53 Best Ponytail Hairstyles For Girls To Try
These styling tips let you add a creative twist to the easy and versatile ponytails.
Casey Simmons is a curly hair expert with over 20 years of experience in management, operations, and consulting. She has done extensive consumer research and worked directly with chemists and the factory to create curl enhancing products built for simple routines.
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Experience: 7 yearsAnjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.
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The ponytail is a classic hairstyle that has been around probably since the world’s creation. And it is so versatile that you can style in a plethora of ways for every occasion, mood, or season. If you are not sure how, then here are 53 ponytail hairstyles for you to try. Also, you can add your personal twist to these ponytailed styles. Keep reading to check out the top 52 styles!
Before You Get Started- While lower and middle ponytails elongate square faces, wavy and curly ones tone down shard or edgy facial features. High ponytails are suitable for round faces.
- Tying ponytails daily may cause hair breakage as it may not allow your hair to breathe.
- Don’t tie your hair in tight ponytails too often. Tight ponytails can pull on your hair roots leading to breakage and hair loss.
- Avoid tying a ponytail when your hair is wet, as it may negatively impact your hair’s quality.
- Use fabric hair ties for your ponytails as they are gentle on your hair. You can opt for silk scrunchies.
In This Article
53 Best Ponytail Hairstyles To Try In 2024
Ponytails are some of the most convenient yet stylish and popular styles today. But did you know they go way back in time? In many ancient cultures, the way one wore their hair reflected social status, gender roles, or even marital readiness. For instance, in traditional Chinese culture, men often wore their hair in topknots or ponytails as a sign of adulthood and respectability. The Samurai in Japan also tied their hair back in a topknot or ponytail to signify their warrior status.
In the modern era, the ponytail remains a versatile symbol associated with athleticism and youthful energy in some cultures. In some others, it has become a fashionable statement of self-expression. Its simplicity makes the ponytail a hairstyle that transcends time.
Let us now take a look at some incredible ponytail hairstyles that reflect today’s aesthetic and fashion trends.
1. Side Notch Ponytail
This chic hairstyle is perfect for your red carpet days. This wild hairstyle is vamped with style and sex appeal. Unleash your wild side with this easy-to-do hairstyle and slay your party or date night!
The hairstyle is best for oval-shaped faces. If you have wide cheeks or a harsh jawline, add some light strands or bangs to frame your face.
2. Ponytail With A Donut
Office party and a time crunch? Well, we have got you covered. This simple pony hairstyle for girls is the perfect one for you when in a time crunch A simple pony with the donut bun added to it just gave it a whole new look!
This hairstyle suits most face shapes. However, if you have a small face, add a slight pouf at the crown to make your face look longer.
3. Zigzag Ponytail
The ponytail might seem like a traditional hairstyle, but not if you add in a creative spin to it. This ponytail is tied with a mottoi to create a zig-zag pattern. Mottoi is a Japanese string used by geishas to tie up their hair.
This hairstyle suits all face shapes due to its looseness. But if you have a wide face, add in some light bangs to balance it out.
Quick Tip4. Sleek Middle Parting Ponytail
No one flaunts sleek styles like Queen Bey. This low ponytail is perfect for business meetings or formal shindigs. Apply lightweight mousse to your tresses using a hair comb. Then, part your hair down the middle. Gather all your hair and tie it in a low ponytail. Apply mousse to the ends of your make the layers look sharp.
The tricky thing about middle parting is that it draws attention to the wideness of a face. It also showcases any asymmetrical features. Adding in some light, uneven bangs can help even out this look.
5. Mane Ponytail
Every woman’s dream is to have a voluminous ponytail. Sophie Turner sported this voluminous ponytail during the Game Of Thrones Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards. Tease your hair at the top before tying it in a ponytail. Neatly comb the top, and you are good to go!
This hairstyle suits all face shapes due to its slight pouf and the volume of the ponytail.
