I'm trying to figure out ways to "take apart" a hair object, so I'm left with just a ponytail of hair.  I figure I'll find a hair object to decapitate in some free stuff collection, BUT ...

I have no idea how to go about taking it apart.

pjz suggested using mats to hide the scalp part of the hair mesh, but I don't know if the hair I find as a freebie somewhere will be amenable to that, so I'd appreciate any thoughts on alternatives to get the same effect.

The quality of the end result, where the scalp part is detatched (or however this can be done) isn't critical, it'll be reduced in size to be used in banners so it'll likely be a little more forgiving I hope.