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The ponytail is a classic for a reason. Practical, trendy, and easy to style, there’s a ponytail for every hair type and occasion – and this blog covers most of them.
Whether you’re looking to dress your pony up for a wedding or find the perfect mid-week up-do that’s not too high-maintenance, we’ve got a ponytail for everyone. From ponytail hairstyles for women to men’s ponytail looks, this blog has them all, plus some recommendations for tools to help you achieve your desired style while also keeping your hair healthy.
PONYTAILS FOR LONG HAIR
Long hair can be luscious and glamorous, but sometimes you just need it out of your face. Whether you’re heading for a workout or getting close to hair wash day, throwing your long hair into a ponytail is a surefire way to stay stylish while also feeling comfortable.
1. Long low ponytail
A long, low ponytail is timeless and classy. This sleek style is fast and simple to achieve. Simply brush your hair to remove tangles, then secure at the nape of your neck with a hair tie. This is the perfect style to showcase your hair’s natural texture, but if you’re looking for a super straight and sleek effect, use the Wide Iron. Its wider plates are designed for longer, thicker hair, and our signature Revive ModeTM keeps your hair healthy and shiny. Don’t forget to spritz with Magical Quick Dry Potion before straightening for moisturising heat protection.
2. Long high ponytail
If you want a little more attitude from your ponytail, take it higher. This bouncy and fun style can be accessorised with a ribbon, bow or scrunchie to match any outfit. Brush through to smooth with the Luxury Dressing Brush, then flip your head upside down and brush all of your hair to the crown of your head. Secure with a snag-free hair tie, and you’re done. For added texture, use the 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro to add waves or use a teasing comb to backcomb the underside of your high pony.
3. Tucked long ponytail
Spice up your standard ponytail with a twist. This flattering style looks like you’ve really tried, with very little effort actually required. As usual, detangle your hair with the Luxury Dressing Brush, then sweep it into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Secure loosely with a hair tie, then divide the hair above the tie in two, creating an opening. Flip your long ponytail over and tuck it into the gap you created, then tighten the hair tie to secure your style.
4. Long bubble ponytail
For a textured look that delivers high impact hair with little effort, try a bubble pony on long hair. To create this fun and quirky look, start by first creating a classic high ponytail. Using a teasing comb, gently backcomb the hair closest to the base of your high pony, then secure another hair tie an inch or so from the first. Gently pull the hair between the two hair ties outwards to create a bubble effect. Repeat, adding more hair ties until you reach the end of your hair.
5. Long side ponytail
Side ponytails are a romantic style that’s ideal for a date night or wedding guest look, and can be customised with twists and additions depending on your hair type or taste. For a classic long side ponytail, brush your hair with your Luxury Dressing Brush, then sweep it to one side and secure it with a hair tie. This style looks fantastic whether your long hair is sleek and straight, or cascading in waves or curls.
6. Long curled ponytail
Whether your long hair is naturally blessed with spiralling curls, or you just love getting the look using the CLOUD NINE Curling Wand, this long curly ponytail is packed with volume and ultra-versatile. Start with clean, dry and detangled hair. Secure into a low, high, or mid ponytail depending on the style you prefer. Spritz with Magical Quick Dry Potion for heat protection, then curl your hair with the Curling Wand, focusing on small sections at a time. The Sericite-infused barrel keeps your hair shiny and hydrated every time.
7. Long fishtail ponytail
For another ponytail that pops, take inspiration from the fishtail braid. When combined with a ponytail, it creates an effortless boho style to take you from beach to bar. Simply put your hair into a pony, then split your pony into two equal sections of hair. Take turns crossing a small strand from either side into the middle to craft your long ponytail into the perfect fishtail. Secure with another hair tie, then add texture by gently tugging at the braid to pull it apart. Then remove the hair tie at the top of the pony and pull a few strands out at the front to complete the carefree vibe.
8. Long ponytail with fringe
Long hair with a fringe is a chic combination. From retro curtain bangs to a straight-cut fringe, whatever style you’ve got, you can create a ponytail to complement it. Once you’ve tied your long hair up into the ponytail of your choice – high, low, or mid – use the CLOUD NINE Mini Iron to keep your fringe in check. Its slimmer plates are specifically designed for touching up short styles and fringes, and it still has our signature Variable Temperature Control, so you can use the heat that’s best for your hair. Don’t forget a spray of Magical Quick Dry Potion before heat styling.
PONYTAIL TIP
Not sure what temperature to style your long ponytail at and keep your long hair healthy and thriving? Try our Temperature Calculator to find out.
