25 Pretty Ponytail Hairstyles You Can Wear Everyday
These ponytails require little to no effort to look so fab.
Seventeen picks products that we think you'll love the most. We may earn commission from the links on this page.
Before bed, you promise yourself that you'll wake up early and actually make an effort with your hair, but the alarm you snoozed five times the next morning begs to differ. You end up throwing your hair up in a messy bun and calling it a day. But, cute and easy hairstyles aren't as hard to come by as you'd think — whether you opt for a simple (yet chic!) high pony or a low braid, you can make them look polished with little to no effort.
We tapped Sun Bum hair pro and celebrity hairstylist, Clayton Hawkins, and celebrity braider and Darling Hair ambassador, Xia Charles, to get their tips on how to recreate the trendy ponytail styles you've seen all over your FYP. Both have given A-list clients like Olivia Rodrigo and Beyoncé the most pristine looks over the years, so they know a thing or two about how to make the most out of your mane.
"Snatched and sleek ponytails will always be in style and 2022 is no different," Clayton tells Seventeen. "With summer and festival season just around the corner, everyone wants their hair out of their face and a chic ponytail is the perfect way to do it." Xia adds that styles like the bubble ponytail and the classy ponytail flip work just as well for prom as they do for a day at the beach.
We're coming through with their ponytail hairstyle ideas — that work for short hair, curls, medium length and fine hair, natural hair, you name it! — plus suggestions for which brushes to use and the heat protectant sprays you should be starting with.
Classic Long Ponytail Extensions
Channel the queen with a never-ending mane you can flip all day. Remember: the longer the extensions, the closer to Ariana Grande. Pull your hair back into a *super high* style — whether it's a tight bun or flat-ironed pony — and clip on a long and straight ponytail extension for the Ari effect.
Wavy High Pony With Clipped Side Bangs
Olivia Rodrigo's ponytail is simple and chic. Lucky for us, Liv's hairstylist Clayton Hawkins spilled his foolproof secrets for achieving the perfect pony. "When doing a snatched high ponytail, a good gel or paste is crucial for eliminating flyaways. I'm obsessed with Sun Bum's Surf Paste because it doesn't leave behind any residue and has a nice strong finish," Clayton, who is a Sun Bum ambassador, tells Seventeen. "Also, it's helpful to start by putting your hair into a half-up ponytail first and then adding the bottom half to the top afterward with a second elastic. That way, you have more control."
Low Ponytail With Mega Volume
No one rocks a tangle of curls quite like Zendaya, but don't worry – you can slay this look, too. Part your hair down the middle and brush it down flat before securing a low pony at the nape of your neck. Then, spritz some sea salt spray to texturize and tease your ponytail with more volume.
Cornrows With Laid Edges and a Textured Ponytail
Chloe Bailey hit the 2022 Grammys red carpet in a stunning textured ponytail. According to celebrity braider Xia Charles, popping on a ponytail extension is a super-easy way to pull off this look if you naturally have coarse or textured hair. "Blending your natural hair into the extensions has never been easier," Xia tells Seventeen. "A good edge control, a wax stick, a strong holding gel or jam, and a holding spray will become your best friend."
Low Long Ponytail With Loose Curls
While Charli D'Amelio usually rocks her hair in loose waves, the dancer switched up her look with a pretty (and super easy) low pony with curls. Start by parting your hair down the middle and laying the top part flat while you gather the bottom half in a hair elastic. Set the top with some gel or hairspray and leave a loose strand in the front so it can frame your face. If you have some extra time, use a curling wand to add some dimension and pretty curls to the bottom part of your pony.
Low Ponytail With a Major Side Part
Yara Shahidi's ponytail is perfect for curly-headed crazy mornings. Try a deep side part to mix things up — grab a parting comb and separate the top of your hair to one side. Then, toss the rest of your hair into a chic low pony and secure it with a hair tie. To set everything in place, run a styling gel or pomade over the top part of your pony.
Twisted Braid
Shay Mitchell's sleek twisted look is Rapunzel IRL – seriously, that rope looks like it could hold my body weight. Brush your hair away from your face and snatch the rest of your hair into a high pony. Then, start twisting your hair into a braid á la Shay. To get a better hold and to make sure everything stays in place, apply a smoothing cream before twisting your braid.
Slicked Back Low Ponytail for Short Hair
If you're going for over-the-top edge, copy Lucy Hale's sleek pony. The surprise braid in the back adds interest to the classic hairstyle. Start by sectioning your hair in two parts — the top and bottom. Brush the sides of your hair and secure the bottom piece with a hair tie. Then, twist the top section into a tight braid and secure it with a rubber band.
