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."

RELATED ARTICLES Curls Are Back In for Spring 2005! Whether you have loose curls or tight coily locks you will definately be the talk of the town this spring!We can see the evidence of the popularity of curls at the recent Golden Globe Awards. There were many celebrities sporting curls at this years gala event. Buying A Wholesale Tanning Bed The tanning industry is showing no signs of stopping. If you ever wanted to open a tanning salon, now is the time to buy wholesale tanning beds. Eczema and Psoriasis- Information on the Conditions and the Introduction of All-natural Relief Eczema can be an acute or chronic inflammatory skin condition with scales, papules, crusts, pustules, and/or scabs. There may or may not be a watery discharge. Tanning Beds: History and Advice Tanning beds were brought to North America by German scientist Friedrich Wolff in 1978 and rose to popularity in the mid-1980s. Since then, tanning beds have been a common way to tan without having to spend hours and hours in the sun's unpredictable radiation. Beautiful Eyes Beautiful skin care starts with what people notice first. Eyes are what others notice immediately; so start your skin care program eye-to-eye!Here are four major skin care issues related to eye care, work them successfully and look 20 years younger. Sunquest Tanning Bulbs Sunquest tanning bulbs are a good choice for tanning beds. When you buy Sunquest tanning bulbs you can be assured of a high quality product. What Is This Passion for Tanning? Tanned skin is very popular among gorgeous women. Everybody wants to have attractive bronzed looks. Facts about Cosmetic Dentistry Cosmetic dentistry has become more popular in the recently years with the improvements in dental techniques and materials. Many people have taken advantage of cosmetic dentistry to "enhance their smile". Facial Skin Care Because of the exposure it receives, the skin on your face is the most delicate skin on your body. Your facial skin needs special care to stay young, healthy, and beautiful. Are Herbs Weeds or Treasures? Many herbs have been introduced into Australia and because they are not native plants, they have often few competitors for resources such as water, soil nutrients and light and have few predators. Subsequently, these plants can grow and spread unchecked, endangering native vegetation and even various animal species such as birds and insects. Sunglasses - The Benefits of Wearing Shades You can find many styles of sunglasses in stores today. These styles include everything from fashionably chic to practical and functional to groovy and retro. Personal Care Products Can Lead To Cancer Our skin is a two way membrane. During perspiration toxins are eliminated from our body through it. Dry Skin Care Is your dry skin itchy and flaky or cracking and peeling? While dry skin may indicate any of several skin disorders such as psoriasis or eczema, you may simply have skin that is badly in need of hydration. The epidermis, or outer layer of skin, is easily dehydrated, particularly in cold, windy weather or after extensive unprotected sun exposure. Safety With Essential Oils Essential oils are highly fragrant, volatile oils that are extracted from the flowers, leaves and other parts of plants. Essential oils generally go by the name of the plant from which they were extracted. Can You Find Used Tanning Beds In The Classifieds? Can you find used tanning beds in the classifieds? Yes and finding used tanning beds in the classifieds may be a great idea.If you are looking for used tanning beds in the classifieds you will pay less than if you want to buy a new bed. A Crazy Life and Pimples The factors contributing to acne breakouts are many. Hormonal influences, environmental conditions, and stress can lead to the noticeable red inflammation that occupies our face, chest, and backs to various degrees. Discover The Make-Up Artist in You As a licensed cosmetologist, I would like to share how to develop the art of truly being a makeup artist on your own face.First, please toss out old ideas you may have had, as well as the "one size fits all" beauty tips you've picked up along the way. 5 Tips to Enjoying Your Day Spa Visit There's just something about walking into a day spa, isn't there? It's a haven from your hectic every day life, an oasis that lets you do something just for you. That massage or body treatment feels like a guilty indulgence, even though it's probably necessary for your sanity!Whether you're visiting a day spa for the first time or the fiftieth, these tips will help you get the most out of your massage, body wrap, aromatherapy, etc. Flax Seed Oil and Wrinkles Flax seed oil helps lubricate the digestive system and softens the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Flax seed is packed with oils, fibers and protein that supply your body with essential fatty acids (EFAs), notably omega 6 (linoleic acid) and omega 3 (linolenic acid) fatty acids. Dermaglow For Natural Skin Bring natural beauty to your skin with the launch of Dermaglow an extensive assortment of skin care treats to heal, soothe and protect. Developed in Canada by pharmacist Dr Calvin Davies, Dermaglow have captured the essence of magical botanical ingredients to feed your skin and bring paradise to your senses.