People often underestimate how long ponytails have been around. What I find most interesting about ponytails is that you can enter any situation looking casual, dressy, or both. I believe everyone should have that opportunity, even my last week’s client who I hadn’t seen in a long time. She said she had a low ponytail for 3 years, which is a pretty big commitment. It’s not about being lazy. It’s a ponytail, it’s a statement. One of the most sincere statements anyone can make with a hairstyle.
Sure, ponytails can appear basic, but I want to show you some that are more than basic. Ponytails can be messy and loose, or clean and tight; each style gives the wearer a different feel. I tried to think about what would be fun and enjoyable to wear, and what would also be fun to leave the house wearing. I hope there is something here that inspires you the same way that woman’s low ponytail inspired me.
#1: Curly High Ponytail with Face-Framing Layers
Leaving some face-framing curls really adds to the look of a ponytail. This ponytail is high up which definitely gives it a certain vibe, but the face framing pieces, which are my favorite, aren’t all the same length. They all move in different ways which really adds to the look. If you think you have to do a lot here, think again. If your hair is already curly, you’re almost there. Just scoop it up, let a few pieces fall, and walk away!
#2: Soft Low Ponytail with Wrapped Nape and Curtain Bangs
This hairstyle may look like it be done on a whim, but it certainly took some consideration. The low placement keeps everything more relaxed, and the little twist at the nape reduces bulk while keeping some structure. The curtain bangs add a bit of softness. I think this looks really nice on wavy hair that can get a little unruly since this almost acts like an anti-unruly mechanism. A smoothing serum through the ends and you’re set.
#3: Sleek Mid-High Pony with Sculpted Ear-Loop Swirl
I notice the little hairs by the ears and the small swirl. While this is a small detail, it does change the feel of the style and it personalizes it more. The rest of the hair is smoothed back and taped, but *that* detail is what keeps it from being generic. If you really want a polished and almost architectural look to your ponytail, this is a good one to practice. A little bit of edge control and some patience should do the trick.
#4: Sleek Wrapped Mid-Crown Pony with Mirror Shine and Soft Barrel Tail
The ends are so straight and clean! The ponytail has a nice weight to it due to the shine, and it looks good! The wrap is nice and I can see a tuck behind the elastic which makes everything look really flat. Those are the details that separate a car ponytail from something like this. It most definitely takes anti frizz spray and heat protectant to get to this but it is worth it!
#5: Curved Feed-In Cornrows with Long Curly Ombre Ponytail
This is awesome! I like the sunburst split! Also, the braids are different sizes which creates that non-uniform feel. The curly ombre ponytail offers a nice contrast to the entire style, and the gold cuffs in the braids are a nice touch! I would just remind whoever does your install to keep the tension low at the hairline, and to keep up with your moisture routine at night.
#6: Sleek Wrapped High Pony with Laid Baby Hairs and Ear-Loop Accent
I really like how that baby hair goes over the earring. The ponytail is super long and sleek with a base wrap and incredibly polished as well, but that little detail by the ear is really distracting. I really do appreciate the commitment that the hairline took to keep it that sleek. I highly recommend a flexible hold gel and a satin bonnet at night, and be really gentle when you take it all down.
#7: Glossed High Pony with Deep Water-Wave Tail and Sculpted Edges
This works because of the contrast between the slicked brown roots and that huge water-wave tail. The control is from the top, then the bottom is elastic and just super abundant. I remember a little spiral tucked at the temple, which serves as an anchor for the whole composition, the mark of a really good stylist. If you’re using extensions for that volume, make sure they are well blended, and also keep the lengths moisturized because water-wave texture tends to dry out.
#8: Defined Cornrow High Pony with Straight Tail and Metal Cuffs
I appreciate the accuracy of the partings here — the angled sections are nice and tight and really showcase the height in the crown area. The tail being long and completely vertical contributes to the overall graphic effect of the braided section. The metallic cuffs bring some interest and edginess to the style. This is a style that really stands the test of time and that’s one of its real strengths, but because of the tension involved, it’s going to require someone skilled with those feed-ins. While it’s in, be nice to your scalp.
#9: Glam Retro-Wave Mid Ponytail with Subtle Face-Framing Tresses
I like the way those S-waves look. They have an old Hollywood style and are very dramatic. The placement of the ponytail makes it look more original instead of like a costume. The ponytail holder should sit just above the occipital bone, which is the bone at the base of the skull, because this will give it a natural lift and it won’t require a lot of teasing. Waves look best with hairspray, in this case a medium-hold spray should do just fine, and use a one and a quarter inch barrel curling iron. If you have fine hair, you should use a little piece of hair padding at the base of the hairstyle to support the look.