6. Beautifully Messy Ponytail
Only Blake Lively can flaunt a messy ponytail like this and still look like a queen! To recreate this look, you will need to style your hair in waves with a curling iron. Then, flip your hair forward and mess it up. Flip it back and tease it lightly with a hair brush. Gather all your hair and tie it in a middle ponytail.
This messy ponytail works with all face shapes. However, if you have a more rectangular, square, or pointed face, this hairstyle can make it look sharper. Pull out some loose strands of hair from the sides to soften your face shape. If you have an oval face shape, you can pair this look with a scarf or metal hairband for a casual look.
7. Curly High Ponytail
If you have naturally curly hair, take a cue from the fabulous Rihanna. Gather your hair at the crown and tie it in a ponytail. Arrange your ponytail to fall on the sides as well. Spritz on some hairspray to set the do in place.
Here’s a tip for women with long or round faces. Instead of gelling down your baby hair, let it fall loose. Add in some light side bangs as well. This draws attention away from the sharp angles or length of your face. A curly ponytail like this is stylish and also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for any occasion!
Curly hair expert Casey Simmons adds, “You can finger curl the pieces around your face by adding a small amount of extra curl cream, gel, or finishing spray to your hands and fingers. Wrap very small pieces of face framing strands around your fingers and scrunch upwards. For extra volume in your ponytail choose the right accessory- a special holder made for adding volume. Before putting your ponytail up, ensure you add a generous amount of curl cream or gel, then scrunch your hair. Diffuse your tresses by turning your head all the way to the side so that you get as much length as possible.”
8. Glamorous Side Ponytail
If anyone can make the side ponytail look glamorous, it’s Beyonce Knowles. This side ponytail comprises of two kinds of waves. The bang waves are created with some mousse, hair clips, and a hair dryer. The curves at the end are created with a round brush. This ponytail suits all face shapes, making for a cute hairstyle for long hair that can elevate your look effortlessly!
This ponytail suits all face shapes!
9. Classic High Ponytail
When I tie my hair in a high ponytail, I end up looking like I had no time to style my hair. Gigi Hadid, on the other hand, looks like a goddess. The key is to get just the right amount of messiness. You need to comb your hair and gather it at the crown. Secure your ponytail tightly with a hair tie, then loosen it a tad. Spray hairspray over it to keep the hairstyle intact.
The messiness of this ponytail makes it look balanced, so it works for all face shapes. But if you have particularly wide cheeks, add in some deep side-swept bangs.
10. Low Bow Messy Ponytail
The model above styled her hair in a low ponytail accessorized with a low bow. The pouf gives her hair volume and height.
Thanks to the pouf, which adds height, this ponytail is perfect for all face shapes. It makes your face appear longer.
11. Black Braided Low Ponytail
Zoe Kravitz slayed with this black braided ponytail at the 2016 Critics Choice Awards. She looks so badass! This low ponytail is one of the most sported hairdos among black women. Simply gather your plaits and tie them in a low ponytail with a hair tie.
If you have a wide face, opt for thicker braids. They will make your face look smaller.
12. Natural Low Ponytail
Spider-Man: Homecoming star Laura Harrier looked stunning in this laid back low ponytail. Her hair looks naturally curled. If you have straight hair and want to try this look, wave your hair into small braids from a few inches away from the roots. This makes the curls look more natural and real.
This low ponytail style looks great on all face shapes!
13. High Curly Ended Ponytail
JLo is known for her killer hairstyles. She slays with this high ponytailed look. I love how the ponytail is curled in a roll from midway down. It adds oodles of style to her attire. If your hair is thin, don’t hesitate to use hair extensions. All the stars do!
This ponytail works on all face shapes.
14. Super Tight High Ponytail
You can almost feel the pull on this one. Katy Perry looks stunning in this Chris Appleton hairdo. To mimic this look, apply mousse to the front and sides of your hair with a comb. Then, pull back your hair tightly. You might need to use more mousse than you normally do to achieve the slicked-back look. Gather your hair at the crown and tie it in a high ponytail. Take a small section of hair and wrap it around the elastic band to make it look like a knot. Style the ends in waves to finish off the look.
