20 Best Ponytail Hairstyles for Women 2023

Dec 03, 2023

So you can (literally) up your hair game!

The ponytail is to beauty as the little black dress is to fashion! In other words, it's timeless, chic, and exceptionally versatile. No matter your hair type and texture or if you have a long hairstyle, medium-length hairstyle or short haircut, you can count on ponytail hairstyles to get you through workdays, weekends, and everything in-between. While they have become the go-to for times when you're in a rush, bad hair days, or moments when you just need your locks up and out of your face, the effortless style is good for so much more. And they don't have to be boring! Elevate the classic updo for special events (hello, wedding hairstyles) then go for a casual yet chic look for everyday wear. Either way, your hairdo will be simple to achieve yet oh-so-stylish. That's the beauty of the ponytail!

Want some inspo? Well, you've definitely come to the right spot. We've gathered the best ponytail styles for you to pony up and try. Get it? 😆 Here, you'll find high ponytails, low ponytails, and side ponytails, too. There are loose and messy updos that you can throw up in a flash as well as looks that feel a little fancier. Browse styles with fun accents like braids, twists, and wraps as well as styles that incorporate our favorite '80s trends. We're talking about scrunchies, of course! Want volume? You've got it. Looking for more of a slicked-back style? You can also find that. And if you have bangs, we've got some ideas for you as well. Basically, there's a ponytail for everyone! Did we mention they all make for especially great summer hairstyles? No matter how you pull up your locks, you're sure to up your hair game—literally.

The best part of a loose ponytail? You don't have to spend tons of time making it perfect. Rose Byrne's high updo has been teased and mussed-up for an effortless yet tasteful style—made even better by her curtain bangs.

Another perfectly imperfect look, Margot Robbie's low ponytail proves that sometimes messier is better. After you secure your elastic just below the nape of your neck, be sure to pull out a few face framing pieces then fluff out your hair for more tousled volume.

Enhance your go-to ponytail like Chrissy Teigen by adding a braid along the side of your head. We also love how she covered her hair tie by wrapping a strand of hair around it. This one makes for a great day to night 'do!

How glamorous is this retro high pony on Rihanna? To copy her look, tie up your tresses in a tight updo then create a flip by using a flat iron to curve the tips of your hair. Don't forget a good heat protectant!

Volume is the name of Taylor Swift's ponytail game! You can add similar lift to your hairstyle using one easy method: tons of teasing. She also secured her strands not too low but not too high then finished them off with charming curls.

If you have luxuriously long locks like Tika Sumpter, try this extra unique (and very bubbly) hairdo! You'll just need a few extra hair ties to make it happen. Wrap them around the length of your pony— spacing them out until you have your desired look.

Beyoncé sure does pack a ponytail punch with this slicked back, sky-high style. Along with the hair wrapped around her ponytail, it's made unique (and oh-so-cool) by the way it falls to the side of her head.

Carefree and cute describes Annie Murphy's twist on a classic hairstyle. Similar to a go-to low ponytail, hers is just loosely pulled right behind the ear. We're especially fans of this style paired with those flattering side bangs.

There's a reason this one keeps showing up on red carpet after red carpet! Like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, you'll embody all things chic when you try the low ponytail elevated by glossy slicked down hair, a striking mddli-part, and a wrapped base.

Calling all '80s lovers—Ree Drummond included! The beloved scrunchie is back and better than ever. Take a cue from Hailey Bieber and use the accessory to secure all of your updos for the most trendy touch. They're super easy to use, too.

With that yellow dress and enchanting hairdo, we can't help but compare Constance Wu to princess Belle. Her mid-ponytail is made extra classy thanks to soft, cascading waves with a high-gloss appearance that are slicked back into an updo with subtle volume at the crown.

Like Kerry Washington, let your natural curls flow free by tying them back into a pony at the back of your head. That's really all you have to do! If you want your tresses to look as full as hers, try gently backcombing the ponytail section for an instant boost.

Half-up ponytails will never go out of style! You get the stunning look of a luscious mane with the comfort that comes with having your hair up and out of your face. Here, Zendaya's half-pony sits right on top of her head while her bouncy curls are brought forward.

If braids aren't your thing, this twisted style seen on Shay Mitchell is a fun substitution. All you have to do is grab a hairline section near your part then twist your locks away from your face. You'll add more hair as you work your way down. Repeat on the other side to have the two sections meet at the back of your head or just stick to one side.

We can't have a ponytail roundup without including the queen of ponytails herself. Ariana Grande's signature style can be copied by sweeping your strands into an updo at the crown of your head—pulling it to avoid creating bumps. In this look, the singer adds a little more oomph with small braids atop her head.

For a daily 'do that's just as simple to achieve as it is stylish (and it's very stylish), go with Priyanka Chopra's super-low ponytail. It's placed right at the nape of her neck then complete with teasing on the top.

Take it from Lily Collins, styled bangs easily transform a classic ponytail from drab to fab! For this one, you'll want to start with a disheveled ponytail then blow dry your fringe into place. Bonus tip: Use a holding hairspray to keep the shape.

Blake Lively knows a thing or two about head-turning hairstyles, and this beautiful half-braid, half-ponytail is no exception! Once you've got your hair pulled up, you'll just braid your locks to your hearts desire. This could be a be a French braid or even a fishtail.

The key to a messy but sophisticated ponytail like this one seen on Dakota Johnson is tousled waves, body at the crown, and strategically placed face-framing pieces. If you tilt your head back while securing the elastic, the nape will remain tight throughout the day.

It hardly gets more elegant than this sleek and shiny hairstyle on Sarah Hyland. Her low ponytail has that polished look thanks to a defined S-shape created with a curling iron while the top is smoothed down using hair wax.

Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.

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