#10: Soft Textured Mid-Height Pony with Face-Framing Waves and Root Shadow
I like how much the root shadow does for this look. The darker roots that melt into lighter lengths give the ponytail so much added dimension as opposed to even a single-procces color. The waves framing the face are nice and gentle, they look like you might of slept on a braid the night before. It looks clean, but not too formal. If your lighter pieces tend to get brass, make sure to include a toner in your routine.
#11: Sculpted Mid-Back Wrapped Pony with Balayage-Sculpted S-Waves
The S-waves look amazing like ribbons and the balayage running through them catches light so you can see every wave from across the room. The wrap at the base of the ponytail conceals the elastic completely which elevates a ponytail and the root smudge gives it a shadow to feel grounded. It’s sophisticated but it doesn’t try too hard. Fine hair may need a bit of support at the base to hold up all that length and movement.
#12: Glossed Wrapped Mid-Back Ponytail with Feathered Point-Cut Tail
I really liked the taper instead of a blunt cut. It sort of adds a motion feeling to the pic. I really do think that the glass finish and the wrapped base with single strand elastic adds to it. This was worked on some pretty coarse, dense hair that ironed to death, and the result was stunning! Apparently, there’s anchor stitch under the wrap, and that’s the sort of detail that is really worth asking your stylist for.
#13: Voluminous Platinum Layered Ponytail with Face-Framing Curtain Bangs
The platinum blonde turned out super nice! The tone was cooled so it doesn’t appear too harsh, and there is root smudge blending into warm low-lights, which helps it from looking too flat. The curtain bangs frame everything nicely and don’t cover anything, while the ponytail seems to be sectioned at the crown and has some ribboned layering like for volume. It looks really pretty in the picture and I’m sure in person it’s super soft too! Just keep in mind that this shade of blonde takes a lot of upkeep, that includes regular toning, heat protectant, and the whole routine.
#14: Sleek High Ponytail with Wrapped Base and Spiral Curls
A clean base makes spiral curls stand out because of the contrast in textures and styles. The top is neat, and below the hair tie, the curls are loose and wild. I also really like the tucked loop, it’s a nice way to add height without having to tease (good call). For this kind of curling, I’d say a ¾ inch barrel iron works best. If your hair isn’t very full, a clip-in extension will help add volume to the ends.
#15: Elevated Sculpted Pony with Wrapped Base and Glossed Barrel Waves
I think the height on this pony is crazy, but the waves on the tail help balance it out. They pull the eye down so it doesn’t feel top heavy. The shadow band gives the pony depth, and the wrapped base is nice enough that you can’t see the elastic. If your hair is thinner you would need some padding or a base piece to support this kind of volume, but on thick hair it’s really something. The waves look like they could be pin curled or set with a big barrel, either would give you this result.
#16: High-Gloss Pony with Caramel Balayage Wrap and Loose Spiral Tail
Golden ribbons remind one of the warm sun in the late afternoon and the caramel flowing through the tail is like a little bit of sunshine for its own. It is pulled high with the elastic hidden by a wrapped section, and with the roots smooth and glossy, this makes it look effortless, even though we know it isn’t. For that kind of smooth tightness at the base, a boar bristle brush is good, and a one inch barrel would do the spirals. The lightened lengths will need a little extra care to keep them from drying out.
#17: Bronzed Mid-Height Ponytail with Glossed Roots and Sculpted Edges
I see the color. I really like how the light is warm, and gives an inner flash of red to the copper. It makes it look as though it is almost glowing. Your wavy ponytail is so nice and the length is mid height. Those baby hairs are great too! The ponytail is the type of look that makes the color the main character, and everything else is just background. If you are wanting to keep that copper from drifting regular toning would be good and since this is a pulled back look, the edges are going to need special attention.
#18: Sleek Side-Swept Ponytail with Sculpted Baby Hairs
The side part is a game changer. This isn’t just a ponytail that goes straight back, it’s being brushed back. The long bangs on one side of the ponytail give a nice touch that helps soften the look of the entire face. Sculpted baby hairs almost always look good as long as they are not overdone. Those warm auburn ends give some life to the otherwise chestnut color. This kind of style looks like it is meant for you rather than a picture, if that makes sense. The edges and part are going to need daily touching up for maintaining the shape. You are going to want to have your product close.
