A ponytail is the default hairstyle for many of us. It’s the go-to ‘do when our hair is not cooperating or we just don’t have the time (or the energy) to try anything complicated like Dutch braids or a style that requires 20 bobby pins. A ponytail has seen us through many sweaty Zumba classes, trips to the beach and hot summer days. It is definitely a utilitarian hairstyle, but that doesn’t mean it can’t also be a little fancy.
Think about all of the glossy ponytail hairstyles we see on the red carpet and the runway. You wouldn’t call those basic, would you? A ponytail isn’t simply one look. It is more of a starting idea for countless variations. Add in some twists, braids, hair accessories or multiple textures and you’ve taken things to a whole new level. These aren’t “I give up” ponies, these are #hairgoals. If you’re looking for some fresh ideas, scroll through the gallery for some truly creative ponytail hairstyle inspiration.
[ Tutorial: 3 Fuss-Free Hairstyles for Dirty or Post-Gym Hair ]
33 Upgraded Ponytails That Take Your Updo to the Next Level
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Down the Center
Braids and ponytails don’t need to be separate hairstyles. This low pony with a braid running down the center of the head is a cool twist on a mohawk.
Image: Imaxtree
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Dip It
Don’t just think about different styling options, think about hair colors, too. Create a dip-dyed pony in a flash with some temporary hair color. The bolder the shade, the better.
Image: Imaxtree
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With a Twist
Can’t make up your mind between a wet-look ponytail and a soft look? With this hybrid style, you don’t have to choose.
Image: Getty
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Use Those Spare Elastics
Create a bubble look by dividing up your pony with multiple elastics down the length.
Image: Imaxtree
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Braid-Ponytail Hybrid
There are a few clever ways to combine braids and ponytails. January Jones’ updo merges a regular pony and braid in the actual tail. Her hair is braided halfway down the ponytail for a unique finish.
Image: Getty
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Modern Throwback
Your tried-and-true low ponytail hairstyle gets new life when you start experimenting with different textures. Go for an old-school vibe by using your crimping iron on a few sections.
Image: Imaxtree
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Go for Bold Accessories
A hair accessory takes any look to the next level. Instead of attaching one to your head, fasten it to your ponytail. Bonus points if you can find one that is as long as your tail.
Image: Imaxtree
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Twisted Tail
Take your sleek ponytail out of the gym and into evening by dividing the tail in two and twisting the sections around each other.
Image: Getty
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So Flirty
Gwen Stefani knows a good ponytail as well as a good red lipstick. The volume at the crown and the flicked-out ends of her pony create a cool retro finish.
Image: Getty
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Section It Up
Divide your low ponytail into two sections and wrap a couple of elastics down the length of each one. Then use an elastic to attach both ends together. The result? A cool ponytail hairstyle in under five minutes.
Image: @kerriewart
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Unexpected Accessories
Thin hair? Try this look. The mix of different fabrics woven throughout your pony takes it from skinny to supersized.
Image: Imaxtree
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Twisted All About
This looks complicated, but it is nothing more than easy twists. Start at your crown and twist different pieces of your hair over top of each other.
Image: @hairstylist_g
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Three Tails
Why stop at just one ponytail? Play around with multiple tails. This updo looks like one big pony, but everyone will get a surprise when you turn to the side.
Image: Imaxtree
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Tie a Knot
No elastic? No problem. Tie your locks into a knot. Let the ends droop down to create an effortless ponytail hairstyle.
Image: @brookesteelhair
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Bump It Up
Take your ponytail hairstyle to gravity-defying heights with this pony-bun hybrid. On the final loop of your elastic, don’t pull all of your hair through.
Image: Getty
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Soft and Loose
Ponytail hairstyles don’t have to be pulled tight with an elastic. This style takes a softer approach by using pins. The curls complete the romantic look.
Image: @thestylebar_au
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Rapunzel Updo
Sporty looks are expected. Draw inspiration from history with this medieval-inspired ponytail.
Image: @goldzipper_
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Red Carpet Ready
Give your ponytail a romantic update with a cluster of dainty flower hair clips. The more random you apply them, the more ethereal it looks.
Image: Imaxtree
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Double the Fun
Why wear one ponytail when you can have two interconnecting ones? All you need to do is divide your hair into two sections and tuck the top ponytail into the bottom one.
Image: Getty
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So Romantic
Twisting is easier than braiding. Plus, it makes your low ponytail look very flirty. Hello, date night.
Image: @christine_herbst
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Tame That Tail
Hair elastics aren’t the only thing to secure your pony with. Wrap a piece of fabric tightly around the length of a low side ponytail.
Image: Imaxtree
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Repurpose Your Jewelry
A necklace makes a great hair accessory when you wrap it around your ponytail. Choose a chunkier piece of jewelry for an eye-catching look.
Image: Getty
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Long Wrap
If you’re feeling fancy, you probably take a piece of your hair and cover your elastic with it. This hairstyle makes the hair wrap the starring feature thanks to the extra long look.
Image: Imaxtree
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Work a Ribbon
Sometimes we forget that there are other ways to style a ribbon besides a bow. Gwyneth Paltrow’s sleek updo with looped black ribbon is a brilliant reminder.
Image: Getty
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Takes Five Minutes
This is such an easy tweak on your side ponytail, you will wonder why you didn’t think of it. Twist your ponytail around itself and secure the style with an elastic. If you want to add the gray streaks, go for it.
Image: Imaxtree
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Come Together
You may not be able to see the back of your head, but other people can. Give them something to look at with this twisted crown.
Image: Imaxtree
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Not Your Little Cousin's Bow
Don’t think of your hair accessory as just a finishing touch. Work it into your look a la this hairstyle.
Image: Imaxtree
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A Little of Everything
Attention all indecisive girls: This sleek ponytail hairstyle combines braids, an asymmetrical part and a hair accessory.
Image: Imaxtree
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Stunning From All Angles
The best hairstyles look good from all angles. This one is as pretty in the back as it is in the front thanks to the crisscross crown.
Image: Imaxtree
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Braided Touch
Braids look beautiful when they are gathered up in a ponytail. Rita Ora went for a different look by adding three loose micro braids to her sleek pony.
Image: Getty
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Pin It in Place
A voluminous ponytail that swings about is a pretty look. Securing part of your pony to your head is also a chic option.
Image: Imaxtree
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Frame Your Face
Iggy Azalea draws the attention to her face by braiding her hair around her head before tying the ends into a sleek ponytail.
Image: Getty
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Braided Beauty
There are infinite combinations to experiment with braids and ponytails. This look brings the focus to the base of the glossy pony.
Image: Imaxtree
