19 ponytail hairstyles
A ponytail is the one hairstyle almost everyone defaults to on a bad hair day, which is exactly why it's worth doing well instead of just yanking hair back and calling it done. The difference between a ponytail that looks pulled-together and one that looks like an afterthought usually comes down to two things, where it sits on your head and how the base is prepped before you secure it. These nineteen versions cover the range.
Sleek High Ponytail
A high ponytail smoothed flat against the head with gel or a strong-hold cream creates a polished, put-together look in minutes. This style works best on straight or blow-dried hair, where flyaways are easier to control. A thin section wrapped around the base hides the elastic for a cleaner finish.
Low Ponytail
Sitting at the nape, a low ponytail reads as more relaxed and office-appropriate than its high counterpart. This style suits most hair textures and lengths, since the lower position doesn't require pulling hair as tightly. Leaving a slight amount of looseness at the crown keeps it from looking severe.
Bubble Ponytail
Small elastics placed at intervals down the length of a ponytail create rounded "bubble" sections that add playful structure. This style works especially well on straight hair, where the bubbles hold their shape clearly. Gently pulling each section outward after securing adds volume to each bubble.
Braided Ponytail
Braiding the length of a ponytail after securing it at the base adds texture and keeps ends contained during active days. This works on any hair type, from straight to curly, and holds up particularly well through workouts or humid weather. A small elastic at the end keeps the braid from unraveling.
Curly High Ponytail
Natural curls or coils gathered into a high ponytail showcase texture and volume without hiding the curl pattern. Edge control along the hairline helps smooth flyaways without disrupting the curls higher up. This style works well for both everyday wear and dressier occasions with minimal extra effort.
Half-Up Ponytail
Pulling just the top section into a ponytail while leaving the rest down offers the ease of a ponytail without pulling hair fully back. This works on long to medium hair and suits most face shapes. A small amount of backcombing at the crown before securing adds lift.
Wrapped Ponytail
Wrapping a section of hair around the base of the ponytail hides the elastic entirely for a seamless, finished look. This small extra step takes under a minute but noticeably elevates a simple ponytail. It works especially well for dressier occasions where a visible elastic would look out of place.
Twisted Ponytail
Two small sections twisted from the front hairline back into the ponytail base add detail without a full braid's commitment. This works on straight or wavy hair and suits both casual and slightly dressed-up looks. Pinning the twists securely before gathering the rest keeps them from loosening throughout the day.
Voluminous Ponytail
Backcombing at the crown before gathering hair into a ponytail adds height and fullness that a flat ponytail lacks. This works especially well on fine or thin hair that needs a boost. A light-hold spray applied before backcombing helps the volume hold through the day.
Side Ponytail
Gathering hair to sit off to one side rather than centered creates a slightly more playful, asymmetrical look. This style works on most lengths and suits straight or wavy textures particularly well. Securing the ponytail just behind one ear keeps it from sliding back to center.
Ponytail with Bangs
Curtain or blunt bangs left out while the rest of the hair pulls into a ponytail soften the overall look and frame the face. This combination works whether the ponytail sits high or low. Bangs may need a touch-up with a flat iron or curling wand depending on the desired finish.
Ponytail with a Bow
A ribbon or fabric bow tied around the base of a ponytail adds a decorative, slightly nostalgic detail. This works particularly well on sleek, high ponytails where the bow has a clean base to sit against. It's an easy way to dress up an otherwise simple everyday style.
Ponytail with Front Volume
Teasing just the front section before pulling hair back into a ponytail creates height right at the hairline without volumizing the whole head. This works well for anyone wanting a slightly retro, glamorous finish. A fine-tooth comb helps smooth the top layer over the teased section for a polished look.
Low Braided Ponytail
A low ponytail braided from base to end offers a more relaxed, textured alternative to a sleek low pony. This works on most hair types and holds up well through a full day of movement. Leaving the braid slightly loose rather than tight keeps the overall look casual.
Ponytail with Face-Framing Pieces
Leaving a couple of pieces out at the temples while the rest pulls back softens a ponytail's overall shape, especially on a high or tightly pulled style. This works on any length and suits most face shapes. Curling the loose pieces slightly adds a bit of polish to the frame.
Textured Ponytail
Rather than smoothing hair flat before gathering it, this version keeps some natural texture and volume intact for a more undone, lived-in look. This works particularly well on wavy or naturally textured hair. A texturizing spray applied before gathering helps the ponytail hold shape without looking stiff.
High Ponytail with Curled Ends
A sleek base with curled ends creates contrast between the smooth top and the bouncy, voluminous length. This style suits most hair types and works well for both everyday wear and special occasions. Curling the ponytail after securing it, rather than before, keeps the curls more uniform.
Double Ponytail Wrap
Sectioning hair into two ponytails, then wrapping the lower one around the base of the upper, creates a layered, sculptural effect. This technique works best on longer hair with enough length for both sections. It's a more elaborate option suited to special occasions rather than daily wear.
Ponytail with Accessories
Clips, small barrettes, or decorative pins placed along the length or at the base of a ponytail add personality without much extra styling time. This works on any ponytail style, from sleek to textured. Rotating accessories is an easy way to vary the same basic ponytail from day to day.
