I was told once long ago to leave the hair dirty, well skip a washing before having to pin it up. The hairspray and gels hold much better to it than if it's freshly washed.
And our studio advises the students to do their hair fresh from the bath. Lol.
Here's my fail proof recital hair:
1. WET hair.
2. Use FINE BRISTLE brush to brush wet hair into ponytail (the wetter the better, wet as you go & do not fasten ponytail yet, just hold it in place with 1 hand.)
3. Apply a good amount of gel, smoothing back into ponytail with hand (I use Kiss My Face- not as chemical-laden)
4. Brush into ponytail in hand again.
5. Reapply gel, making sure to smooth it in past the point where the ponytail holder will be.
6. Fasten ponytail with ponytail holder(s).
For buns, continue:
7. Part ponytail into 2 or more sections (depending on amount of hair.)
8. Working with one section at a time, braid, or twist hair as much as you can.
9. Slowly twist one section around ponytail holder, flat to head, & then use pins to hold in place.
10. Repeat step 9 until all sections are secured.
11. Use hair net for bun (important & available at most drugstores,) start by placing one end over bun and streching it and twisting it over bun until there is none left.
12. Secure hair net with one pin.
13. I never need/use this step, but hair spray at this point can be used.