Grab Your Hair Ties: 28 Incredibly Cute Ponytails

Topsy Tail Waves

@jennailiouhairstylist

Waves are an easy upgrade for your normal long pony hair. They’re sexy, give you volume and structure, and make you feel pretty all day long!

Wrapped Pony

@karlosejamessalon

Switch up your go-to ponytail look by wrapping some pieces of hair around to hide your scrunchie for a sleek finish.

Chignon Ponytail

@nataliegruntova

Q&A with style creator, Natalie Gruntova
Freelance Hairstylist & Makeup Artist in Minsk, Belarus

How would you describe this look?

This look is simple but elegant.

Any advice for someone considering it?

This look would be great for straight long hair of any color. It would be ideal for those who want to spend little time for maximum effect. I think the most interesting thing about this twisted ponytail is that without a ribbon it can be even daily hairstyle but this small accessory add some chic to it. As for styling products, only hairspray and sparkler can be used to fix it but I love to add some serum Control Freak by TIGI to remove frizz.

Cute Braid Ponytail

@jackalope.hannah

Q&A with style creator, Hannah Lorraine
Stylist @ Jackalope Beauty Lounge in Keller, TX

How would you describe this look?

This is a lace braid ponytail. It is tousled, but a put-together look. The cutest things about this ponytail are the tiny details like the face-framing strands pulled out in the front and the hair wrapped around the ponytail holders. These are simple ways to make your hair look a little more interesting and add a little extra touch.

Any advice for someone considering it?

I think adding a simple lace braid is such a great way to take your basic pony to the next level. My model is a mom on the go and wears her hair up most of the time so she loved how this shook things up a little bit with the big braid, but her hair was still back and out of the way.

In order to achieve this look, I used a light hold texture spray, a root lifting powder, and a smoothing serum on the ends to add that extra shine and glow that we all want. My model has thick hair but with the right products and education, anyone can achieve this look!

Tousled Pony

@72helsimp

Q&A with style creator, Helen Anderson
Session and Editorial Hairstylist @ The Wildside in Fife, Scotland

How would you describe this look?

I would say the overall look is a fun, relaxed, undone ponytail!

My favorite thing about it is that it almost looks like the client did it herself, but in fact, it is really difficult to execute a look like this and get it correct.

Any advice for someone considering it?

I think anyone can pull off this look. It is really versatile and would suit all ages. The softness of the finish is what’s key, the hair needs to be washed the previous day or use a matt-texture spray the day of.

It ideally suits straight or wavy hair. To make a wave in the hair to create movement, then back brush the hair slightly at the roots, this will allow the hair to hold the volume and movement without it going flat. Then secure the pony, take a small section of hair to wrap around, straighten this out and apply a light layer of gel as you wrap the hair around the elastic. Put enough gel on the hair so that it sticks to its self, so no pins are needed. Finish by adding hairspray once you are happy with the overall result.

Double Pony

@courtneypittmanbeauty

Q&A with style creator, Courtney Pittman
Hairstylist / Make-up Artist @ BLEU a Blowdry Bar in New Orleans, LA

How would you describe this look?

Festival chic! It’s carefree and fun. This style is great for when you’re going to be outdoors and still want to look cute.

Any advice for someone considering it?

Texture spray will help fluff the twists. Wrapping a little piece of hair around the rubber bands will make this style look nicer and more mature.

Knot Your Average Ponytail

@robinmillsbailey

Q&A with style creator, Robin Bailey
Stylist @ LaKoet Salon in Jersey City, NJ

How would you describe this look?

This is as a knotted pony. What I love about it is how simple and beautiful it is. My favorite hairstyles are the least complicated. I also love that it picks up the color we just did.

Any advice for someone considering it?

I would recommend having a boatload of texture spray/dry shampoo on hand. Having fairly long hair helps.

How to Style, Step by Step

Simply spray a texture spray/dry shampoo, hold hair at the base with one hand and twist/knot with the other like you are knotting the end of a shoestring. Place a hair tie at the base and tighten. Spray again. It is great for a night out when you want to look great but you don’t want hair in your face. It is a great style for lazy girls like me who want a fresh, easy look.

Power Pony

@hairbyserena96

Q&A with style creator, Serena Forché
Hairstylist / Goldwell Master Colorist in New York, NY

How would you describe this look?

My favorite thing about this modern ponytail is that it’s different than your traditional french or dutch braid.

Any advice for someone considering it?

