Pony Pet Salon

Tangled mane and a dusty coat greet the pony the moment Pony Pet Salon opens, and the first station is always the wash tub. Scrubbing the coat clean triggers a small shine effect, and that shine carries over into every later stage, so a rushed wash shows up as dull fur even after the mane gets braided.

Grooming tools split into three stations: a brush and spray bottle for the mane and tail, a tray of nail polish colors for the hooves, a small palette of face paint and a jeweled mask for the finishing touch. Mane styles range from a loose side braid to a high ponytail with ribbons woven through, and each style can take a different polish color underneath it without the two clashing.

Where this pet makeover game breaks from a straight hair-and-nails routine is the spa stage between grooming and dress-up, where a mud mask or shimmer treatment changes how the coat catches light in the final scene. A finished session ends with the pony posed in a small arena or stage setting, mane braided, hooves polished, mask fitted, ready for a show.

Braid or curl the mane before touching the nail polish tray, since some hairstyles cover part of the neck and hide accessories chosen too early. Pick a hoof polish that matches or complements the mane ribbon color, because the two sit close together in the final pose and clash easily if picked separately. Try the shimmer spa treatment last, right before the final pose, since it's easy to skip on the way to the accessory stage.