So I've spent probably another way to many hours trying to make a poofy ponytail that can be both straight or curly, while maintaining accurate physics simulation so it's not stiff like a rock.
After many more hours of trial and error, I think I found a nice happy result that suits the style pretty well. At this point I've got 3 different bang styles, and 4 different back styles (2 pony tails, one hair knot tail, and a straight back dropdown).
I'm going to try and craft up one more set of bangs to make a nice balanced 4 to 4 set, ALL of which can be used as modular in any combination!
Looking at a release in the next few days, so stay tuned and get your ninjas ready!