This look is an easy, quick hairstyle for someone with long hair looking to add a little more fun to their everyday ponytail.

This style can be polished smooth for work or loose and messy for an evening out or special occasion. I love to use KMS add volume texture creme to blow dry in, then KMS playable texture to set and adjust the style.

Twist of Glam

@hairbyamymila

Q&A with style creator, Amy Milas
Hairstylist & Make-up Artist @ Styling Company in Belmar, NJ

How would you describe this look?

I would describe this look as a bohemian ponytail with a twist of glam! My favorite thing about this look is how wearable it is. You can totally wear this look to a wedding or a dinner. I think it’s different and really fun!

Any advice for someone considering it?

If a client was considering this look, I would tell them it’s for someone with a lot of hair that is definitely on the longer side. It is also for the girl who wants to make a fashion statement!

Effortlessly Put Together

@hellojasminn.xo

Q&A with style creator, Jasmin Tarantino
Jr Hairstylist @ Gary Patrick Salon in Pleasanton, CA

How would you describe this look?

My favorite thing about this look is how quick and simple it is to achieve but it looks like you put a lot more effort into it! This ponytail is the perfect combination of effortless while still maintaining a put together feel.

Any advice for someone considering it?

This look is great for second and third-day hair, or just when you don’t have too much time in the morning but those curls from the day before are still in tact! It’s a great way to dress up a regular ponytail.

I recommend a flexible styling paste to smooth down flyaways and keep everything pliable, as well as a texture spray for the curls if needed.

Intricate But Simple

@styledbycayla

Q&A with style creator, Cayla Plese
Hair & Make-up Artist @ The Beauty Bar in Gallipolis, OH

How would you describe this look?

This look is something that seems intricate but is actually super simple. That’s the trick here…make everyone think it took you forever to style your hair, but in reality, it maybe took ten minutes!

My favorite part is how this look can easily go from a lunch date with girlfriends to a night out!

Any advice for someone considering it?

All you need are a couple rubber bands, some bobby pins, and a curling iron. Honestly, I think anyone with any hair type could make this work!

Start by loosely curling your hair to give it some texture. Then take half of your hair, leaving a little out on the sides, and make a ponytail. Open the top part up and flip that ponytail through the opening to create a “topsy tail”. Take the remaining hair from the sides into two braids and pull those out as much as you can to make them appear larger, then pin them across to the opposite side underneath the topsy tail. Once you have everything pinned into place, grab the remaining hair, gather it into a low pony, and hide the rubber band by wrapping hair around it and pinning. Finish off with a little texture spray through the ponytail and light hairspray all over.

Effortless & Organic

@emthestylist

Q&A with style creator, Emily Buckley
Hairstylist / Owner @ Willow Salon in Tucson, AZ

How would you describe this look?

This look is extremely simple and allows you to look put together in only a few minutes! No precise partings or instructions were used. You want this to look effortless and organic!

Any advice for someone considering it?

This is a very effortless and simple style that doesn’t need much time or product. To prep for this style, I did some fast loose waves with the Babyliss Pro 1 1/4-inch curling iron. I didn’t section before curling. To set the curls, I used a light hold hairspray and a spray dry shampoo for added texture. From there, I loosely gathered the hair at the nape of the neck and secured it with a hair tie. To finish, I pulled some pieces out near the face to frame her features and used my fingers to lift a few pieces in the back for added texture and volume.

This style is great for any hair type, personality, and lifestyle. You can add a cute hair piece like I did or leave it plain. Either way looks fabulous. From start to finish, this look took me about five minutes!

Dressy Casual Ponytail

@__hairbyleah__

Q&A with style creator, Leah Byrne
Apprentice @ Chyna Blu Hair & Beauty in Dublin, Ireland

How would you describe this look?

I would describe this look as sleek, classy and effortless. My favorite thing about this look is that it can be worn both dressy and casual. It will dress up any outfit with barely any effort!

Any advice for someone considering it?

This is a very wearable style, but as a client looking for this style, having some length is key.

I only used two products to create this style. I used a strong hairspray and some of L’Oréal’s Super Dust, which is amazing for creating volume and stiffness in the hair.

Fun & Sassy Ponytail

@marycaybakanhair

Q&A with style creator, Mary Caybakan
Session Stylist @ SHOW Dry in Notting Hill, UK

How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?

This is as a fun sassy ponytail. I love how it creates movement and a whole new look from day to night.

What tips or products do you recommend to recreate this look?

