elegant ponytail hairstyles

Ponytail Inspiration

Ponytails are the classic and easy hairstyle choice for any occasion, from casual and messy to elegant and sophisticated. Everybody knows how to make a ponytail, but what about a ponytail with a little something extra? There are so many different and fun ways to wear a ponytail, you can have a new style for every day of the week.

Low Side Ponytails

 

Low Side Ponytails

This type of ponytail is an especially good choice for women with full and long hair. With the hair pulled in the front of one shoulder, you see a lot more hair from the front view, almost as if you’re wearing your hair down. The most flattering side ponytails are with the hair parted far to one side, adding further interest and making those fly aways look like part of the style.

Before pulling your hair back, tease the crown using a comb and hairspray to add height and drama. Teasing your hair towards the roots creates volume and fullness in the hair, a step that most women skip, not realizing that it will change your look entirely, and will make your facial features appear a little more delicate. If you want a wavy or curly ponytail, use a curling iron and curl your hair in both directions for a more natural curl. For an even bigger ponytail, tease it after curling and then spray.

 

Wrap Around Ponytails

This is a popular style that adds sophistication to any ponytail, unlike the ponytail from your school girl days. Jessica Simpson is famous for always wrapping her ponytails. You will see it a lot on red carpet events or more formal affairs. It works best if you have enough length in your hair to get it to wrap around and cover your hair tie properly.

After you’ve got your ponytail styled just right, grab a small section of hair from underneath and wrap it around  your hair tie, securing with bobby pins underneath. It’s best to use hairspray, especially in the part where your bobby pins are securing it in place.

 

Teased Crown Ponytails

Also known as a bumped ponytail, the bump adds a little bit of edginess to an otherwise boring ponytail, and it is flattering on all women, creating the illusion of a smaller face and more delicate features. After drying your hair, spray the roots at the crown and back comb your hair towards the roots. The more teasing, the higher the bump. You will then want to smooth out the top of your hair with a comb, and then pull it back. It takes a little bit of practice, but it’s actually a lot easier than it looks.

 

BIG Ponytails

The bigger the better is what I always say (*giggle), but this is particularly true for ponytails – poofy is pretty. You don’t need a thick head of hair to get this look, either. It works best on hair that isn’t freshly washed, but if you’ve just stepped out of the shower, use a lot of styling products to get more oomph. After drying, curl your hair with a large barrel curling iron and put your hair back in a ponytail with a hair tie. Now, spray and tease, tease, tease! After you’ve got the volume you’re looking for, spray some more to keep it lasting throughout the day and night.

 

Sleek Ponytails

Sleek is chic. Even though it’s quite simple, this is what I call the fancy ponytail because it looks fabulous with a glamorous evening gown and dark eye makeup. Kim Kardashion and Jennifer Lopez are known for sporting this style often. It does look best on women with feminine bone structures, small foreheads, and long ponytails, so if you can pull it off, go for it! Wrapping your hair around your hair tie looks great with this sleek style. Be sure to use plenty of styling products and hairspray, as this isn’t the style that calls for wispy fly-aways.

 

Braided Ponytails

Braids are all the new rage, and as you can see, a messy and less uniform braid is even more popular, creating a sort-of bohemian flair. There are so many different styling options when it comes to braids, so pick one that is most flattering on you. I’ve seen a lot of the messy side braids, probably because it’s so manageable to do on your own hair.

 

Messy Ponytails

Messy is sexy! And, not to mention, quick & easy. It gives you the I’ve-just-been-hanging-out-at-the-beach look; perfect for summer. So, in a  hurry, just pull those locks loosely back and let the fly-aways and loose strands have their way.

How To Create A Side Ponytail French Braid:

How To Tease Your Hair:

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