Pigtail vs. Ponytail — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 29, 2023
A "pigtail" refers to a twisted, tight coil of hair, often in pairs, while a "ponytail" is a hairstyle where hair is pulled back and tied, typically at the back of the head.
Difference Between Pigtail and Ponytail
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Pigtail" and "ponytail" are both terms used to describe hairstyles, but they differ in style and appearance. A pigtail typically refers to hair that is divided into two or more sections and twisted or braided. It's common to see pigtails on either side of the head, giving a symmetrical appearance. Think of young girls with hair on both sides, tied with bows or hairbands.
On the other hand, a "ponytail" is when all the hair is gathered together and tied once at the back of the head. It's called a ponytail because it can resemble a horse's tail, hanging down from one point. This hairstyle is versatile, popular among both males and females, and can be worn high, low, or even to the side.
A pigtail, by definition, may have historical roots relating to the twisted tobacco leaf's appearance, resembling a pig's curly tail. In some cultures, the term "pigtail" might even relate to braided hair, rather than just twisted. Conversely, "ponytail" purely denotes the resemblance to a horse or pony's tail in its appearance.
Interestingly, while pigtails can be playful and are often associated with childhood, ponytails have a broad spectrum of connotations. From the athletic field to the boardroom, ponytails can be both casual and professional. But, whether it's the cute allure of the pigtail or the sleek appeal of the ponytail, both have made significant marks in the world of hair fashion.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A twisted or braided section of hair.
Hair gathered and tied back from the head.
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Number
Often two or more.
Usually one.
Appearance
Resembles a pig's curly tail.
Resembles a horse's tail.
Association
Commonly seen on children.
Worn by all age groups and genders.
Position
Typically on either side of the head.
Generally at the back of the head.
Compare with Definitions
Pigtail
Often seen in pairs on either side of the head.
She wore her hair in pigtails for the school picture.
Ponytail
Hair gathered and tied at the back of the head.
She pulled her hair back into a ponytail for her workout.
Pigtail
Can be braided or left untwisted.
Her braided pigtails were adorned with colorful beads.
Ponytail
Popular among various age groups and genders.
Both the father and daughter had their hair in ponytails.
Pigtail
Represents a playful or youthful hairstyle.
Pigtails are popular among young schoolgirls.
Ponytail
A quick and convenient way to manage long hair.
On hot days, a ponytail is her go-to hairstyle.
Pigtail
In the context of hairstyles, the usage of the term pigtail (or twin tail or twintail) shows considerable variation. The term may refer to a single braid, but is more frequently used in the plural ("pigtails") to refer to twin braids on opposite sides of the head.
Ponytail
Can be worn high or low.
His low ponytail gave him a relaxed appearance.
Pigtail
A braid or ponytail, especially one of a pair worn one on each side of the head.
Ponytail
Versatile for both casual and formal settings.
She styled her ponytail elegantly for the gala.
Pigtail
A short length of wire used to connect other wires to each other or to an electrical device.
Ponytail
A ponytail is a hairstyle in which some, most or all of the hair on the head is pulled away from the face, gathered and secured at the back of the head with a hair tie, clip, or other similar accessory and allowed to hang freely from that point. It gets its name from its resemblance to the tail of a pony.
Pigtail
A twisted roll of tobacco.
Ponytail
A gathering of hair that is fastened close to the head so that the hair hangs down like a pony's tail.
Pigtail
Tobacco twisted into a string or roll.
Ponytail
A hairstyle where the hair is pulled back and tied into a single "tail" which hangs down behind the head.
Pigtail
A braided plait of hair; now especially, either of two braids or "tails" on the side of the head.
Ponytail
(transitive) To form (the hair) into a ponytail.
Pigtail
(informal) A person who wears a pigtail or queue.
Ponytail
A hair style that draws the hair back so that it hangs down in back of the head like a pony's tail
Pigtail
(electrical engineering) A short length of twisted electrical wire.
Pigtail
The flamingo flower anthurium
Pigtail
The tail of a pig.
Pigtail
(medicine) Twisted stent terminal; stent-end, usually but not necessarily a different fastened part.
Pigtail
The tail of a pig.
Pigtail
A cue, or queue.
Pigtail
A kind of twisted chewing tobacco.
The tobacco he usually cheweth, called pigtail.
Pigtail
A braid of hair on either side of the face
Pigtail
A twisted or coiled section of hair.
Her pigtails bounced as she skipped.
Pigtail
Historically linked to the twisted appearance of tobacco leaves.
Old paintings sometimes depict men with pigtails made from twisted tobacco.
Common Curiosities
Why is it called a pigtail?
It historically resembles the curly tail of a pig or the twisted appearance of tobacco leaves.
Can men wear ponytails?
Yes, ponytails are worn by both males and females.
Are pigtails typically seen in pairs?
Yes, pigtails are often seen on either side of the head.
Can ponytails be worn to formal events?
Absolutely, ponytails can be styled for both casual and formal settings.
What's the main difference between a pigtail and ponytail?
A pigtail is often twisted or braided, while a ponytail gathers hair and ties it at the back.
Are ponytails suitable for sports?
Yes, ponytails are often a popular choice for athletes to keep hair out of the way.
Are there variations of ponytails?
Yes, ponytails can vary in height, style, and tightness.
Do ponytails damage hair?
Wearing a ponytail too tight or frequently in the same position can potentially cause hair breakage.
Is a pigtail always twisted or coiled?
Not necessarily; pigtails can also be braided.
Can pigtails be asymmetrical?
While traditionally symmetrical, creative variations can lead to asymmetrical pigtails.
How is the pigtail's historical connection to tobacco relevant?
Historically, pigtails were linked to the appearance of twisted tobacco leaves.
Can pigtails be worn by adults?
Yes, while often associated with youth, adults can also sport pigtails.
How do ponytails vary across cultures?
Across cultures, ponytails might differ in terms of adornments, positioning, and cultural significance.
Is there a certain hair length required for pigtails?
Pigtails generally need some length to be effectively styled, but exact length can vary based on preference.
Are pigtails considered formal?
Pigtails are usually seen as playful or casual, but they can be styled for formal settings.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
