43 ponytail hairstyle ideas, from slick and snatched to romantic and messy
Simple styles done well are often the best. Case in point: the ponytail hairstyle. They're easy enough to do, but they remain one of the absolute top ways to add some extra interest to hair with fairly minimal effort.
If you ask us, cool-girl ponytails are the aspirational, but accessible, equivalent of a white linen shirt. They're more dressy than hoodies or bed hair, but they're still casual, comfortable and very, very stylish. In fact, they're one of the most wearable and versatile styles you can get, because depending on how you style them up they can look preppy, polished, glam, slick, sporty, low-key or off-duty.
They've ascended the ranks from simply a weekend staple to a red carpet regular, thanks to celebs like Zendaya and Hailey Bieber wearing them to high-profile events.
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Ariana Grande has made the style her signature.
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They're cute enough to wear to fashion events (Gigi Hadid rocked the cutest preppy ponytail recently).
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Likewise, they're a chic enough style to wear into the office or as wedding guests – to the many post-lockdown weddings we've got lined up.
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A slicked-back, sky high pony placed high on the crown of your head feels sleek and polished, braids add a little extra interest into the equation and big curls look beautiful.
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Or opt for something boho and beachy, with your fringe pulled out. Laid-back and lived-in, this has carefree cool-girl vibes. Plus, it's ideal if you're not accustomed to styling your own hair, since the messier it is, the better.
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And glam textural ponytails have 'bridal hair' or 'special occasion' written all over them. Just make sure you prep with texture spray first.
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Even those with short hair can get in on the action, with the low, centre-parted pony offering an on-trend option for anyone rocking a bob or lob.
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The key is to keep it interesting - whether embellished with hair accessories, twisted, braided, or just incredibly sleek, these little details will take your ponytail up a notch and stop it from slipping into schoolgirl territory. But before that, be sure to style prep.
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To create all the volume and bounce you need, spritz in some dry shampoo or texturising spray pre-styling or even add in a few curls with a curling wand before putting it up. This will especially help thin hair to hold the hairstyle in place.
Luckily, TikTok – and some of our favourite stylists – have gifted us with some sneaky ponytail hairstyle hacks to make the whole process a lot easier, including the claw clip ponytail hack and flip-back voluminous ponytail hack straight from JLo's hairstylist, Chris Appleton, himself.
Hair prepared. Now it's time for a bit of updo-spiration. Here are some of the coolest ponytail hairstyles for a statement updo...
@luxyhair / InstagramTry a pretty wavy pony.
@tendenciasypeinados / InstagramThis textural ponytail by @emmachenartistry offer gorgeous volume.
@tayloranise / InstagramThis puff pony by @tayloranise is super cute.
@luxyhair / InstagramCelebrate your hair's natural texture or add in some extra waves.
@sincerelyjules / InstagramFancy up a simple low pony with stacked up accessories like @sincerelyjules.
@cecilialaulanne / InstagramThis non-neat approach by @cecilialaulanne feels very modern and laid back
@HAIRBYKAITLYNBROWN / InstagramThis embellished ponytail by @hairbykaitlynbrown feels beachy and beautiful.
@jasmeannnn / InstagramThis low ponytail by @jasmeannnn has perfect edge control.
@freshlengths / InstagramIncorporate your braids into a sleek ponytail like @freshlengths.
@jodycallanhair / InstagramMix up your ponytail by tying it in place with unusual materials. This suede bound style by @jodycallanhair is gorge.
@lauraharrier / InstagramLaura Harrier's relaxed low pony paired with a bright red lip nails smart casual.
Getty ImagesSkyscraper high, with a feminine flick at the end, Miley Cyrus' pretty ponytail blends two trends.
Getty ImagesPrincess of pop and ponytails, Ariana Grande knows what works on the red carpet
Getty ImagesBind low ponytails with ribbons, cuffs or even leather to give the style an edge.
Getty ImagesStorm Reid absolutely killed it with her ponytail at the MTV Movie Awards. Business in the front with a slick side part; party in the back with bountiful natural curls.
