No matter the season, cute ponytail hairstyles are always in order as although many tend to associate ponytails with summer hairstyles, there are plenty of ways to make them fit in the colder seasons too. Whether high, midway down or low, with braids or hair accessories, we’ve rounded up the prettiest ponytails. The selection fits gals with long or short hair alike, as well as straight or curly locks alike.
In our all-encompassing guide, we’ll show you all the ways you can rock ponytail hairstyles, so start sliding or scrolling!
1. Messy Easy Ponytail
When it comes to hairstyles, messy often proves to be the best approach. With a disheveled ponytail, you get this sense of effortless style that you can’t really get any other way. In addition to aesthetic value, a messy ponytail also takes a short amount of time to style. They’re also the perfect fix for a bad hair day.
2. Half Up Pony
We’re pretty sure that everyone agrees with us when we say that half up half down hairstyles are just gorgeous! Also, pair the half up with a ponytail to create a flattering illusion. If you hair is on the finer or shorter side, strategically create a two-layer ponytail – when the top and bottom sections directly overlap, your ponytail with appear to be longer and thicker.
3. Tight High Ponytail
Forget contouring or blinding highlighter, the tight high ponytail is the secret to this look. Although apparently simple, the ultra-sleek hairstyle can take you from dull to glam in a matter of minutes. Just make sure you carefully comb your hair back and use hair spray to avoid any loose wisps.
4. Sleek Low Ponytail
On the other hand, you can get a similar effect with a low sleek ponytail. Even though it helps to have naturally straight hair, you can straighten your locks to get the sleekness displayed above. After that, brush your hair down and back one more time before tying it into a low pony at the base of your neck.
5. Ponytail with Three-Strand Braids
Generally speaking, ponytails reach a whole new level of Wow! when combined with braids. One of the easiest techniques you can use to bring your ponytail to life is the three-strand braid. Simply tie your tresses into a high ponytail and braid down from there.
6. Face-Framing Ponytail with Bangs
Just like braids, any types of bangs will also help revitalize a regular ponytail. For example, if your hair is cut in layers, you can leave two strands in the front as face-framing bangs.
7. Fishtail Braided Ponytail
Not only is the fishtail braid very trendy, but it’s also a downright gorgeous way to show off your long locks. Simply use the fishtail braiding technique for your entire ponytail or just a section of it.
8. Rope Twist Ponytail
Not quite ready to jump into intricate braiding methods just yet? You can start slow with one of the easiest – and cutest! – braids around. Inspired by traditional African braiding techniques, the rope twist braid has now become a worldwide trend. All you have to do is section your ponytail in two and wrap the strands around one another.
9. Loose Side Ponytail
You already know that messy ponytails are a modern classic, but some situations require a pinch of elegance. For that, we recommend styling your messy ponytail to the side. Keep it as loose as you can (without strands randomly falling out).
10. Cute Ponytail with Crown Braids
The crown braid is a style we’ll probably never get tired of, partly thanks to its unique boho, feminine beauty. Pairing a crown braid with a low ponytail and loose frontal strands will make for a hairstyle worthy of a fairytale.
11. Ponytail with Undercuts
An undercut can be just as awesome as it is edgy. You can always hide your undercut if the rest of your hair is long enough, but you’ll also want to show it off at times. For that, we encourage you to wrap your locks into a ponytail just above the starting line of the undercut.
12. Rolled Prom Ponytail
Most girls stress about their prom dress, but you shouldn’t forget about the perfect hairstyle either. A quick and eye-catching solution is to go for this swirling, rolled ponytail.
13. Messy Top Twist Ponytail
The technique above can also be applied only to a specific area of your ponytail hairstyle. For example, you can twirl a few strands on the top if you’re planning to rock a low ponytail. Even though it’s the tiniest of details, it can have an overwhelming impact on your hairstyle.
14. African American Ponytail with Extension Braids
Braids are an integral part of African culture and there are countless ways women of color can express their heritage through their braided hairstyles. For example, with the help of extensions, they can sport a high ponytail with ultra-long braids flowing down their back.
15. Cascading Weave Pony
Weave hairstyles are here to help if you want to momentarily change your natural texture. Nonetheless, we recommend researching the types of hair weaves available to reduce the risk of natural hair breakage. After doing this, how about going for a cascading ponytail that drapes around your head and shoulders.
16. Ponytail with Ribbons
You don’t need to put in a lot of effort to make your ponytail a showstopper. Sometimes, having the right accessory is all it takes. Take ribbons for example. No matter how simple they appear to be, they will always add a chic touch to your appearance.