#19: Soft Textured Low Ponytail with Wrapped Base and Face-Framing Tresses
Thanks for taking the time to make these adjustments! The frame pieces are a great degree of looseness, the waves are nice and even, and there are some cooler lowlights that are under the nape layer that you would have to see in person to appreciate. This ponytail has just the right amount of effort to be able to wear to dinner and feel nice about it. If your hair tends to be high porosity, be sure to use a smoothing primer before styling to keep the frizz from undoing all of your work.”
#20: Glossy Low Pony with Padded Base and S-Shaped Waves
The ponytail is soft and drapey due to its S-shaped waves, which are substantial enough to sway and light enough to separate. The backcombed or padded foundation is lifted off the nape, and an elegant panel wrap conceals the ponytail holder. The strands with the caramel balayage color weave show the value of a meticulous hairstyle, even if simple. This look does require some root smoothing and heat-setting, but the effort is worth it.
#21: Voluminous Wrapped High Pony with S-Wave Cascade
If you have thick hair, this ponytail will let all that volume show! With added height, a wrapped base, and big waves in an S-pattern, it gives a generous look and is full and unapologetic about it! The knot hiding the elastic is neat on top, and from there it has great movement. For this wave pattern, you need a barrel of 1 to 1.5 inches, and make sure to use some firm-hold spray to keep everything in place. The body will need some help if the hair is finer.
#22: Platinum Blonde High Pony with Cascading Barrel Curls
These strands help the look appear softer. Without them, a high platinum pony and such heavily defined barrel curls could come off a little bridal, but those soft strands really bring it back down to earth. I like the diagonal root smudge at the base, it creates a nice illusion of depth and directs the eye, so great choice with the platinum. If your hair doesn’t naturally have this much volume, a ponytail piece or backcombing at the base will help with that.
#23: Glossy High Ponytail with Flipped Tail and Sleek Wrapped Base
A flipped tail is always nice, gives a polished pony some character. This one has been flat-ironed and pulled up very nicely, with a nape taper underneath that sheds bulk where it’s not needed. The end flip could be set with a small velcro roll or round brush, just that little kick outward. It’s both playful and clean at the same time, and that’s a combo I don’t see enough of.
#24: Textured Blonde High Pony with Face-Framing Layers
What makes this look so airy and lived-in are the feathered ends. They’re not blunt, but instead sheared so that they move independently. The nice blonde balayage has a root shadow that keeps it from looking overprocessed, and the face-framing tendrils are just long enough to soften things without getting in the way. Honestly, this is a ponytail that looks better with a little wind in it. Regular toning will keep that cool tone from warming up on you.
#25: Polished High Pony with Hidden Wrap and Soft Cascade Curls
The curls look good. They are not too tight or too loose. They lie on each other in an effortless looking way (even though a curling iron was probably used). The shadow root and babylight balayage give the hair the length dimension which in turn reflects off the curls. The wrap at the base is hidden, the roots are smooth and low tension, and the overall look is perfect for a wedding or Saturday lunch.
#26: Textured High Ponytail with Loose Curls
The curls look really nice and they look like they just happened. The way the hair is arranged is really nice, and very high is youthful. The texture stream less done, if there’s any natural waves or curls in your hair you have an advantage. You can use a curl defining cream before you gather it, it helps define the curls and is not stiff.
#27 Elegant Long Ponytail with Subtle Textured Ends
This ponytail is so easy to do and so nice that you can put it in and just forget about it! It’s long and straight with a little texture added to the ends to keep it from looking too curtain-y (though some people prefer a more curtain-y look). There’s also a cute little ribbon around the base of the ponytail which is a nice touch. It makes the look feel more polished. If you have thick hair, you might want to pull a few internal layers to keep the base from getting bulky, but other than that, it’s a pretty simple look.
#28 Elegant Loose Ponytail with Soft Waves
I really like how soft everything is. It is nice that the hair isn’t super wavy or too smooth. It is nice to see the hair in the middle of looking unstyled and overdone. The length is nice because it frames the face without crowding the face. The whole style is really nice and has a lot of airiness, which I think is because there wasn’t a lot of hair product used. If the weather is humid, the waves might loosen, so I would recommend light mousse for that. Even without a lot of styling, it is going to look really great.
#29 Sleek Low Ponytail with Textured Ends
A low ponytail looks nice and is simple to do. A low ponytail looks nice and is simple to do. The ends are texturized to keep things looking fresh and add some movement where your eye goes last. This looks best on hair that stays sleek and straight from the roots to the midlengths, and then breaks up a little at the ends. Those with coarse or curly hair may not want to put in the effort to get the ends super straight, but if your hair is wavy to straight, everything should come together easily.
