I’m rubbish at doing my hair. There; I said it. I remember, as the girls in my class at school nimbly crafted French plaits in one another’s hair, there I was, struggling to get my pigtails to sit symmetrically. Fast-forward a few – okay, twenty – years, and I’m still just as inept at doing anything remotely interesting with my hair. That said, there is one style I’ve come to master, particularly over the last few months: The ponytail.
I always wear my hair down or, at a push, in a low messy bun, reserving ponytails for my infrequent trips to the gym. However, I’ve realised that the ponytail, while undoubtedly practical, can also be wholly chic and is, in fact, the perfect party hairstyle for 2020 that anyone can do—myself included.
Everywhere I look, the Instagram set is sporting souped-up, party ponytails, decorated with the likes of bows, pearls, jewels, and tortoiseshell. There’s so much inspiration to be had, I’ve assembled my favourite party ponytail looks for you below, followed by the prettiest accessories to personalise your own.
Kudos to Amaka for matching her scrunchie to her jumper to her eyeliner.
Margot Robbie’s loose, low ponytail is perfect for offsetting her fancy frock.
Aimee leaves the front tendrils of her hair loose and wavy for a romantic take on a ponytail.
Emili cooly accessorises her sleek ponytail with pearl earrings and a sequin blouse.
Julianne Moore’s high, volumised ponytail is the stuff of legend. We love the addition of the cute hair bow, too.
Jasmine Tooke’s wet-look lengths give the simple ponytail extra edge.
Can’t decide between a satin bow or jewelled hair slides? Wear them both!
Nnenna’s bubble ponytail looks so fashion thanks to her polkadot scrunchies and padded hairband.
Glossy and sleek, mimic Bella Hadid’s retro ponytail with a sweeping side parting and curled-under ends.
Bows will always look gorgeous wrapped around a ponytail, but this organza option is next-level beautiful.
Lock your ponytail in place with a hair clasp in place of a basic bobble.
Expert tip: wrap a strand of hair around the base of your ponytail to disguise the hairband holding it in place, just like Lauren-Nicole.
If in doubt, add more accessories.
This bubble ponytail is a work of art, and looks incredible against Miss Enocha’s dress.
Sophie’s volumised ponytail and textured top are low-key but so stylish.
Shiny hair and a large velvet bow make for the perfect party hair default.
Aysha’s preppy high ponytail looks incredible with her glossy lengths, flicked ends, and fluffy eyelashes.
Make like Stephanie and sweep your hair back in a low ponytail for easy elegance.
Assemble your favourite clips at the base of your ponytail for a lightening-quick update.