17. Choppy Short Ponytail
Whoever said ponytails were only reserved for girls with long hair? Even if you’ve chopped your locks, you still have dozens of ponytail hairstyles at the tips of your fingers. A neat trick for wrapping shorter hair into a ponytail is to keep things casual. Don’t panic if pieces of hair slip out of the ponytail. They’ll make the hairstyle even more alluring!
18. Boho Wedding Ponytail
If you dive into the enchanting world of wedding hairstyles for long hair, you’re likely to be stuck there for a while. Still, if you want a simple yet timeless hairstyle to go with your gown on the big day, we recommend a loose boho ponytail with flowers.
19. Low Ponytail with Braided Section
Some hairstyles might seem to be a handful to create. However, if you take a closer look, they’re really not difficult at all. Take this low ponytail with a braided section for example.
- Start with a simple low ponytail, and wrap a strand of hair around the base – the hair tie.
- Then split your locks into two sections and create three-strand braids halfway down.
- Secure the tips with the same hair wrapping method and voila, you are all done!
20. Easy Ponytail with Full Bangs
What if you already have a set of bangs but you’re not quite sure how to highlight them with your ponytail? Yet again, the secret lies in the loose strands.
21. Ponytail with Hair Scarf
As far as accessories are concerned, we’re head over heels in love with hair scarves. They’re simply brilliant and can add a chic and girly touch to any outfit. You don’t even have to spend a lot of time incorporating it into your hairstyle. Just go for the old wrap around the base approach and you’re good to go!
22. Natural Hair Ponytail
The only hair gem we probably adore more than smart accessories are natural hairstyles. We’re thrilled to see that more and more women are joining the natural hair movement and showcasing their incredible curls, for example, with a big low ponytail.
23. Two Ponytails
Are two ponytails better than one? Well, all things considered, a set of Harley Quinn-esque high pigtails has just the right amount of sugar, spice, and everything nice. So consider going for pigtails instead of a single ponytail.
24. Faux Hawk Braid Ponytail
The faux hawk is one of the coolest and most versatile hairstyles around. Style yours in a faux hawk braid starting from your hairline all the way down to your tips. Alternatively, you can switch the style up by stopping at the middle and continuing with a low ponytail.
25. Ariana Grande High Ponytail
We couldn’t have put together a lengthy piece on ponytail hairstyles without channeling the contemporary queen of ponytails herself. Naturally, we’re talking about Ariana Grande and her iconic high ponytail. While you’re likely (definitely) require hair extensions to get her envy-worthy length, sky-high, super straight ponytail, this remains a massive source of inspiration for us all.
26. Low Pigtails
In addition to high pigtails, you can also double your ponytail with a low alternative. This hairstyle is more subtle and also easier to get right on the first try. If you feel that your low pigtails need a boost of originality, wrap some strands over the hair ties holding them in place.
27. Top Braided Ponytail
You don’t necessarily need to use braids for the main portion of your ponytail. In fact, tons of braided ponytail hairstyles are far more appealing when the braids are reserved only for the top.
28. 3D Rope Braid Pony
As you level up your braiding skills, you’ll have endless fun experimenting with all sorts of different techniques. The 3D rope braid shown above is just one example among many. Sure, it might take some time to master, but the outcome will take your breath away.
29. Pull Through Ponytail Braids
If you’re constantly on top of all the hair trends, you’ve definitely seen the pull through braid on social media. This hairstyle can make your locks seem thicker and fuller, and can also be styled in a ponytail.
30. Knotted Low Ponytail
To take your messy ponytail to new heights, all you have to do is carelessly knot it in random places. You can use a string or a strip of leather to add a boho feel to it.
31. Reverse Braid Ponytail
Time and time again, we’ve talked about the easygoing yet radiant beauty of reverse braids. If you’re fairly comfortable with Dutch braiding, you won’t have any problem making the reverse braid ponytail above. You can style the rest of the high ponytail as normal and let the hair go straight down your back.
32. Girly Half Braided Ponytail
To tailor the same hairstyles to little girls, all it takes is a bit of fun and creativity.
- First of all, change the angles and create a side part, diagonal reverse braid.
- From that point, tie the rest of the hair into a high side ponytail.
33. Ponytail with Bandana
Just like hair scarves, bandanas can be the flawless finishing touch to your ponytail hairstyle. Instead of tying the accessory around the ponytail, use it as a headband for a touch of 90s nostalgia.
