look beautiful? Everybody wants to look... Read More

The Truth About Home Made Facials

I started making facial masks after reading several books on... Read More

Eyelid Plastic Surgery

Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure... Read More

Silicone Breast Implants Revived by FDA

On July 28 2005, the FDA issued a letter of... Read More

3 Easy Tips to Keep Your Skin Healthy

There are plenty of articles out there about what to... Read More

New Sources of Hyaluronic Acid Provide Hope for Increased Availability

Recent research into the purification of Hyaluronic acid (HA) from... Read More

Celtic Tattoos and Their Popularity

The history of the Celtic peoples goes back thousands of... Read More

Skin Care: Caring for your Skin in Cold Weather

When temperatures drop it is time to think of how... Read More

Brow Lift - Cosmetic Surgery Procedure

Brow Lift ? Cosmetic Surgery ProceduresThroughout life, natural signs of... Read More

The Benefits of Human Hair Extensions

Several different types of hair extensions are available, including those... Read More

Can We Really Get Rid of Cellulite?

It has been the bane of every women's existence since... Read More

Natural Skin Care

You work hard to eat a healthy diet and exercise... Read More

Easy Lotion For Your Skin

Years ago, I found out how incredible easy it is... Read More

Tanning Beds: A Brief Intro

You look great, work out every day and have a... Read More

Your #1 Ally to Promote Lucid, Clear-Looking, Supple Skin

Specifically, for longevity and looking and feeling younger, healthier and... Read More

Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid Creams

Alpha Lipoic Acid (or ALA) has received a great deal... Read More

The History Of Aviator Sunglasses

Have you ever wondered where those cool big lenses and... Read More

Mini Dental Implants in the U.S.

The concept of mini dental implants is a revolutionary method... Read More