#30 Effortless Low Ponytail with Gentle Volume
This look is good because it is not trying too hard. It is a low ponytail with a wave and slight volume, worn by someone who looks comfortable and good. I know from experience, a lot of it has to do with the ends. The fullness works because the density is perfect, it is not too heavy or too sparse. If your hair is thick, some thinning in the interior would help. This style looks good on a Tuesday, which is the biggest compliment I can give a hairstyle.
#31 Sleek High Ponytail with Subtle Volume
The volume at the crown is perfect for it to look natural and not too styled, which is harder to achieve than people think. The length is smooth and straight, and the ponytail is high and doesn’t cause the face to pull tight, which indicates good tension balancing. If you have fine to medium density hair, that works in your favor as you get that natural lift without the hair collapsing under its own weight. Just keep in mind how often you wear it this tight, your hairline will thank you for alternating.
#32 Sleek High Ponytail with Glossy Finish
The gloss is what draws me back to this. When something is attractively shiny, it gives the impression that it is in better condition than it actually might be – it might just be a case of that the products are doing their job. Either way, it looks healthy and deliberate. The high position does a beautiful job of elongating the face, especially for oval and heart shapes, and there is a clean, unbroken line from root to tip. It does require a bit of maintenance during the day, so having shine spray in your bag wouldn’t be the worst idea.
#33 Textured High Ponytail with Soft Curls
I like the contrast. The top is smooth and flat, while the bottom has all that curl and volume. It looks like there are two different hairstyles, and neither takes over the other. The curls are defined which is always the goal. If your hair is wavy or curly this is a fit, all you’re doing is showing what you already have. If you want that line to be really clean, the top section will probably need a quick run through with a flat iron.
#34 Polished High Ponytail with Subtle Ombre
The ombre done here is so cool, I like how it is a little more subtle and warmer. I think a warmer ombre gives more depth to the ponytail than without. This look is also pretty polished and professional so you could definitely wear this to work. With the little volume at the base it balances everything out so it doesn’t look too harsh and lets the color change do the talking. If you want to keep the flyaways controlled throughout the day, a light smoothing product should do the trick.
#35 Casual Textured Ponytail with Soft Face-Framing Layers
Face framing layers are cut to the perfect length so you can tuck them behind your ear, or leave them out, and they’ll soften the look. The ponytail is effortless and easy with a texture that is nice and natural, but not too messy. I would call this a weekday ponytail since you can easily throw this together and still look put together. If your hair is finer, a texturizing spray would help give support and volume.
#36 Chic Textured Half-Up Ponytail with Soft Waves
A half-up ponytail is a more relaxed look compared to a full ponytail since it feels like a half commitment. The waves look nice and create movement in the look but isn’t messy overall. I like the statement earrings. They really elevate the whole outfit. Sometimes an accessory is just as important as the actual outfit. The waves do take time to do with a curling iron but once they are done, the style holds well and looks nice and natural for hours.
#37 Chic Textured Ponytail with Loose Curls
The length of this hair is perfect. It keeps the ponytail feeling light and easy to move, but it’s also long enough that it doesn’t get weighed down. No structured curls here, just the sort that look like they formed naturally (i.e. they didn’t form naturally). It’s nice to wear, and while that may sound simple, many ponytails tend to miss one of those elements. If you want those curls to last but not be crunchy, a light mousse worked through damp hair and then styled is the way to go.
#38 Natural Textured Ponytail with Soft Face-Framing Layers
I really love the texture of your ponytail. It looks super natural with the way some pieces are left out when hair is pulled back. Your soft shag layers are so full and the added lightness and subtle wave really gives movement to the hair. It’s really versatile and can be worn in a formal or casual setting, but right now, it looks like you. If you tend to get frizzy hair, I recommend applying a little product to the ends, but make sure you don’t apply too much or you’ll lose that nice, weightless look.
#39 Textured High Ponytail with Face-Framing Layers
I like how this one has different layers. The layers break up the ponytail so that it doesn’t look like one big blob. Ponytails always look better with face framing layers. The high ponytail makes it more bouncy, and the layers create the illusion of wavy or curly hair that has been let loose instead of being straightened. People tend to like the ponytails with a more effortless look, so there shouldn’t be too much product.
#40 Chic High Ponytail with Subtle Volume
I see the tiny waves at the ends, and I think they tone down the look and keep the ponytail from being too strict. The slight volume at the crown changes the entire shape by lifting everything and creating more space around the face. This is especially good on fine, shiny hair because the light bounces evenly down the length. You’ll probably need a touch of product to keep it polished into the afternoon, but it’ll be one of those super easy, mindless sort of things.
