41 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, they can look preppy, grungy, 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. Likewise, they're a smart enough style to wear into the office or as wedding guests.
Gotta represent for the friends and fam.
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.
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.
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 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…
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This grungy ponytail has so much personality going on, from the striped dip-dye to the sassy face-framing pieces.
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Sabrina Carpenter's '70s ponytail is big, blonde, voluminous and paired with her signature curtain bangs.
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This effortless-looking ponytail feels casual and statement at the same time. The loose texture and jumbo scrunchie are a match made in heaven.
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If you've got bob-length hair, you can still get in on the ponytail action. Either you can craft a dinky little nub at the base of your neck, or try a half-up ponytail with the longer top layer.
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This loosely waved ponytail feels so low-key and stylish, and it's so easy to do. Just keep your face-framing pieces at the front out and gather the rest of the length at the nape of the neck.
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How cute is this high, flicky, retro ponytail, which changes the whole vibe of a simple outfit.
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Glam textural ponytails have 'bridal hair' or 'special occasion' written all over them. Just make sure you prep with texture spray first. This textural ponytail by @emmachenartistry offers gorgeous volume.
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If you want your ponytail to be extra hair jewellery is the way to go and these chainmail details are stunning.
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Lift braids away from your face with a high pony, but for extra detail, we love these baby braids left loose at the front.
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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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This pretty wavy ponytail is airy, ethereal and attention-grabbing in one go.
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For a simple, polished look, centre-part hair and slick it back into a sleek mid-height ponytail.
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A slicked-back, sky-high pony placed high on the crown of your head feels fun, fresh and pulled-together, plus braids add a little extra interest into the equation.
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Who says ponytails aren't red-carpet worthy? Hailey Bieber proves that the simple updo is glam enough for the Met Gala.
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Ponytails have long been Ariana's signature hairstyle, but they've grown up with her over the years, and recently she's been sporting more of a vintage '50s-inspired take on the trend.
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Zendaya tapped up a classic high ponytail with a full fringe for her Challenger's press run.
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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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This super high ponytail is ultra cute, Barbie-coded, but still beautifully polished.
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Accessories are everything if you want to upgrade a basic ponytail and bring in extra compliments.
@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 ImagesBind low ponytails with ribbons, cuffs or even leather to give the style an edge.
@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.
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 / @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_essIf simple styling is more your thing, simply wrap a ribbon around the top of your style to secure. So stylish.
