The Topsy Tail

The Topsy Tail ToolThe Topsy Tail took the world be storm when it debuted in 1991, and by the end of 1992, it had secured its place in the history books as the best selling hair accessory item of all time, raking in an astounding $100 million in just two years on the market.

History

The Topsy Tail was invented by Tomima Edmark, a former marketing staffer at IBM, who decided the traditional ponytail needed something new.  Her idea, a simple plastic loop that could act as a giant needle to thread hair in new and unique styles.

Tomima Edmark - Topsy Tail InventorIts said that Edmark's original concept was nothing more than a coat hanger bent into the soon-patented Topsy shape, but Edmark's real genius came in her marketing of the product.  Tapping into the burgeoning infomercial scene, Edmark was able to get the Topsy Tail on TVs across the nation, and it's appeal along with the stereotypical "just $19.95" price was too good to pass up for women and moms everywhere.

But wait, there's more...

While the Topsy Tail was a success in the U.S., Edmark also took the product internationally, where it found continued success.  In 1998, Edmark moved away from hair accessories and founded HerRoom.com, an online lingerie store.

Topsy Tail Hairstyles

According to the package, "you can create fabulous hairstyles in just minutes" with the Topsy Tail, a claim that is definitely true.  The original Topsy Tail kit included detailed instructions for creating a dozen different styles, and that was just he beginning.  

The simplest of hairstyles, the original Topsytail Ponytail, is made by first putting your hair into a ponytail and securing it with an elastic, poly or gel band.  Once secured, insert your hair through the Topsy needle and thread it down close to your head, behind the elastic band.  The ponytail will flip under itself, creating the unique Topsy look.

Thanks to the Internet, dozens of website have sprung up offering even more hairstyle ideas, and there's always YouTube, which is also filled with how-to videos.

TopsyTail BookThe Topsy Tail Book

Speaking of how-to's, Edmark herself also jumped into the hairstyle guide business in 1994 when she wrote "The Topsytail Book," the definitive guide to all things topsy. Weighing in at an incredible 119-pages, this guide is sure to include everything you can possibly do with her novel invention.

The Topsy Tail Book is still available, believe it or not, in very limited quantities, over at Amazon.com. Click on the cover on the left to find the few used copies that are still for sale. The TopsyTail book is sure to be a collector's item!

 Where To Buy A Topsy Tail

Scunci Topsy TailAfter the Topsy Tail's incredible run on late night TV, the product was quickly snatched up by Scunci, which still markets the Topsy today.  Unfortunately, you aren't likely to find the Topsy Tail in many stores, as they always lean towards only the newest items for their limited shelf space.  Fortunately, our favorite online retailer, Hair Flair Boutique, does still sell the Topsy Tail Hairstyling Kit, which includes both the Topsy Tail and Topsy Tail Jr, the smaller version of the Topsy, as well as the original hairstyle guide with instructions for 12 hairstyles.

Knock-off Topsys are also available on Amazon.com, but often just include the tool without the instructions.  For our money, we'd stick with the brand name item for the quality and the guide.

Scunci Design WeaverThe Topsy Effect

The Topsy Tail's influence can be seen today in one of Scunci's newest items, the Design Weaver Toolkit, which includes a small threading "needle" designed just for girls, along with hair ribbons that can be woven into different styles.  It's clear to see that the original Topsy idea was used in the creation of this product, and why not, a big plastic needle sure beats the alternatives.