twintail

Twintail, also known as twin tails or two tails, is a hairstyle in which the hair is divided into two sections and tied near the sides of the head to form two hanging tails. The tails are typically symmetrical and may sit at different heights, from just above the ears to higher on the crown. The style is most often seen with ponytails secured by elastic bands, ribbons, or scrunchies.

Variations include the height of the ties (high, mid, or low), the texture of the hair (straight, wavy, or curly), and decorative accessories such as ribbons, bows, or beads. Some versions braid a portion of the tail or wrap a strand around the elastic to conceal it. Wig or hair extensions can create longer tails for those with shorter hair.

Cultural context: In Western fashion, twintails are commonly associated with children, but the hairstyle has broad appeal in modern fashion and cosplay. In Japanese and broader East Asian media, the twin-tail silhouette is a recognizable character design trope often linked with youthfulness and energetic or playful personality traits. The term twintails is widely used in English-language fandom to describe characters exhibiting this look.

Maintenance and practicality: Twintails are relatively simple to style but can place strain on the scalp if tied tightly or worn for extended periods. Using soft elastics and occasional breaks can reduce damage. The hairstyle is adaptable to different hair types and lengths, though very short hair may require extensions or partial styling.