My favorite product to use is the working texture spray from SHOW Beauty. From start to finish, I used this product to achieve this look. I finished off with finishing spray and a dry oil for a soft sheen.

What type of client would you recommend this look for?

Personally, I think anyone can rock this look. It is ideal for someone that is trendy and into exploring different looks.

I did this on one of my clients that wanted something good for lunch with friends that would take her to looking glamorous that evening in a very sassy and elegant dress. She looked amazing for both occasions!

Modernized Dutch Braid

@elenahansenhair

Q&A with style creator, Elena Hansen
Stylist @ The Hair Standard in Las Vegas, NV

How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?

This is a modern twist on a classic look. It combines the romantic feeling of swept away hair with a fun little braided detail.

My favorite things about this braid are the loosely swept pieces that pull together in the Dutch part!

What tips or products do you recommend to recreate this look?

I strongly recommend Bumble and bumble Pret-a-Powder. It is a life saver! It brings just enough grip and texture to the hair to help it all stay put.

What type of client would you recommend this look for?

I think this is a pretty versatile look for many face shapes and hair types. This client was attending a wedding and was pairing the braided pony with an evening gown. It would work just as well for a music festival or night on the town.

It can easily be modified for girls who have fine hair by swapping the Dutch braid for a French braid.

Boho Chic Pony

@aleeshadarkehairstylist

Q&A with style creator, Aleesha Darke
Freelance Hairstylist @ Aleesha Darke Hairstylist in Gold Coast, QLD

How would you describe this look and what is your favorite thing about it?

This is a boho chic messy low ponytail. My favorite thing about it is it’s simplicity and softness.

What tips or products do you recommend to recreate this look?

I always prep the hair with White Sand’s medium hold prepping spray to help the style hold all day.

I used a large barrel wand to curl, then brushed out the curls to create a soft beachy wave. Before tying the hair up into a ponytail, I teased a little through the crown to give natural body.

I finished by using Schwarzkopf Dust It powder through the ends to create that lived-in texture.

What type of client would you recommend this look for?

The beauty of this look is that it suits all face shapes because of the softness around the face. It works well with medium to long hair lengths.

This is a great hairstyle for a dressed up day look, for a special event, or for an understated boho bridal look.

Heaven

This ponytail is perfectly imperfect. It is loose, soft, feminine and effortlessly beautiful.

How To Style:

Run fingers through your hair, parting your hair on the opposite side of your natural part.
Loosely gather your hair into low side ponytail and secure with an elastic band.
Take some hair from the ponytail and wrap it around its base to cover the elastic band.
Set the style with a flexible hold finishing spray.

Recommended Products:

Hold Me Tight by Paul Mitchell gives hairstyles a long lasting flexible hold.

Best Face Shape & Hair Type:

Oval face shapes with hair that is medium in texture and density will look best in this style.

Lovely Braided Ponytail

@sunkissedandmadeup

Q&A with style creator, Taylor deClercq
Owner / Artist @ Sunkissed and Made Up in Houston, TX

How would you describe this look?

I consider this look a formal-party-pony, and that’s what I love about this look – how versatile it is. You can wear a cocktail dress to a business Christmas party, and then go out and dance the night away and your hair fits both scenes! You do not have to worry about it falling. I heard someone use the phrase “my desk to drinks outfit”, and in this case, it’s a “desk to drinks” hair.

Any advice for someone considering it?

Ask your self these questions – “Do I like how I look with my hair back?”, “Would I be comfortable rocking a pony to this event?”, “Would I be okay with leaving face-framing pieces out?” If those answers are yes, then go for it!

When doing this style, I use Kenra hair spray and dry texture spray to get the curls in the pony to have more texture and lift. I always have an “all purpose” comb to tease the crown to give the volume desired. If you are going to a formal event I would either smooth the top after teasing or add purposeful texture depending on the look or personality of the hair and person. Another thing about this style that makes it more formal is the twist on the side, and if you’re going for just a party-pony, I would not add the twist making it more casual.

Twisted Ponytail

@chantellemareehair

Flip your normal ponytail inside out and use hair straightener to even out hair. Now you’re ready for a glam day event!

Kenna

This ponytail is swept back tightly on the sides and worn with sexy volume on top.

How To Style:

Apply a root lifter on the roots of dry hair on top of the head.
Blow dry the hair with hair upside down until the product has dried.
Pull all the hair into a tight ponytail except for the hair on top of the head.
Secure it with an elastic band.
Tease the hair on top of the head with a comb.
Set the teasing with a firm hold spray.
Gather all the hair into one ponytail, and secure with an elastic band.
Set the hairstyle with a flexible hold spray.