Half-Up Bouncy Curls
Who says you can't slay between wash days? Doja Cat's half-up 'do is perfect for second and third-day curls and is super easy to achieve. Since your curls will already be styled from the previous day, all you have to do is section the top of your hair into two large ponytails. To bring moisture back into your curls, run some hair oil through them with your fingers. Don't worry about it looking greasy — if you start at the ends and work your way up to the top, you'll be in the clear.
Beachy Waves With Bangs
Camila Cabello's romantic low pony looks so chic and seriously takes zero effort to achieve. Just run a comb through your tresses and add some texturizing spray to bring out that "just finished surfing" look. For extra volume, use a teasing comb at the base of the pony.
Pearl-Lined High Ponytail
Lana Condor took her pony to the next level by accessorizing with super cute pearl brooches. Pull your hair up into a high ponytail and make sure to brush your hair away from your face. Then, top it off with a bow (you know, 'cause you're a gift).
Flipped Ponytail With Laid Edges
Normani's high pony with detailed curly edges is everything, especially for days when you don't want to deal with any hot tools. To get the look, Xia recommends using a double-sided brush with a hard side and a soft side. "Use the hard side first to brush down from the root of your hair. Follow with the soft side to lay edges straight back or into a pattern," she explains.
Dip-Dyed Ponytail With Tousled Bangs
Aside from her trailblazing music career, Taylor Swift is known for her signature blonde locks. If you're looking to get a ponytail (Taylor's Version), comb your bangs before pulling the rest of your hair back into a mid-pony. Use a texturizing styler for volume and run your fingers through your bangs and pony for a tousled look. Then, apply washable hair makeup to the tips of your hair for a pop of color.
Middle-Parted Low Ponytail
Parting your hair down the center pre-pony adds instant glam to your 'do. Selena Gomez is living proof. Before tying your low pony into place, spritz some texturizing spray and tease the crown of your head for some extra volume.
Lengthy Braid
Storm Reid's floor-length braid is the perfect way to command attention in any room. Whether you pull your natural strands together or use a ponytail to achieve this look, it's a quick way to get glam. Once your hair is pulled back from your face, apply a styling cream or gel to your ponytail before braiding to make sure it stays in place.
Snatched Middle-Parted Ponytail
As one of the most successful supermodels on the scene, it's basically in Kendall Jenner's job description to have a chic ponytail. Get the look by parting your hair down the middle, brushing each side in an up-and-out direction, and tying your ponytail in a mid-to-high position.
However, if you wear super-snatched ponies often, you want to make sure you're avoiding damage and breakage. "It's important to take care of your hair and maintain its strength," Clayton says. He suggests using moisturizing hair masks to help "strengthen and nourish" hair.
Glam Wavy Ponytail
Hailey Bieber's high pony with fab waves is the perfect hairdo for any occasion, from prom to a chill kickback. Once you pull your tresses back into a high pony, use some no-heat hair curlers to get those chic waves. See? It's so effortless, you can even do it while you're sleeping.
Ponytail With Stacked Hair Ties
A handful of hair ties keep her super-high style permanently in place and give the look a sporty feel. Just brush your hair back into a high pony and secure it with several hair ties stacked on top of each other. Simple, right?
Finger Waves With an Ultra-Low Ponytail
Bella Hadid's super-low pony is a stunning look that's perfect for your next school dance. All the attention will be on the top of your pony thanks to the Old Hollywood-inspired finger waves that amp up the glam. Start by creating a side part and securing your ponytail nice and low. Then, use your fingers to keep your hair flat and wide while creating a subtle wave. Use a small amount of styling pomade to lock it in place and repeat until you have a few waves at the top of your head.
High Ponytail With Wrapped Hair
Bleached strands, major height, and flawless curls – Barbie would be so proud of Kylie Jenner. This is probably one of the easiest ponytails on this list thanks to Kylie's ponytail extension. Brush your hair back and tie it into a tight bun or loose ponytail. Then, clip your ponytail extension over the bun and wrap a loose strand to cover your hair elastic. Secure it in place with a few bobby pins and voila — you're basically part of the Kar-Jenner clan.
Sam is an assistant news editor at Cosmo, covering all things pop culture, entertainment, and celebrity news. She previously covered those same topics along with health, lifestyle, and beauty at Seventeen. When she isn't draping her cheeks in blush, you can probably find her live-tweeting awards shows or making SwiftToks.
Kelsey is Seventeen.com's fashion expert and resident Harry Potter nerd. At the office, she spends her day writing about style, beauty, and literally every move Kylie Jenner makes. On the weekends, you can find her sifting through vintage shops and hunting for the perfect burger. Follow her on Instagram at @klstieg.
Seventeen's 2020 Beauty Awards
16 Hairstyles Perfect For Day 2 Hair
8 Prettiest Back-to-School Hairstyles
20 Best Back-to-School Beauty Buys