Short hair may be on trend right now, but if you’re still committed to a long hair look, you’ll know that one of the best things about having hair that falls past your shoulders is its versatility. Yes, you can wear it down, but you can also style it into any number of up-dos, from sleek buns and claw clip styles, to pigtails, braids, and of course, the humble ponytail.
Practical and perfect for the unpredictable British weather, as well as combatting the heat, a ponytail is the ultimate hair power move. You’ll see it in films—just before the main character is about to save the day, you can bet they’ll tie their hair up. After all, sometimes you just need your hair off of your neck to feel a little more clear-headed. However, there’s no denying that (whether low or high) a ponytail can feel a little drab sometimes, right? And while it might seem like an effortless style, it can actually be tricky to get right. It’s frustrating when you’re facing a not-so-straight parting or lumps and bumps when all you want is a sleek, pulled-back pony.
“This is actually one of the hardest looks to achieve,” says Aaron Carlo, Tresemmé lead stylist. “The trick is to do it in two steps—you can’t do it in one! Firstly, divide the hair in half. Start by tipping your head back—this will prevent the bottom of your hair sagging out of the ponytail—and then section the hair from ear to ear and going across to the top of your head and secure that in a ponytail. Then you can begin drawing hair up from the bottom and secure that into the ponytail. This way, you have less distance and volume of hair to control, and you avoid getting those bits of hair at the back that don’t sit smooth.” To finish, Carlo recommends using a strong-hold hair spray to lock in the style.
If a carefully curated messy ponytail is more of your vibe but you can’t strike the balance between chic messy and messy messy, then Carlo advises you work with, rather than against, the natural texture of your hair. If you need to add some guts to the root for texture, “dry shampoo is your best friend,” Carlo says. “Work in some dry shampoo at the roots, and then pull the hair into a topknot style, and secure it quite tightly. From here, you can pull out some face-framing bits, loosen hair at the roots to create that movement and body, and you can pin and place any loose bits of hair to create that ‘I just threw my hair up’ look that you know everyone wants.”
Take a look below for the best ponytail hairstyles that we return to time and time again.
When it comes to ponytail accessories, bigger is definitely better. This oversized bow is so chic.
Sofia Richie looks so chic on her beach getaway with a textured, tousled pony.
Face-framing tendrils help to soften a ponytail look and make it appear less severe.
Simple yet effective. Cover your ponytail holder with a section of hair to amplify the look.
If your clicked-back, centre-parted ponytail looks too plain, accessorise with statement earrings and sunglasses.
Noted: This is how you make a retro hairstyle look like a present-day trend.
Plaited and bubble ponytails are majorly on trend for 2023.
The ultimate second-day-curls style.
An Ariana Grande–esque high, full pony can instantly complete a look.
Hopefully, you no longer need convincing that a casual ponytail is a perfect style for a summer ‘fit.
Spritz your hairbrush with hairspray when attempting a slicked back style to keep it smooth and sophisticated.
For a plaited ponytail that sits higher on your head, add a hair tie at the base before braiding.
A styling accessory that matches your outfit is always a good idea.
The baby hairs take this ponytail to another dimension.
Flyaways or layers? Smoothing on a gel or pomade will keep your style in check.
Don’t have super-thick hair for this look? Fake it with a realistic clip-in like these from Beauty Works.
Add volume and movement by curling the lengths of your ponytail.
For a fun, playful take on a classic ponytail, style it as high as you possibly can.
This is exactly the kind of ponytail we’ll be wearing at weddings this summer.
Another take on the ponytail + tendrils combo, but this time it’s the braid edition.
Sleek and chic.
The two textures in this ponytail plus the slicked edges make for an elite combo.
Pineappling perfection.
’90s-style face-framing strands are back on trend.
If super-tight styles aren’t for you, then a low, loose look is always in style.
For uniformed waves, secure your hair in place before you wave or curl your strands.
New level unlocked: elevating headbands with braided ponies.
For the perfectly imperfect low ponytail, smooth hair into the ponytail holder, and then gently distress by teasing out tendrils.
A padded headband literally takes a low ponytail to new heights.
We love the vibrant colours of these chic scrunchies. Plus, they’re made from silk so there’s no risk of snagging your hair.
Spray this over your finished ponytail for a glossy finish that looks so expensive.
Keep flyaways at bay and smooth down baby hairs with these handy finishing kit. You’ll have the sleekest ponytail for miles around.
Work a couple of drops of this through the lengths of your ponytail to strengthen strands and boost shine.
For a more undone style with a dishevelled edge, this cult spray from celeb hairdresser Sam McKnight adds just the right amount of grit and movement to basic ponytail.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