34. Side Wrapped Low Ponytail
By now, we’ve shown several ways in which you can use your own hair to make your ponytail stand out, yet here is another. Before creating your ponytail, separate a section of hair that’s two to three inches wide. Use that section around the base of your ponytail for extra style points.
35. Easy Ponytail with Chignon
On that note, few hairstyles can surpass the chignon in terms of elegance. Still, you might not want a wedding-grade chignon for a casual occasion. To tone down the fanciness, go for a chignon base but allow the rest of your locks to flow into a low side ponytail.
36. Half French Braided Ponytail
For decades now, French braid hairstyles have been an excellent way for girls to bring out their feminine side. French braids can also be paired with an additional hairstyle, as you can see above.
37. Straight and Curly Pony Style
Slick down the top part and maintain your curls for the lower portion of your ponytail to really bring out your natural hair texture – this style works particularly well for curly hair.
38. Sweeping Updo Ponytail with Bangs
A round brush and a blow dryer are the ultimate tools for getting an ultra-classy hairstyle fit for even the fanciest of events. Also, keep in mind that a layered haircut base will be of massive help for a sweeping updo ponytail like the one above.
39. Curly Bangs with Straight Ponytail
A slick top and curly ponytail isn’t the only way you can mix hair textures within a single hairstyles. Actually, you can go completely the other way around with curly bangs and a straight ponytail.
40. Bouffant High Ponytail
To make your hairstyle shine with vintage elegance, think about adding a bouffant top to the mix. You just have to tease the hair on top lightly for a voluminous effect.
41. Sectioned Ponytail for Kids
Looking to dazzle up a ponytail without getting into complicated techniques? Simply arm yourself with a handful of hair ties, section your ponytail at equal distances, and be amazed!
42. Twisted Braided Ponytail
In general, a twisted braid should take far less time to create than most other braided hairstyles. With that in mind, think about twisting a section of your hair and adding it to your ponytail.
43. Two Dutch Braids into Low Ponytail
Likewise, you can take the same approach but change the braiding style. Dutch braids, for instance, will make any ponytail hairstyle instantly spectacular!
44. Up-Twisted Ponytail
For an unconventional yet highly impressive ponytail, draw inspiration from the world of fashion and hair editorials. To get the stunning hairstyle depicted above, tightly style your hair into a ponytail and twist the bottom section up and around itself.
45. Easy Ponytail Hairstyles with Braided Transitions
Sometimes, a clever transition can be the missing ingredient to achieving the ponytail hairstyle of your dreams! Rather than tying your hair with an accessory at the base, braid a couple of strands of hair. The braided transition that results from the process is absolutely beautiful.
46. Side-Swept African American Ponytail
Another amazing idea for African American women is to mix braids with a long and wavy side ponytail. Use your braid of choice to contour your hairline. After that, wrap your curls into a low ponytail and nonchalantly sweep it to the side.
47. Criss-Cross Haute Couture Ponytail
Similar to editorials, the runway is also one of the places you should look towards for eye-catching hairstyles. Just as an example, the criss-cross low ponytail on display here will make you look and feel like a model on the catwalk.
48. Low Ponytail Hairstyles with Infinity Braids
Infinity braids are sure to leave a lasting impression. Just imagine the number of compliments you’ll get when you multiply them and use five infinity braids to bring your ponytail to life.
49. Glam Ponytail with Accessories
We’ve discussed a variety of accessories you can use to tie around your ponytail or as a headband. But what if you were to add bling to your hair as you do jewelry to your neck and wrists? Think hair clip with rhinestones.
50. Beaded and Braided Ponytail
For our final idea, we’ve combined numerous tips and tricks for the ultimate ponytail hairstyle.
- Sleek high ponytail? ✔️
- Subtle yet marvelous braids? ✔️
- Hair beads and even a gold hair tie chain? Definitely ✔️
There you go – three elements for a hairstyle that won’t go by unnoticed!
So, What Is YOUR Hair Motivation?
It doesn’t matter how young or old you are – ponytail hairstyles are a perfect fit for all occasions and personalities. In addition, with all the possibilities you have at hand, it’s impossible to get bored with them!
Regardless if you were seeking ponytail for hairstyles for school, work, or just a casual day out and about, we’re confident you’ve now got all the inspiration you need!
Of course, we’re also always interested in discovering even more alternatives. Therefore, you’re welcome to add your ideas through a comment!
Thelma Ewart started painting and drawing as a hobby when she was young. She pursued arts which eventually lead her to the fashion industry. She is now a hairstyle artist that considers all of her projects as a work of art. Pursuing creativity is what drives her to become the best in what she does.