PONYTAILS FOR MID-LENGTH HAIR
Shoulder-length hair is stylish and versatile to style. Whether you’ve gone for a choppy shag cut or a blunt lob, you can still throw your mid-length hair into a ponytail when it suits. Embrace the effortless messy look, or smooth your hair into a sleek style that’s ideal for formal occasions with these easy ponytail ideas.
9. Mid-length half ponytail
A half-up ponytail is the ideal way to get your mid-length hair out of your eyes, while still showing off its trendy length and style. Rather than scraping all your hair back into a hair tie, split it into two sections – a back and a front. Allow the back section to flow freely, and secure the front section at the back with a hair tie. For a more lived-in, deliberately messy look, gently loosen a few pieces at the front and leave them free to frame your face.
10. Mid-length messy ponytail
This look is especially suited to choppy cuts like a shag or layered lob. It’s flattering and so easy and quick to style, it’s sure to become part of your midweek hair rotation. Starting with clean, dry, brushed hair, secure it into a mid-height ponytail at the centre of the back of your hair. Gently loosen a few tendrils of hair from the front and let them hang loose.
Plug in your 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro and spritz your pony with Magical Quick Dry Potion for heat protection. Run the iron through your hair, twisting as you go to use the curved plates to add texture. Repeat with the tendrils you pulled loose at the front to complete the look.
11. Mid-length slicked-back ponytail
If you’re looking for the complete opposite of the last style – something sleek and sculpted – this look might be for you. A mid-length slicked-back ponytail looks great for the office, but could also be taken from day to night.
For that ultra-smooth vibe, start with clean, dry hair – then brush through with the Luxury Dressing Brush and add a few generous sprays of Magical Quick Dry Potion. Use the CLOUD NINE Original Iron to straighten all of your hair, then brush it back into a mid-height ponytail and secure it with a snag-free hair tie. To keep your slicked-back style looking crisp and sleek throughout the day, smooth a lightweight gel or a small amount of leave-in conditioner like CLOUD NINE Magical Remedy through the top of your hair.
12. Mid-length wrap-around ponytail
To add a touch of glamour to a classic pony, look no further than this wrap-around style. Customisable to suit a high, low, or mid-height ponytail, it’s sleek and tidy, making it perfect for work or formal occasions. To achieve a wrap-around ponytail, start by putting your hair up into a standard pony, secured with a hair tie as usual. Then, section a small strand of hair from the main body of the ponytail and wrap it around the hair tie to conceal, securing at the end with a bobby pin tucked underneath.
For an extra neat look, straighten your hair beforehand with the Original Iron. Don’t forget a spritz of Magical Quick Dry Potion before you start.
13. Mid-length ponytail with fringe
The ponytail-fringe combination looks just as great on mid-length hair as it does on long hair. Tying the rest of your hair back from your face can really make your bangs or fringe pop. To create this look, start with clean, dry and detangled hair. Brush all your hair, except your fringe, back into a mid-height ponytail, and secure it in the middle of the back of your head with a snag-free hair tie. To keep your fringe in check, spray with Magical Quick Dry Potion heat protector, and shape with the CLOUD NINE Mini Iron, which is designed for healthy precision styling.
14. Hair claw ponytail
Hair claws have made a comeback. These practical and cute clips come in a range of stylish designs and colours to suit every outfit and occasion and are the perfect accessory to spice up your next mid-length ponytail. For a low-tension look that’s kind to your hair, detangle and brush it back, holding it at the nape of your neck. Twist up and secure with your hair claw – and there you have it, an ultra-fast, easy style that looks like you made lots of effort.
PONYTAILS FOR SHORT HAIR
So you’ve braved the chop, but you still want some options for tying your hair back every now and then? The good news is, short, chin-length hair can still be styled into a chic ponytail, with plenty of options to stop you getting bored of your style. From stylish twists to artfully messy dos, these styles will take you from the boardroom to the dancefloor with very little effort. Plus, you can use your CLOUD NINE styling tools to add extra oomph, while still protecting your hair’s health and condition.
15. Side-parted short ponytail
This versatile style can be customised to be sleek and tidy for that ‘clean girl’ look, or messed up and textured for a more casual ‘bed head’ vibe. To create a side-parted short ponytail style with impact, the CLOUD NINE Mini Iron is your best friend. This slimmer, more precise straightener is perfect for touching up shorter hair. Spritz thoroughly with Magical Quick Dry Potion, and plug in your Mini Iron. For the sleek and neat version of this style, straighten all your hair until it’s slick and straight. For that effortless messy look, use the Mini Iron to add twists of texture throughout. Once complete, secure your hair into a pony with a hair tie.