15. Dutch Braided Ponytail
Gigi Hadid looks ready for business! This hairstyle is perfect for the gym or an errand-filled day. You will need to weave your hair into two Dutch braids at the top. Gather the rest of your hair and tie it in a high ponytail.
This braided ponytail works for all face shapes. It is great for keeping your hair off your face.
16. Bedazzled Ponytail
Sometimes, the best way to jazz up a ponytail is with some hair accessories. Tie your ponytail as you normally do and simply add in some decorative barrettes. If you have highlights, opt for colored barrettes that will make them pop.
You can opt for a tight or loose ponytail depending on your face shape. If you have a more angular face, go for a slightly loose ponytail.
17. Long Sleek Ponytail
Rihanna flaunted this stunning sleek ponytail hairstyle at the First Annual Diamond Ball. If you don’t have long hair, you can use hair extensions to achieve this look. All her hair is gelled down to give it that straight slick look.
Thanks to the sleek side-swept bangs, this hairstyle works with all face shapes.
18. Double Hair Tie Ponytail
Gigi Hadid gives us yet another perfect workout ponytail. Gather your hair in a half ponytail and tie it with a hair elastic. Then, gather the rest of your and secure it a little lower with another elastic band. Simple, quick, and perfect for those jam-packed days!
This super tight hairstyle looks great on small and oval faces. If you have a large forehead, I would suggest you stay away from it or add in some bangs to balance the look.
19. Baby Ariana Ponytail
Ariana Grande has always sported a ponytail as her signature hairstyle. When she started out as Cat Valentine in the series Victorious, she sported this cutesy ponytail. It’s a classic high ponytail that is curled at the end.
This lovely ponytail works with all face shapes. If you feel like it accentuates your wide cheeks, tie it a pinch looser.
20. Sharp Uneven Ponytail
Pairing uneven bangs with a sharp layered ponytail is a great way to jazz up a simple hairstyle. Add height to your hair by backcombing it. You can also use hair extensions to achieve this look, but you will have to cut them down to size.
The bangs, the volume, and the high ponytail work for all face shapes!
21. Super Slick High Ponytail
Gigi Hadid works all the time! And she looks flawless while doing it. Take a cue from her and try this super slick high ponytail. Apply gel to the front, sides, and back of your hair. Then, with a fine-toothed comb, pull all your hair to the crown. Tie it with a tight elastic band. This hairstyle gives your face a faux facelift.
This super tight and straight ponytail pulls your cheeks up. It also draws attention to your jawline, making it look more pointed. So if you have a diamond face, add in long side bangs. This hairstyle looks great on square face shape as it gives it a more heart-shaped look.
22. Long Flowy Ponytail
Instead of her usual short hairdos, Millie Bobby Brown was seen sporting long locks just like the hairdo above at the Stranger Things premiere earlier this year. Sure enough, she looked stunning. Her hairstylist Bridget Brager achieved the look with the help of a curling iron.
This ponytail might not work with a small face owing to the long length of the hair. If you have a small face, opt for shorter extensions when trying this look.
Quick Tip23. Faux Short Ponytail
Gather your hair and tie it in a bun. To achieve this hairstyle, you simply need to leave the ends out of your bun. Curl the ends and long bangs with a curling iron.
This faux ponytail works for all face shapes due to the bangs and volume.
24. Tri- Bubble Ponytail
Ariel Winter looked beautiful at the Golden Globes Awards with this tri-bubble hairstyle. You can recreate it with some mousse, teasing, and four elastic bands. Yes, it’s that easy!
This sleek ponytail might not suit you if you have a wide, angular face. It works best with thin faces. But, that shouldn’t deter you from trying it!
25. Side Swirl Ponytail
Beyonce rocked this side ponytail at the 2015 Met Gala. Instead of curling your hair before tying the ponytail, do it after. This way, your ponytail remains tight and slick, and the curls stay in place.
