Frequently asked questions

Yes. We work with many gyms to standardize their team look. Please contact us directly for team pricing and lead times at erinbellapony@gmail.com.(mailto:erinbellapony@gmail.com)

Yes. We use only premium 100% human hair. This is why Bella Pony moves, shines, and curls exactly like natural hair, because it is. Unlike synthetic plastic pieces that have a fake doll hair shine and melt under heat, our ponies are designed to be styled, sprayed, and performed in.

Every Bella Pony is hand blended and constructed to order in the USA, so we don't pull these off a shelf, we prioritize quality. However, we have never missed a deadline. If we say it will be there, it will be there. If you need it soon, we have a Rush service for $60 that you can add to your order.

Yes! Because it is human hair, you can curl and straighten, it just like your own hair. I create them straight so that you have flexibility to style how you need it. Erin’s Tip: Use a heat protectant spray to extend the lifespan of the hair. Avoid excessive heat on the very base where the construction is, and nothing above 380 is recommended for heat styling across the full pony tail.

Yes. Our Rush Service is an optional upgrade that prioritizes your order in the production line. It is a flat fee to get your pony made and shipped in seven days. Important: This is a separate product. Please make sure you add the Rush Service item to your cart alongside your pony before checking out.

We take color matching seriously because close enough doesn't work on the mat. 1. The Expert Consult: We don't like relying on photos, lighting can be deceptive. Instead, email, use our site chat, or call us. Erin has 30 years of color theory experience; a quick conversation is often all she needs to guide you to the perfect blend. 2. The Color Ring: If you want to see it to believe it, select 'Send Me a Color Ring' when you order your pony. • How it works: We pause production and mail you a professional color ring (at our cost). • The Match: You match the swatches to your athlete’s hair in natural light. Email Erin (erinbellapony@gmail.com)(mailto:erinbellapony@gmail.com) with your final color selection. • The Return: Drop the ring back in the prepaid return envelope. Once we confirm your match and color ring is returned, Erin begins building your pony.

Rarely. Unlike natural hair, your pony doesn't get oily from a scalp. You only need to wash it if there is heavy product buildup (hair spray). Wash gently with sulfate-free shampoo, condition the ends, and let it air dry. Erin’s Tip: Don't want to risk it? Send it to us for a Refresh Service and we'll do it for you - think of it as a spa visit for your Bella Pony to recharge before the new season!

Yes. Because every Bella Pony is hand-blended, we can create custom recipes. If our standard shades don't look right for you, email us. Erin can review your needs and often build a custom mix for a small additional charge. Contact Erin for a quote. Note: these are non-refundable and non-exchangeable after purchase.

Yes. We know competition schedules change. If you need your Bella Pony sooner than expected, email us immediately. If your pony hasn't shipped yet, we can send you a separate invoice for the upgrade and bump you to the front of the line.

Think of it as a Spa Day for your Bella Pony. You ship your used pony back to us. We deep clean, deep condition, restructure the tease, and style it. We ship it back to you looking brand new for the next season.

Yes. You will receive a tracking number by email the moment your shipping label is printed. We typically use USPS for reliable delivery, 2 - 3 Day Priority.

It happens, but statistically a mismatched Bella Pony is rarer than a quiet cheer competition! We get it right 98% of the time. However, if you do fall into that 2%, don't panic. Our Risk Free Color Exchange covers you completely. Send it back unworn within 5 days, and we’ll swap it once for free.

1. Bun: Secure natural hair into a tight bun. 2. Place: Put the Bella Pony net over the bun. 3. Tighten: Pull drawstring tight, lock it, and wrap the hair strand. 4. Secure: Anchor the pony with the provided bobby pin. 5. Optional: For extra security (like on competition day), you can use the provided kit to sew the pony to the bun. 6. Style: Add team bow. (Note: The bow is for looks only, it does not hold the pony!). Erin’s Tip: The secret is the Base Bun. If the natural bun is loose, the pony will sag. Make that base rock solid!

Yes. Our Lava Cake shade is the go to choice for a rich, deep match. It features the same sleek, straight finish as our entire collection, designed to blend flawlessly with hair that has been smoothed back.

Yes! We love meeting our local families. Select Local Pickup at checkout to waive shipping fees. We can also arrange an in-person color consultation at our workspace, just email us to book a slot.  Have a full gym team? Email us to schedule a Matching Day at your gym for the whole squad.

