10 Super Stylish Ponytail Upgrades for Curly Hair

Of all the many trending hairstyles that have come and gone over time, the ponytail reigns supreme as the ultimate go-to look. At this point, it’s a classic with variations that trend at different times. From fast and messy to seriously chic, ponytails are simple styles that require little effort but offer maximum versatility. It’s also why a ponytail is a hairstyle we reach for on those days when we’re in a rush. 

If you have curly hair, you’re probably accustomed to tossing your coils into a fluffy, voluminous puff, and since this everyday look is so effortless it can be easy to fall into a styling rut. But all it takes is a few tweaks and styling techniques to take your curly ponytail to the next level and make your spiral strands really stand out. To help spice up your usual updo, we’re sharing ten of the most stylish ponytail upgrades for your curly mane.

High Bubble Ponytail

The bubble ponytail is a look that channels the simplicity of a traditional high pony but is still a step outside of an everyday style. Both fashionable and fun, this ponytail is the perfect way to mix things up and branch out from your classic curly updo. This hairstyle uses hair elastics tied down the length of the ponytail to create smaller, round sections that look like bubbles. 

Check out our article, How To Create The Perfect Bubble Ponytail, for a guide to creating this cool look on your curly strands.

Middle Flat Twist Ponytail

A ponytail with a middle flat twist is a simple and cute, yet noticeable switch from the usual ponytail. Flat twists are a combination of cornrows and traditional twists that are super easy to create. All you need is a touch of hair gel, like the L’Oréal Paris LOCK IT Clean Style Gel, beads, and hair ties to pull the look together. Start by creating a two-inch-wide section, down the middle of your hair. Then split it in half and twist your strands over and under each other. Once you reach the ends, loop your twist through a few beads and secure with a hair elastic. Finish by using a dime-sized amount of hair gel to smooth any flyaways and add beads, cuffs, or other hair accessories to your twist to add a little extra flare.

Pineapple

A pineapple is a ponytail and protective style that can be worn to bed and out on the town. Pineapple hairstyles work double-duty to keep your curls in place while adding plenty of style as a high and voluminous updo. To get the look, start by refreshing your curls with a touch of hair oil, like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Treatment. Next, pull all of your hair to the top of your crown and forward and secure it with a hair scrunchie or hair tie. Fluff your curls so they hang over your forehead, and your style is complete.

Low Puff Ponytail With A Middle Part

Effortlessly chic and stylish, the low puff ponytail look takes minutes to create. For days when you want to pull your hair back without it looking boring, the addition of the middle part adds some depth. This hairstyle is the perfect ponytail upgrade for a sleek and sophisticated look that comes together in minutes. Simply part your hair down the middle and brush your strands toward the back of your head and secure into a pretty puffy ponytail.  To finish the look, add a dime-sized amount of hair gel and apply it evenly to your roots.

Faux Three Strand Braided Ponytail 

Braided ponytails are having a major moment in the beauty world right now, and we can see why. They are easy to style, low maintenance, and can pull together any look in seconds — especially if you hack the look with a removable braid. Rub a small amount of the L’Oréal Paris Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum Leave-In through your strands to smooth out any hair flyaways. Then grab some hair extensions and start creating a long braided ponytail or use a hair tie and bobby pins to attach a pre-braided extension to your hair.

Tall And Texturized Ponytail 

For those with super thick curly hair, you can’t go wrong with the natural high piled ponytail. With little to no product needed to get the look, this simplistic ponytail style is the perfect way to let your natural texture shine. To get the look, add a touch of hair gel to your roots, brush your hair toward the top of your head, and secure with a hair elastic.

Cornrow Ponytail

Cornrow ponytails are one of the easiest ways to instantly upgrade your traditional pony. This requires braiding your cornrows up towards the crown of your head so that you can easily gather them. Then, pull all the braids into a high ponytail and secure them with a statement hair tie. It can be a bit time-consuming if you’re not a fast or skilled braider, but the results are always awesome.

Half Up, Half Down Ponytail With A Lean

Rather than pulling up your entire mane, consider a half-up ponytail. This half-up hairstyle gives you free rein to flaunt your length and keeps your curly strands stylishly pulled back from your face and high up on your crown. To get the look, part your hair from ear to ear, creating a top and bottom section. Clip the bottom half out of the way. Fasten the top half into a mini ponytail. Then brush your ponytail hair to one side to give it a slight lean in one direction.  unclip the bottom section of your hair and allow it to just hang.

Dutch Braid Low Ponytail 

If you love ponytails with braids and loose curls, then this is the hairstyle for you. Try creating a Dutch braid on each side of your head. When you reach the back of your head, secure the remaining hair into a ponytail, leaving your curls to hang loosely. To kick the look up a notch, weave a piece of fabric or ribbon into your braid. Need to brush up on your Dutch braiding skills? Check out our article, How to Dutch Braid Your Hair, to learn how to plait like a pro.

Curly Pigtails

Pigtails are a great way to bring the nostalgia of your childhood hair into the present day. Perfect for curly hair, this look keeps your hair up and off of your face but also shows off the natural volume and texture of your strands. Upgrade the look by adding braids, transforming your tails into buns, or spraying the ends with some temporary hair color. To get the look, part your hair down the middle, then divide your hair into two equal sections. Clip one side out of the way. Gather the remaining side and smooth it into a ponytail, securing it with a hair scrunchie. Repeat on the other side to even out your look.

Next: 15 Hot Protective Hairstyles for Natural Hair

Written By: Lauren Paige Richeson Photo Credit: Melissa Wilcox, IG/@eatwholelivefit