#41 Textured Side Ponytail with Natural Waves
Side ponytails can feel dated if not done correctly, but the right texture can really elevate a look. The style is more modern with it’s natural waves, and makes it look like you just swept the hair over or to the side without following a tutorial. The waves around the face look stunning, and the layers add to the volume. A touch of wave spray will help define the waves while keeping it from looking overly done.
#42 Textured Ponytail with Loose Curls and Soft Face-Framing Layers
From what I can see, most of the work is done by the layers at the front of the face. These help with pulling the style forward and making it more personal than just generic. The loose curls at the back also help with adding some nice movement to the style. The density of the entire look is just enough to fill the ponytail out without weighing it down, which I always consider when recommending a style because it’s one of those styles that you can go from morning to evening in without needing to redo it. The curls might need a touch up at some point, but they also don’t need to be perfect.
#43 Textured High Ponytail with Loose Waves
The layered ponytail is successful because it creates extra dimension along the length so the waves have room to separate and shift independently. It also sits up high for good movement; the sort of ponytail that flicks back and forth as you walk. The fine to medium density works in her favour here as the waves remain light rather than clumping together, which is a positive. My favourite part is that it doesn’t look like it has just one purpose; I can see it being just as comfortable at brunch as it would at a cocktail party.
#44 Textured Ponytail with Soft Curls and Accessory
An accessory is what first grabs your attention, but what keeps you connected for longer is the texture. The gentle curls warm the ponytail in a way that a straight ponytail just can’t achieve, and the overall appearance is professional without looking too done up. The hair’s natural wave is really helpful as it means you don’t need to use a base to achieve the desired look. To finish the look, apply some product for hold, add your favorite accessory and that’s most of the work done.
#45 Casual Textured Ponytail with Elegant Silk Scarf
I think if you wear a ponytail with a scarf, that exudes European chic. I can imagine that you would do such a thing with little thinking involved. I personally think about a ponytail that has very straight hair and a soft sheen, with a clean trim and zero excessive layering. The hair is meant to be a backdrop that focuses on the scarf. If you have finer hair then the scarf is a good addition because it will give the illusion of having more hair. With ponytails it’s best to let the scarf do the talking.
#46 Chic Textured Ponytail with Soft Curls
The silver hair looks really good. The color provides a warm and approachable look without being too harsh. The ponytail is loose, and while it may seem messy, it actually comes off as very intentional. What I admire about this is the confidence it exudes in the person wearing it. The framing curls blend in without fully concealing the face and the medium density provides a balance to everything. The style really suits her.
#47 Chic Glossy Ponytail with Rich Burgundy Highlights
This one isn’t just a standard brown or black – this has more depth that reflects light better! It has color highlights woven throughout so you get more color as the ponytail moves. The style is a sleek medium-length ponytail which I think is a good idea because the color is very bold so it can be a statement. For those interested, from my experience burgundy dyes fade the fastest, so a color-depositing conditioner will help you maintain the color from salon visits.
#48 Soft Textured Ponytail with Face-Framing Tendrils
I like how the tendrils are soft The way the tendrils fell looks unstudied like not perfect curls or anything. The ponytail falls just past the shoulders. With the right amount of wave and soft overall texture, it won’t need much to hold. A light mousse would offer some volume if your hair goes flat, but this is about letting things fall and being okay with that.
#49 Bohemian Braid-Infused Ponytail with Gentle Waves
The ponytail looks nicer with a braid. The added detail makes it look like you spent an extra two minutes — and it did pay off. The soft waves, strands of hair around the face, and romantic softness make the hairstyle even lovelier. This style works best for medium to thick hair since the ponytail looks fuller and is less likely to look thin. After mastering the braid, it becomes second nature.
#50 Casual Textured Ponytail with Soft Loose Curls
I really like these types of curls because they give off a more effortless appearance, as they don’t come straight out of the salon. The loose curls definitely look best when they have a little bit of time to relax, which is what I liked about these curls. When your hair is straight, what you want to do is use a curling iron. Just remember, don’t go touching your hair a lot after it’s cooled down. This way, the texture of your hair will look nice and it won’t appear overly styled.
#51 Textured Low Ponytail with Braided Accent
With this low ponytail, the braided detail may seem small, but it changes the entire vibe of the style. Without the braid, it would just be a very standard ponytail, but with the braid, it adds a bit of cuteness and charm. The layers that frame the face make everything softer and the volume at the bottom is just right to keep everything from getting flat and boring. If you haven’t quite got the hang of braiding yet, practice on a lazy Sunday. It gets easier with each attempt and it is a nice skill to have.
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