Abstract: The inventive apparatus and method allow unskilled users to create attractive and intricate hairstyles easily and quickly. The apparatus is generally cylindrical in shape, is hollow, and has open ends. The apparatus is provided with a longitudinal split, allowing the cylinder to be opened and placed about the base of a pony tail. In use, the apparatus surrounds the pony tail adjacent to the wearer's scalp, and the pony tail extends completely through its interior, generally in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. The inner surface of the apparatus is provided with a plurality of radically extending tines. The tines extend into the pony tail to provide a means for retaining the apparatus adjacent to the scalp. The apparatus is further provided with a plurality of holes within the wall of the cylinder.