16. Accessorised short ponytail
Short ponytails are a blank canvas that are too tempting not to accessorise. Whether you’re a fan of a jewelled hair clip, or you’ve got a brand new scrunchie to try out, the short ponytail is the perfect way to show it off. We recommend sticking with snag-free, lightweight hair accessories that don’t pull or drag your hair, as this can put it under greater stress and risk damage. Choose silk hair ties and gentle clips and combs.
17. Half-up short ponytail
Half-updos are the ideal option for short hair that’s naturally straight, as they add the illusion of volume and texture. As with mid-length hair, simply split your clean, dry and detangled hair in half, tying back the top/front layer with your favourite hair tie, and leaving the bottom/back loose. This style looks especially cute accessorised with a silk scrunchie – which is great for protecting your hair from breakage too.
18. Short ponytail with side twist
A ponytail with a (literal) twist, this cute style takes little effort to achieve but elevates a standard ponytail significantly. To style a short ponytail with a side twist, section off a small piece of hair at the front of your head, to one side of your part. Divide this in two, and twist each piece apart while also twisting around each other to create a small rope braid.
Braid towards the back of your head, picking up more small sections of your hair as you twist. When you reach the back of your head, secure the rope braid with a hair tie. Now, gather all your hair - including the rope braid – into a ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. Remove the hair tie that you previously used to secure the rope braid, and you’re ready to go.
19. Short messy ponytail
One of the best things about having short hair is that ‘just woke up’ messy look is within easy reach. Short messy ponytails are full of texture and simple to style. Depending on your hair’s natural pattern and texture, simply pull it back into a mid-height pony and secure it with a snag-free hair tie, then use your hands to gently mess up the style by pulling out a few strands here and there, especially around your face. If your hair is naturally straight, you may want to use the Mini Iron to inject some messy texture – just don’t forget to apply Magical Quick Dry Potion first.
PONYTAILS FOR CURLY HAIR
Curly hair has volume, bounce and personality. However, curls come with their own set of challenges – frizz, tangles, and finding the perfect curl-friendly products. But with a few clever styling tricks and the right tools, you can turn your curls into a fabulous ponytail.
One essential tool for defining and styling curly hair is the Airshot Pro hair dryer. It comes with a magnetic Diffuser attachment that helps to define your curls before you style them into a ponytail. Learn how to use a diffuser effectively.
20. Curly high ponytail
Feeling like rocking some serious volume? A curly high ponytail is your go-to as it lifts your curls high and shows off that gorgeous bounce. Plus it’s super easy to pull off, just gather your curls up high and secure them with a hair tie for a look that’s both chic and practical.
21. Curly braided ponytail
Looking for something a bit more playful? Try a curly braided ponytail. This style combines the fun of curls with the elegance of braids. Simply braid a section of your hair before gathering it into a ponytail. It’s a cute and creative way to add some extra flair to your curls, whether you’re heading out for a casual day or dressing up for a special event.
22. Wavy ponytail
If you’re after a sleek and modern vibe, a wavy ponytail is for you. This style gives your curls a glossy, polished finish that’s seriously eye-catching. First, spritz your hair with a heat protectant like our Magical Quick Dry Potion and blow dry your curly hair straight with the Airshot Pro hair dryer. Then use our 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro to create smooth waves before gathering your hair into a ponytail.
23. Slicked back curly ponytail
A slicked-back curly ponytail is the perfect mix of sophistication and fun. Smooth the front of your hair back for a neat look while letting your curls flow freely at the back. It’s like the classic 80s ‘business in the front and a party in the back’ style. To get this look just right, click the Diffuser attachment onto your Airshot Pro hair dryer to help define your curls while keeping the front sleek and stylish.
PONYTAILS FOR FINE HAIR
Fine hair can be a challenge when it comes to ponytails because it often lacks the volume or fullness you want. But with the right styles, you can create the illusion of thicker, more voluminous hair. Here are some ponytail ideas that will have you looking fab, even if your hair is on the thin and wispy side.
24. Double ponytail for fine hair
By creating two ponytails stacked on top of each other, you instantly double your volume. This flattering style works even better with curls or waves for added thickness, so grab your Curling Wand to create those bouncy curls, and voilà – your ponytail will look twice as thick.