This tight high ponytail works the best on an oval face. It accentuates the face from the hairline to the chin. If you have a pointed jawline, this hairdo will enhance it.
26. The Thick High Ponytail
Jennifer Lopez looks beyond cool with this hairstyle! There are two ways you can achieve this look. You can use hair extensions or the faux high ponytail method. Both ways allow you to have thick and flowing hair.
This thick high ponytail works with all face shapes since it acts as a faux half ponytail and evens out the face shape.
27. Black Braided Pineapple Ponytail
Willow Smith looks fab in this hairstyle. Vernon Francois styled her hair like this for the Aladdin premiere. It’s a chic and edgy way to jazz up the pineapple ponytail.
With this hairstyle, your face shape does not matter! IF=f you have the personality to pull it off, you are good to go!
28. Long Purple Ponytail
Another sure way to jazz up your regular ponytail is by adding a pop of color to it. Go the Justine Skye way and go purple. It will add a nice shine to your hair and make it come alive.
This is another hairstyle that flaunts your face from the hairline to the jawline. If you have a short face, this hairstyle will make it look longer. If you have a wide face, I suggest leaving out a few loose strands of hair around your face.
29. Slick Low Ponytail
Most of my friends with short hair complain that their ponytails always look messy. Here’s a hairstyle that will solve that problem. Rooney Mara looks beautiful sporting this low slick ponytail. The icing on the cake is the slick hair tie. It’s so her! Part your hair in a deep side parting and apply mousse to it. Keeping the parting intact, gather your hair at the back and tie it with a thin elastic band. Take a small section of hair and apply more mousse to it. Wrap it around the elastic band and pin it in place.
If you have a small, oval, square, or heart-shaped face, go for this look!
30. Thick Hair Tie
If you have thick long hair, this hairstyle is for you! Start off by straightening your hair. Gather your hair at the crown and tie it with an elastic band. Pick up some hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the base of the ponytail. Pin it underneath to secure it in place.
This thick heavy hair is great for all face shapes.
31. The Bun Ponytail
Gwen Stefani has a quirky sense of style. Begin by straightening your hair. Then, part your hair in a deep side parting. Gather your hair below the crown, except for the deep side hair. With an elastic band, tie the hair closest to the base into a bun and let the ends poke out.
Go for this look if you have a thin, small, or oval face.
32. Wavy High Ponytail
Kim Kardashian never disappoints when it comes to style. She absolutely slays it here with her wavy hair tied in a high ponytail. To style your hair in perfect beach waves, check out this article.
The wavy hair makes this the perfect hairstyle for all face shapes.
33. Single Pearl Ponytail
All you need is a sleek ponytail and a single pearl to jazz up your outfit. Mandy Moore looks gorgeous sporting this pearl ponytail. This style accentuates your hair texture beautifully.
34. Messy Pouf Ponytail
Kerry Washington showcased this beautiful hairstyle at the 88th Academy Awards. She looked stunning! To recreate this look, you need to tease the hair at the crown to form the pouf. Then gather all your hair and tie it in a ponytail below the crown. Finish off with a hit of hairspray.
If you have an oblong face, reduce the size of the pouf according to the length of your face.
35. Pinned Ponytail
Hair accessories are over the top this year. But instead of going quirky, opt for an elegant barrette. Tease all your hair at the roots, except the bangs. Gather the hair and secure it at the crown with an elastic band. Comb your bangs to the side and pin them in place with a classy barrette.
36. Loose Braided Ponytail
Blake Lively flaunted her stunning blonde tresses in this loosely braided ponytail at the Cannes Film Festival in 2014. It is a really easy style to mimic. Tie your hair in a high ponytail and weave it in a loose braid. Secure the braid with another elastic band.
37. Vintage Retro High Ponytail
Vintage hairstyles are always a great choice. This retro high ponytail was worn by Jennifer Lopez at CFDA Fashion Awards at Brooklyn Museum in 2019. The super long length of her hair adds a retro vibe to this look.
