Done right, a ponytail works just as well at a wedding as it does at the beach
Styling your hair in the summer should be a breeze and ponytails are one way to keep things simple. While a plain old pony secured with a scrunchie will do the trick, there are plenty of more elevated alternatives to try. You could go for retro pigtails like Elle Fanning, tousle up your tresses like Nicole Kidman or opt for floaty, boho knotless braids if you have textured hair like Chase Infiniti.
How to style a ponytail that lasts all day
Texture and hold are key. “I always recommend prepping the hair with a texture spray,” Andreas Wild, hairstylist at Larry King Notting Hill, shares with us. “Spritz throughout your roots and ends, then flip your hair back up for natural grip and hold,” he explains. “The biggest game-changer is using a hair tie with hooks at either end, which creates tension and keeps the ponytail firmly in place from morning through to evening.”
How to nail your ponytail placement
Placement is everything when it comes to styling a perfect ponytail. It “completely changes the feel of a ponytail, so it’s important to decide before you begin,” Wild adds. “A high ponytail feels youthful and lifted, a mid-height ponytail is effortless and versatile and a low ponytail often feels quite fashion-forward,” he asserts.
The best textures and lengths for ponytail hairstyles
Ponytail hairstyles work beautifully across every texture and length. “Styling should always complement the hair type,” says Wild. “Finer hair often looks best with added texture, as it creates fullness and movement,” he adds, noting that sleeker finishes usually complement thicker hair and longer lengths. “Braided ponytails are especially on trend right now.”
Are ponytails wedding-friendly?
Ponytails can be tailored for almost any occasion, including a wedding. “A power ponytail can feel incredibly elegant and modern for bridal or guest styling, while a wispy ponytail creates a more relaxed, romantic finish,” Wild explains. “For weddings, I often either straighten the hair for a glossy feel, depending on the overall look and the client’s hair type.”
Below, find 13 cool ponytails that are ideal for summer.
Tousled ponytail
A tousled pony is particularly good in the heat. To perfect the look, tease your tresses with a comb to add texture. Next, separate bangs or any face-framing strands that you want left out at the front, then toss the rest of your hair into a bouncy mid-set ponytail.
Boho knotless ponytail
Boho knotless braids are an incredibly versatile summer style for those with naturally textured hair. Gently scoop your braids backwards and secure them with a satin-wrapped elastic scrunchie. To conceal the hair tie, wrap two to four braids around it, which will create a seamless effect. Finish the look by pulling out a few face-framing curls at the front.
Power ponytail
Perfect for the office or an evening event, to style a power pony, start with detangling your hair, adding a hydration treatment if it feels dry. Either straighten or curl your hair, then sweep it all up into a ponytail and wrap around extensions for added volume. “Fine-tooth combs, smoothing brushes and silk hair ties maintain a polished finish, while protecting the hair’s integrity,” as hairstylist Charlotte Mensah previously told us.
Half ponytail
The half ponytail is a great way to keep your hair out of your face, without compromising on length. Plus, “you can tailor it to your face shape and the overall vibe you want”, Frankie Pullen, hairstylist at Larry King Marylebone, previously shared with us. For an effortless, daytime look: “Try scooping the sides back and twisting them into a relaxed half chignon secured with a cool clip.”
Braided ponytail
To master this look like Dakota, start by brushing your hair to get rid of any knots and tangles. Then, start braiding it to one side, foregoing a structured parting. Secure at the end with a hair tie, and if your hair is on the thinner side, you can also add a small amount of hair powder for even more density. Finally, set it all in place with hairspray.
Curly ponytail
For a sleek ponytail that showcases voluminous curls at the ends, begin by carefully detangling your hair. For secure hold, gently apply a small amount of styling gel in layers, separating each section with a thin comb. Another method involves tying the hair relatively tightly (ensuring that it still feels comfortable and isn’t tugging at your scalp). Then finish with a styling cream or pomade of choice and add shine with a mist.
Bubble ponytail
Experiment with shape by creating a bubble effect. You’ll need around three to five hair ties to complete the look, depending on how long your hair is. The style can be achieved with any placement, just be mindful of creating even sections throughout and gently pulling each one to create that rounded “bubble” silhouette.
Twin ponytails
What’s better than one ponytail? Two – as demonstrated by Elle Fanning, who wore hers with bouncy retro bangs and jewel-encrusted hair ties. To replicate the star’s obscured parting, separate the ponytail bunches in the lower half of your scalp, creating a free part in whichever direction you like, and secure the hair just below the earlobes on either side.
Wispy ponytail
There is an art to perfecting the wispy low ponytail, which Ayo Edebiri nailed at this year’s Met Gala. Keep the shape loose and floaty by placing your hair tie at the nape of your neck, leaving some face-framing strands loose. This look requires minimal product; just a dash of curl cream and a spritz of finishing mist will do.
Polished low ponytail
Another fixture on the minimal-tension list, the polished low ponytail is slightly less bohemian and more structured than its wispy counterpart. Make like Daisy Edgar-Jones and comb your hair smooth before sweeping it back into a low ponytail that sits just above the nape of the neck. Secure your hair tie twice for a “bump” effect and leave out a couple of strands at the front and just above your ears.
Barrette ponytail
The barrette pony lends itself to high placement and is packed with volume. You’ll need tools and products for this one. Run a comb through your hair and add a small amount of pomade (or gel to make the style last longer), then secure it in place with a smaller hair tie. Gently “fan out” your hair by pulling the ponytail outwards on either side (don’t tug your hair aggressively). You can also add extensions for a more dramatic look if you have thin hair. Finally, add your barrette clip to the centre of your ponytail to finish.
Mini ponytail
Shorter hair doesn’t rule you out of this style. Natalie Portman styled her bouncy ponytail with a backcombed centre parting and a simple black hair tie at last year’s Cannes Film Festival.
Midi ponytail
The key to making this mid-height pony look chic is ensuring that both the front and back strands are neatly tucked away. A little pomade or wax stick will tame any flyaways.
