Pose & style reference · Hairstyles
Twin tails (twintails)
Also called: twintails, pigtails, bunches, ツインテール
In short
Twin tails are two ponytails tied on either side of the head, usually at the same height. In anime and manga fandom the style is called twintails (ツインテール); in everyday English it is often called pigtails or bunches. Height, length and the ties used change the mood from playful to elegant.
Reference photos
Photos are shown from mfan8.com with credit to the photographers and models. Tap a photo to open the full set.
What twin tails say about a character
Splitting the hair into two bunches makes a silhouette that reads from far away: two shapes that bounce with every step. That motion is why designers give twintails to energetic, cheerful or headstrong characters, and why the tsundere archetype is so often drawn with them.
Very long twintails have become a signature in their own right. Hatsune Miku's floor-length teal tails are the best-known example, and they are the main reason her silhouette is recognisable even as a tiny icon.
Twintail types
| Type | How it looks | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| High twintails | Tied near the crown, falling from above the ears | Lively, youthful, lots of bounce |
| Low twintails | Tied at the nape or just behind the ears | Gentle, shy, or bookish |
| Short bunches | Short tufts that barely reach the shoulders | Playful and sporty |
| Drill twintails | Each tail wound into tight spiral curls | Rich-girl or ojou-sama flair |
| Ribbon twintails | Large bows or ribbons covering the ties | Sweet, doll-like |
| Odango twintails | A bun on each side with a tail hanging below | Bold and theatrical |
How to draw twintails
- Draw the skull first and mark a part line down the middle of the scalp. Every strand should flow away from that part toward its tie.
- Place each tie on the skull, not floating beside it. High ties sit on the upper back of the head, so from the front they peek out above the ears.
- Pinch the hair tight at the tie, then let it widen into a teardrop shape before it tapers again near the ends.
- Treat each tail as a soft rope with weight: it hangs straight when still, lags behind when the head turns, and flicks outward after a jump.
A common mistake is drawing the two tails as mirror images. Let one fall over the shoulder and the other hang behind, and give them slightly different curves.
Wearing and photographing twin tails
For a natural look, part the hair cleanly and tie each side with an elastic, then wrap a thin strand around the elastic to hide it. Long cosplay twintails are usually clip-on wefts attached to a short base wig, which keeps the weight off the head.
Photographers can make the tails part of the pose: a head tilt sends one tail swinging, a small hop gives both tails lift, and a slight turn toward the camera shows both tails at once instead of hiding one behind the neck.
FAQ
Are twintails and pigtails the same thing?
Mostly, yes. Pigtails is the everyday English word, while twintails is the term used in anime fandom; some people reserve pigtails for braided versions.
Why do so many anime characters have twintails?
The two moving shapes make a character instantly recognisable and add energy to animation, so the style is a shorthand for lively, youthful personalities.
How high should twin tails be tied?
Tie them above ear level for a bouncy, playful look, or at ear level and below for something softer. Both sides should sit at the same height.