38. Fluffy Wavy Ponytail
Zendaya looks adorable in this fluffy ponytail. The brilliance of this ponytail liesin its contrasting effect. The top is slick and straight, while the ponytail is fluffy and wavy. The middle parting accentuates the sleek top. All in all, it is a stunning look.
This is a great hairstyle for oval and heart face shapes!
39. Unicorn Ponytail
Bright colors always make everything better! Brighten up your day and hair with a blue and pink unicorn blend. You will need to pick shades that match your skin tone and natural hair roots. This crazy unicorn ponytail sported by Katy Perry is to die for.
40. Big Bow Ponytail
When your outfit is over the top, your hair accessory needs to match it. Opt for a single big bow when wearing an over the top frilly dress. It looks simple yet elegant: Try this look if you have an oval or diamond face shape!
41. Twisted Bubble Ponytail
Olivia Wilde’s style is way ahead of her time. She flaunted this twisted bubble ponytail in 2011 at the Berlin premiere of Cowboys and Aliens. You can achieve this look with a few elastic bands. Simply twist your hair, secure the twist with an elastic band, and repeat this process a few more times.
42. Chain Ponytail
If you are on the hunt for an edgy hairstyle, look no further. This incredibly fierce chained ponytail is a blend of hair and some thin chains pinned at the back. It looks stellar!
This is another stunning look that suits all face shapes. The chains might pull your hair back. So if you have a wide face, keep that in mind and tie your ponytail a little loose.
43. High Flair Ponytail
The key to achieving such a flared ponytail is to divide it into medium-sizes sections and curl the ends. Then, tease the hair near the top of the ponytail so it stays spread out.
This ponytail works with all face shapes because of the way the hair is spread out.
44. OTT Accessorized Ponytail
If you love accessories, go all out! Justine Marjan shows us that you can never go overboard with accessories, especially if you are working with a theme. Put your creative cap on and get designing. Beaded clips, sequined bows, silk hair wraps, metallic clips, and satin hair ribbons are a few accessories you can easily experiment withl!
Clearly, the accessories are what matter here! But if you feel that the ponytail is too tight at the top, loosen it up a bit.
45. Kinky Ponytail
Ciara looked phenomenal with this kinky ponytail. It’s great to see so many African women flaunting their natural curls. Apply some curl-defining cream to your hair, wrap it in a scarf, and leave it on overnight. The next morning, simply tie your hair in a hair ponytail and let your curls shine!
46. Classic Modern Ariana Ponytail
Ariana Grande’s ponytail is so iconic that it has its own WikiHow page! She wears her hair in a ponytail because it was extremely damaged due to constant coloring. Therefore, it is the most comfortable hairstyle for her. It is brilliant how she keeps re-inventing this simple hairstyle.
This is a great ponytail hairstyle for girls who have a small, oval, or rectangular face shape.
47. Tree Braids Ponytail
Jazz up your classic ponytail by weaving your hair in tree braids. Tree braids are thin black braids that are only done for a few inches from the roots. The rest of the hair is left loose. It adds a nice edge to the ponytail. Again, this hairstyle is all about personality and attitude!
48. Undercut And A Tight Braided Ponytail
Tight braids and ponytails look killer together. But throw in an undercut, and it becomes surreal. This look was sported by Keke Palmer for Comic Con in San Diego. To achieve this look, you will need to get an undercut done by a professional. Then, gather your hair in a high ponytail and tie it. Weave the ponytail in a tight braid and secure it with another elastic band.
Kelly, a fashion and beauty blogger, gives tips on creating an effortless braided ponytail look. The blog post also provides a link to a tutorial video for creating the style. She recommends the use of suitable hair extensions while creating a braided hairstyle for short hair. You can also find a few tips on choosing the right hair gel and comb: “To prevent breakage I always make sure that my hair is moisturised before I apply gel.” She further adds, “When tying your hair up, make sure you don’t tie it too hard as this will pull the hair and even give you a headache (i).”
