First time I've been to the styling tools board and found a few things pretty interesting, but I noticed this one wasn't a topic! I thought I'd start it. I got a topsy tail a while ago because I thought it looked interesting and since I'm lacking in the ability to do a whole lot to myself this proved to be a handy dandy piece of plastic. Sometimes I've noticed it can take a bit of a tug to really pull it through, but it doesn't really snag my hair and it adds an occasional twist to my day to day braid. Its tail also made an adequate substitute for my parting comb when the comb broke. It's got a thumbs up in my book. :thumbsup:

Topsy is one of my regular tools and is known as my signature do (single pony tail pulled thru the top - pic on the right)

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa205/raven2448/Comparison2-2.jpg


I was stubborn about spending money on a simple piece of plastic so originally, I created the look manually with my finger creating a hole to pull the hair up thru... the only problem was that it was loose and I had to resist the urge to pull each side of the pony to tighten it.

Finally broke down and bought it and must say it was worth the expense.

Topsy tails are great, but just be sure that you don't buy one from Claire's. Mine broke when I tried to use it the first time, there was a little seam just in the top of the loop, it didn't hold the pressure of my hair, when I tried to pull it through.

Here's (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=18325&highlight=topsytail) one previous thread on the subject, and I'm sure there are a number of others.

The topsytail is a marvelous tool.

Pani M.

I always wondered if you really "needed" the tool to make this style work?? I guess you all found you really did?

No, you don't need the tool. It just makes it easier and neater.

I had the same problem with the one from Claire's, it snapped the first time I used it, I just put it down to having thick hair!

Topsy tails are great, but just be sure that you don't buy one from Claire's. Mine broke when I tried to use it the first time, there was a little seam just in the top of the loop, it didn't hold the pressure of my hair, when I tried to pull it through.

Does this show my age? I have the original topsy tail back from the late 80's/early 90's. In fact, I just pulled it out of a drawer the other day and I think I might start using it as part of my normal fixing routine. :lol: My experience is that originals usually are better quality. Sometimes claire's lacks on quality, too.

The topsy tails was made for people like me. When I try braiding my hair, well I have to much hair und to less fingers.

With the topsy tails I can creat looks, which look "WOW" in nearly five minutes. It's simple but it's great.

I seem to be the odd one out here, but I've never really been able to make topsy tail styles work. Rather than achieving a neat entwined look, I always end up with a big poof created by the two pockets of hair right and left of the ponytail - and it tends to get worse (even more poofy, with an additional touch of messy) by the minute.

In order to get any kind of hold at all, I would have to use a super tight rubberband at the base of my ponytail, much tighter than is required for other styles. Since I don't really like the thought of what that might do to my hair, my topsy tail is lingering somewhere at the bottom of my hair toy drawer (I think).

katherine

What is a topsytail?

WritingPrincess, a topystail (it has various spelling variations like topy tail) is a plastic item that helps you "flip" a pony tail. It looks (to me, at least) like a huge sewing needle. There is a long plastic part, with a HUGE "eye".

You put your hair into a pony tail. Insert the needle down the middle of your tail (behind the pony tie). Thread the tail of your pony into the needle. Then you pull the "needle" through. Viola, you've flipped your hair.

I did the same thing with my hair long before I owned the actual tool. I put my hair in the pony. I divided the hair behind the tie (toward my scalp) in two, then flipped the pony through it. It looks much neater using the TT.

I googled and found this. (http://www.asseenontv.com/prod-pages/topsy_tail.html) I don't know anything about the site though.

eta: Raven2448's 3rd photo (post #2 or 3 in this thread) looks like she's used a topy tail.

Hope that helps.


Now, MY review. I LOVE the look of a Topys tail. I don't own an "official" topys tail, but it is the same basic tool. I forget I own it, but it stays readily available in my brush/comb drawer for easy access.