Our standard turnaround is 2 weeks. However, please note that Refresh slots are limited and often paused during peak production times. We highly recommend sending your pony in between January and July to guarantee a spot.

We ship to all 50 states via USPS. • Domestic (USA): We use USPS Priority (2-3 Day) service. The standard shipping charge for a pony is $15.00. (Shipping rates for smaller items like brushes are listed on their respective product pages). • Tracking: You will receive an email confirmation with your tracking number the moment your order ships. We can also use USPS to ship outside the US, International orders are charged the actual shipping cost (calculated at checkout based on your location).

To build your perfect pony, you’ll need to make four decisions. It helps to have these ready before you shop: 1. Length: We offer three - 14”, 16” and 18”  2. Tease Height: How much volume do you want at the base? (Standard, Sport, or No Tease). 3. Net Size: How much natural hair does your athlete have? Regular: Fits 90% of athletes. Fits a bun up to the size of a tennis ball.(Is her bun smaller? No worries, we include a "bun former" to give you the perfect bulk. X Large: For athletes with very thick or very (very) long natural hair. Only needed if her natural bun is bigger than a tennis ball. 4. Color: We have 18 to choose from, you can see them in our Color Match section.

For the best protection, send your pony in its original plastic box. If you no longer have it, simply mail the pony in a padded envelope, but be sure to purchase a New Storage Box ($5) with your order. This ensures that after its Spa Day, your freshly styled pony travels back to you safe and crushed-proof.

Immense tragedy strikes when a pony gets crushed in a backpack. Don't crush the tease! We recommend keeping your pony in the original hard box whenever you travel to protect the volume. A satin bag is excellent for keeping the hair clean and preventing tangles, but it offers zero protection against crushing.

This refers to the net inside the pony that covers your athlete's natural bun. • Regular: Fits 90% of athletes. Fits a bun up to the size of a tennis ball. Is her bun smaller? No worries, we include a "bun former" to give you the perfect bulk. • X Large: For athletes with very thick or very (very) long natural hair. Only needed if her natural bun is bigger than a tennis ball.

Yes! We ship worldwide. International orders are charged the actual shipping cost (calculated at checkout based on your location). Please Note: The buyer is responsible for all duties and customs fees upon arrival.

Yes. We work with many gyms to standardize their team look. Please contact us directly for team pricing and lead times at erinbellapony@gmail.com.(mailto:erinbellapony@gmail.com)

This determines the volume at the base of the pony. • Standard: High Volume. Designed to sit slightly above a standard cheer bow for that classic, big-hair look.A natural, polished lift. • Sport: Minimal, below standard cheer bow, think compact. • No Tease: Sleek & Flat. No volume at the base. (Bonus: This option is $20 less).

No. Rush Service pays for the expedited studio production time (cutting production from 4 weeks to 7 days). Shipping is the time it takes USPS to deliver the box (typically 2-3 days). If you are on a tight deadline, you need the Rush Service.

Simply email your choice to erinbellapony@gmail.com.(mailto:erinbellapony@gmail.com) Be sure to include your name and order number so Erin can update your file. Once you have sent the email, please pop the Color Ring back in the mail using the provided envelope. As soon as we have the color ring back, we'll begin crafting your Bella Pony.

Because every pony is handmade to order, we do not offer refunds. However, we stand by our work 100%. If you have a color mismatch, we offer a one time exchange for a different shade. Just let us know, and we will help you get the correct match.

No. We focus 100% on the hair. Our ponies are designed to sit perfectly under any standard competition bow. You wear your team bow as normal, the pony just gives it the perfect volume to sit against.

With proper care, a Bella Pony is designed to last 1 to 3 competition seasons. Think of it like your competition shoes, longevity depends entirely on how you treat it. • The Forever Factor: The net and construction are built to last indefinitely. • The Hair Factor: Because it is 100% human hair, it behaves like real hair. Over time, heat styling and brushing will cause natural wear. • Pro Tip: To get the maximum life out of your pony, keep it in the storage box when not in use, use a heat protectant spray, do not use heat higher than 380 degrees, and book a Refresh Service at the end of every season.

• The Pony: In your custom color and style. • The Box: A sturdy case for storage and travel. • The Kit: Needle, thread, and a spare bobby pin to secure the pony to her natural bun.