49. Bronde Ponytail
A ponytail is a great hairstyle for flaunting a bronde ombre. Tie the ponytail where the brown hair fades into blonde. This will showcase both the colors really well.
The ponytail works for all face shapes, but be smart about the shades of blonde and brown you choose.
50. Pearl Parting Ponytail
If you are going for a classy but edgy look, try this hairstyle. Just add a string of pearls to your ponytail. The pearls start bigger around the parting but become smaller as they move away. You can accessorize with pearl earrings to match your ponytail.
51. Barbie Ponytail
Hailey Beiber looks positively glamorous with this Barbie ponytail. She flaunted this look at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala. You will need to apply mousse to your hair to achieve the sleek curve at the end. I love that the ponytail is secured with a velvet scrunchie.
This is the perfect hairstyle for anyone with an oval face.
52. Full Bangs Wavy Ponytail
Zendaya looked wonderful sporting this classy high ponytail. If you have a large forehead, try this hairstyle. The tapering front bangs will help cover it up. You will need to style your hair in waves to achieve this look. It looks pretty and perfect for the summer.
The bangs make this hairstyle perfect for all face shapes. If you have a round face, consider deep side-swept bangs as well.
53. French Twist Low Ponytail
All hairstyle enthusiasts can agree that French twist buns are one of the most stylish formal hairstyles. Now imagine having a hairstyle where a low pony accompanied that twist! That is the French twist low ponytail for you – an intriguing and fashionable low ponytail that looks best with slightly wavy hair. It makes for the perfect look for outdoor events and can be paired with gowns as well as crisp shirts and suits. What’s more, you can tuck some wildflowers into the twist to spruce up the look! This hairstyle would suit most face types, but if you have a wider face shape, simply let loose some strands in the front and curl them to create a face-slimming effect.
Key Takeaways
- A ponytail is a classic hairstyle that can be sported for different occasions and events.
- You can add a modern twist to the ponytail with a side notch, braid, or donut bun.
- Add hair accessories like a bow, hairband, scarf, or bandana to your ponytail for a cute yet funky appearance.
Infographic: 5 Easy And Stylish Ponytail Hairstyles For You To Try
Ponytail hairstyles are not just for the gym, so don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! A ponytail is the go-to hairdo for most young girls out there. It is pretty manageable, adaptable, and appropriate for any setting. But if you have been sporting the same style for a while, it’s time to change up things! In the infographic below, we have compiled a list of the trendiest ponytail hairstyles for you that are super easy to pull off. Take a look!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Ponytails are the best hairstyle for anyone looking for a quick, neat, and presentable hairdo. Like buns, they are the easiest hairstyle to style your hair. And it is not just one plain ‘ol style, but multiple variations you can try out. From cool zig-zag and sleek styles to high and wavy looks, these ponytail hairstyles are effortlessly cool. And you can try any of these hairstyles for any occasion or outfit. You can also play around with these ponytailed hairstyles, depending on your hair length, texture, and color. To change up these hairstyles, you can also play around with different hair accessories like scarves, caps, hairpins, and clips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a low or high ponytail better?
While it depends on your preference and your outfit styling for the day, a low ponytail is more stressful for the hair as it does not have gravity working against it.
Can I wear a ponytail every day?
While you can, it may put pressure on your scalp and follicles when done too frequently.
Does a ponytail make you look younger or older?
A high ponytail draws focus towards your eyebrows and cheekbones macking your face look sleek, sculpted, and younger.
Is ponytail good for chubby face?
Yes, a high ponytail can help elongate the silhouette of your face.
Which is better: a ponytail or a bun?
It depends on what you feel most comfortable in, the shape of your face, the occasion, and the outfit you plan to wear.
Illustration: Best Ponytail Hairstyles For Girls To Try
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
Perfect for any occasion, learn how to create ponytail looks in no time! Check out this video for 5 cute and easy low ponytail hairstyles!
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