Recommended Products:

Extra-Body Finishing Spray is a firm hold spray that is great for holding up teasing.

Best Face Shape & Hair Type:

Wider face shapes with hair that is medium in texture and density will look best in this style.

Olivia

This clean and sleek ponytail is classic. It is so simple yet chic and sophisticated.

How To Style:

Apply thermal protection to hair.
Apply a serum to hair for shine.
Gather all the hair into a clean and sleek ponytail.
Secure with a clear elastic band.
Tame any frizz and flyaways with a wet finishing spray.

Recommended Products:

Soft Spray by Paul Mitchell is a wet spray that holds down any frizz and flyaways.

Best Face Shape & Hair Type:

Oval face shapes with hair that is medium in texture and in density will look best in this style.

High Ponytail

A high ponytail goes with everything! It can be dressed up or dressed down depending on the outfit you wear or how you do your make-up.

How To Style:

With your head upside down, gather hair with your hands into a high ponytail.
Smooth the hair into your hands using a boar bristle dressing brush.
Secure the ponytail using a clear elastic band.
Take half-inch of hair from the ponytail, wrap it around its base, and secure with a bobby pin.
Set the style with a flexible hold spray.

Recommended Products:

Hold Me Tight gives hair long lasting hold without the stiff and crunchy look.

Best Face Shape & Hair Type:

Oval face shapes with hair that is medium in texture and density will look best in this style.

Tip:

A Mason Pearson brush is the best dressing brush out there!

Rebecca

Hair tends to appear shorter when styled into a high ponytail. Here’s a cool way to avoid that!

How To Style:

Gather and secure the top half of your hair into high half ponytail.
Gather and secure the rest of the hair into a ponytail at the occipital bone.
Set with a flexible hold spray.

Recommended Products:

Hold Me Tight gives hair a crunch-free, long-lasting hold.

Best Face Shape & Hair Type:

Oval face shapes with hair that is medium in texture and density will look best in this style.

Tip:

The two ponytails tend to blend well and create the illusion of being one when the hair is curled.

Jessica

Ponytails with the right amount of being undone gives a more youthful and sexy look.

How To Style:

Apply a volumizing product on dry hair hair.
With your fingers, blow dry your hair with your head upside down to create volume.
Gather all your hair into a high ponytail by raking your fingers through the hair and secure with a clear elastic band.
Set with a flexible hold finishing spray.

Recommended Products:

Extra-Body Sculpting Foam gives hair grit, volume and texture when blow dried into dry hair.

Best Face Shape & Hair Type:

Oval face shapes with hair that is medium in texture and in density will look best in this style.

Sarah

This is a low ponytail that is tied sleek with minimal texture, yet left loose and waved on the ends.

How To Style:

Apply a volumizing product on dry waved hair.
With your fingers, blow dry your hair with your head upside down to create volume.
Massage a volumizing powder into the hair to create texture and height.
Lightly tease the hair at its roots to create volume.
Gather all your hair into a high ponytail by raking fingers through the hair and secure with a clear elastic band.
Set with a flexible hold finishing spray.

Recommended Products:

Pravana’s Lived In Powder Potion gives hair volume and texture.

Best Face Shape & Hair Type:

Oval face shapes with hair that is medium in texture and density will look best in this style.

Dylan

This ponytail is teased and parted in the front with just the right amount of hair left out to frame the face.

How To Style:

Tease hair in the crown area and set with a firm hold spray.
Gather hair into a ponytail leaving some hair out around the face.
Set with a flexible hold spray.

Recommended Products:

Extra-Body Finishing Spray is a firm hold spray that holds teasing in place.

Best Face Shape & Hair Type:

Wider face shapes, especially square, with hair that is medium in texture and in density will look best in this style.

Lisa

Adding twists to a ponytail is a super easy way to dress it up, especially if you don’t know how to braid.

How To Style:

Part your hair down the midde.
Starting at the parting, begin twisting hair backwards, adding more hair as you reach the back.
Temporarily secure it with a clip.
Do the same to the other side.
One both sides have been twisted, gather the two and secure with a clear elastic band.
Set with a flexible hold spray.

Recommended Products:

Hold Me Tight is a flexible hold spray that allows hair to move freely and look natural.

Best Face Shape & Hair Type:

Oval face shapes with hair that is medium in texture and in density will look best in this style.