@mane_ivy / InstagramVelvet is having a moment RN, so grab a scrunchie and get in the game by tying it around a textured pony. Blonde hair + black = chic.
@heidiscarlettkingmakeup / InstagramAdd a few extra hair ties, a couple of chic black ribbons and voilá, you've got a red carpet-worthy ponytail.
Instagram / @kristin_essA simple, standout hair accessory placed just above the ponytail will give your look a sophisticated, dressed-up edge.
@sienree / InstagramWho said a ponytail has to fall straight? Dare to invent. It might make for a totally new chic look.
@kayleymelissa / Instagram*Ponytail* as old as time... Belle knew it best, a low pony is always the cutest, pair it with a twisted side for the ultimate look.
Instagram / @sascha_breuerCurling your hair and backcombing slightly to add some texture will give your style extra volume. Secure the pony with a metallic band.
Instagram / @riawnaRiawna Capri's take on the ponytail is surely one of the best yet. Sharing this photo of Julianne Hough on her Instagram, the stylist to the stars said:
"@juleshough: "let's do a pony...............". Me: "ok.... " In my head: "how can I do a pony different than the 187 other ponys we have done in the past?" ...................... <15 minutes later of experimenting> that's how."
The experimenting certainly paid off!
Instagram / @riawnaThis style is particularly clever. Riawna Capri showed you can totally wear a ponytail with a fishtail braid at the same time.
Instagram / @castillo_13Add in some subtle braided twists and cool texture with this woven style.
Instagram / @sascha_breuerHairstylist Sascha Breuer created this killer pony on the stunning Jaime King. This is perfect if you're looking to add a little more structure into your hairstyle.
Instagram / @tauni901A few twists and turns can turn a simple pony into a cool hybrid plait/pony updo.
Instagram / @ riawnaThis is one of the simplest, yet chicest ways to amp up your ponytail. Simply braid a section of the hair and wrap it around your hairband.
Instagram / @secretspaukAnother plait-meets-pony style, yet a little fiddlier. Enlist the help of a braid expert with this one!
Instagram / @castillo_13Even the least experienced of us can have a go at this cute, sleek wrap-around look.
Instagram / @kristin_essThis is a simply stunning way to give your ponytail an edge. Braid the top part of your hair before tying it all together in a wavy pony.
Instagram / @castillo_13When it comes to twisted looks such as this one, the messier, the better! Pull out bits of hair at the front to give it an extra air of nonchalance.
Instagram / @castillo_13We adore this sleek style, complete with fabric details.
Instagram / @morganparks901Wear it high and wear it proud with a pared-down wrapped pony.
Instagram / @kristin_essStylist Kristin Ess always wows us with her styles. This messy bun-meets-low-pony is a particular fave.
Instagram / @emilychaplinhairWe can't get enough of this youthful, fun take on the humble ponytail.
Instagram / @kristin_essIf simple styling is more your thing, simply wrap a ribbon around the top of your style to secure. So stylish.
@chloeandisabel / InstagramAdorned hair ties on a low braided pony, for a super romantic look.
@natalieannehair / InstagramAdd some umph to your ponytail with volume powder and tousled beach wave curls.
Rex FeaturesHow stunning did Ciara look at the Billboard Women in Music ceremony? This is what we call a sassy ponytail!
Getty ImagesElsa Hosk is a big fan of updos, and this pony might be one the best things we've seen from her in a while.
Rex FeaturesWe have enough evidence to confirm that scrunchies are back -
after Kim Kardashian and Hailey Baldwin joined the list of celebs trying to reinstate the 90s trend.
Rex FeaturesWow, that's one way to wear a ponytail, Emmy Rossum! The star gave her sleek style an edge with this wrap-around band.
Rex FeaturesJessica Chastain looks like a red-headed tomb raider in this exquisitely detailed pony. Somewhere half way between a french plait and a low pony, the complex, auburn twist is mesmerising when set against a white canvas dress.
