No hair tie? No problem. A viral TikTok trick from hairdresser Matt Newman shows how to create a ponytail without an elastic — using nothing but your own hair. The technique works in seconds, but comes with real limitations depending on your hair type.
It happens to everyone. You're about to head out, your hair is everywhere, and there's not a single hair tie in sight. No bag, no wrist, no drawer that can help. And somehow, that's always the moment you need one most.
Enter a deceptively simple trick that's been making the rounds on TikTok — and that a professional hairdresser with over 3 million followers has officially put to the test.
The no-hair-tie ponytail technique explained
Matt Newman, who posts under the handle @mattloveshair, is the kind of creator who actually knows what he's talking about. With more than 3 million followers on TikTok, he regularly breaks down hair techniques with the eye of someone who's spent years behind a salon chair. When he came across an idea originally shared by influencer Nichole Ciotti, he didn't just repost it. He tested it himself, on his own hair, set to the unmistakable opening bars of ABBA's "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)".
His verdict: it works. The caption says it all — "@Nichole Ciotti saved our hair with this ponytail hair tie hair hack!!"
How to do it, step by step
The technique relies entirely on the hair's own structure to hold itself in place. No elastic, no clip, no bobby pin required. Here's the exact sequence:
- Gather all your hair into a low ponytail, centered at the nape of the neck
- Hold it firmly with one hand
- With the other hand, separate a small section of hair on one side
- Slide your index finger underneath that section to open a gap
- Push your thumb between the two sections to form a loop
- Pass the full ponytail through that loop
- Release slowly and adjust the tension
The result is a loose, relaxed ponytail with a natural, undone feel. Think effortless rather than polished — the kind of style that looks deliberately casual.
This technique works best on hair with some natural texture or thickness. The knot relies on friction between strands, so the more grip your hair has naturally, the better the hold.
Why this hair hack went viral
The appeal is obvious. It's a zero-product, zero-tool solution to a genuinely annoying everyday problem. But what pushed this particular version over the edge was the credibility factor. When a professional hairdresser with a massive following validates a DIY trick, it shifts from "cute idea" to "actually legit."
Matt Newman's endorsement matters because he's not just reacting — he's demonstrating. His own hair is thick, which gives the technique optimal conditions to perform. The loop holds, the ponytail sits cleanly, and the whole thing takes maybe ten seconds once you've done it once.
The ABBA soundtrack didn't hurt either.
followers on TikTok for Matt Newman (@mattloveshair)
Real limitations you should know before trying
Here's where honesty matters more than hype. This no-hair-tie ponytail is not a universal solution, and the facts are straightforward about that.
Fine and ultra-smooth hair types
If your hair is very fine or naturally silky straight, this trick is likely to disappoint. The knot mechanism depends on friction. Strands that are too smooth simply don't generate enough grip to hold the loop in place. The ponytail may slip, loosen, or fall apart within minutes.
Matt Newman himself has thick hair — and that's a relevant detail. His demonstration happens under the most favorable conditions possible. Results on finer textures will vary, and in some cases, the technique simply won't hold long enough to be practical.
Durability over time
Even on hair types where the trick works initially, the hold can become unpredictable over time. Movement, humidity, and the natural weight of the hair all work against the knot. This is best understood as an emergency styling solution — a way to get through the next hour, not a substitute for a proper elastic on a full day out.
- No tools or accessories needed
- Works in seconds once mastered
- Creates a natural, effortless look
- Validated by a professional hairdresser
- Unreliable on fine or ultra-smooth hair
- Hold weakens over time
- Not suited for active use or long days
A quick fix that fits into a broader beauty routine
Tricks like this one thrive because they solve a real, low-stakes problem with zero cost. And they're part of a broader culture of accessible beauty hacks — the kind that don't require a salon visit or a full kit of products. Much like learning how long nail polish actually takes to dry before rushing out the door, or understanding how to remove dipped nails at home without wrecking your fingers, these are the small pieces of knowledge that make daily routines smoother.
The no-elastic ponytail won't replace your hair tie collection. But on the right hair type, on the right day, it's a genuinely useful trick to have in your back pocket — even when your back pocket has nothing in it.
