How to Create the Perfect Ponytail Hairstyle

A ponytail doesn’t just have to be a hairstyle you can wear to the gym. This versatile updo can be worn for anything from meeting your significant other’s parents for the first time (don’t worry, we’ve all been there!) to that important job interview you’ve been preparing for over the last few days. One of the reasons why we love ponytail hairstyles so much is that they’re so easy to create—it’s the perfect style for when you want to look put-together but don’t have much time to spare. That said, despite being simple, a ponytail hairstyle is still utterly chic. Want to take yours to the next level? Below, find our guide on creating the perfect ponytail, plus four of our favorite ponytail styles to try.

HOW DO YOU CREATE THE PERFECT PONYTAIL?

Getting a ponytail just right is easier said than done. Take these tips into consideration the next time you want to pull your long or medium hair into a pony.

STEP 1: DETERMINE WHERE YOU WANT TO PLACE YOUR PONYTAIL

The first step to creating the perfect ponytail is placement. Where you decide to place your ponytail will determine how you should go about creating your updo. For example, high ponytails that are level with your temples or above can give your hair more bounce. Low ponytails have less movement but look sleek and modern.

STEP 2: BRUSH YOUR HAIR THE RIGHT WAY

This may sound silly, but there is a right way to brush your hair when it comes to creating a ponytail hairstyle. If you want to help keep frizzy hair and bumps from making an appearance, brush your hair in the direction of your ponytail.

STEP 3: ADD TEXTURE

Adding texture to your hair can create a more voluminous look. After all, nobody wants a flat ponytail, right? Spray a volumizing hair spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT High Lift Creation Spray, onto your hair and use your fingers to muss your hair up a little. If you want to create even more texture, brush back your hair after spritzing on hairspray.

STEP 4: HELP TAME FLYAWAYS

Flyaways can completely ruin your ‘do. Now, let us just say, this hair hack might sound super-weird, but it actually works! Take a toothbrush (one that hasn’t been used, of course) and spritz it with hair spray, such as the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Fine Control Hairspray. Then use the toothbrush to brush down and tame those pesky flyaways.

Editor’s note: We mentioned this hairstyle is great for long and medium-length hair, but what about short hair? Don’t worry, having short strands won’t rule this look out! Simply use these same steps to create a half-up ponytail.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO MAKE YOUR PONYTAIL LOOK FULLER?

Looking for ways to get a fuller, thicker-looking ponytail? Well, we’re sharing four different tips for doing just that.

TIP #1: TRY A DOUBLE PONYTAIL

The key to a fuller-looking ponytail all lies in illusion (and maybe a little hair mousse!). For the double ponytail hairstyle, you’ll create two ponytails, one of which is hidden. Gather the hair above your ears to create a half ponytail and secure it with a clear elastic. Then, take this half ponytail and flip it over your head so that it’s out of the way. Create a second ponytail using the remaining bottom section of hair and make sure to secure it directly below the base of the first ponytail—this will ensure it’s hidden. Put your top ponytail back into place, then tie the two ponytails together. Hello, volume! This can also help to make your pony appear longer. Double win!

TIP #2: USE BOBBY PINS

Don’t let your ponytail fall flat during the day. Prop it up with two or three bobby pins after you’ve tied your hair. Slide the bobby pins over the hair tie on the bottom part of the ponytail. Place them at a steep, diagonal angle, and they’ll lift your ponytail for a heightened look.

TIP #3: TEASE YOUR HAIR IN SECTIONS

Teasing a ponytail can help make your hair look fuller—but how it’s done is what matters the most. Most people backcomb their ponytails in one section using a fine-toothed comb. If you really want to add the appearance of volume, split your ponytail into thirds and tease each section to build even more body.

TIP #4: FAKE VOLUME WITH A MINI CLIP

All you have to do is split your ponytail in half, stick a small claw clip inside, and hide it with the top section of your hair. This will leave you with a more voluminous look in a few seconds flat.

TIP #5: EMBRACE A LITTLE FRIZZ

If you crave a fuller-looking ponytail but don’t want to put in a ton of effort, apply a dollop of the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Thickening Medium Hold Cream Paste throughout damp hair and follow it up with a few spritzes a wavy spray. Once you’ve applied your product, allow your hair to air dry, and that’s all you have to do to add definition and texture to your hair. From there, just tie your hair up into a ponytail and voila!

4 PONYTAIL HAIRSTYLES TO TRY

Want to switch up your pony? Here are a few different ponytail styles worth trying.

PONYTAIL HAIRSTYLE #1: BRAIDED PONYTAIL

One of our favorite ways to add texture and detail to a ponytail? By combining it with a braid! Not only does a braided ponytail look undeniably beautiful, but there are so many ways to style one. In fact, here are 30 Braided Ponytail Hairstyles You're About to Be Obsessed With.

PONYTAIL HAIRSTYLE #2: CURLY PONYTAIL

Speaking of adding texture, why not try rocking a curly ponytail? Whether you have naturally curly hair or opt to add some spirals to your mane with a curling iron or wand is up to you—both are equally stunning options perfect for a special occasion.

PONYTAIL HAIRSTYLE #3: MESSY PONYTAIL

If you’re in a rush, throw your strands into an effortless, messy ponytail. This carefree look is perfect for running errands or heading to class. Learn how to do it with the help of our step-by-step tutorial, How to Achieve an Effortless Messy Ponytail.

PONYTAIL HAIRSTYLE #4: SLICKED BACK PONYTAIL

Prefer to keep things smooth and tidy? A slicked back ponytail is a great option for keeping your strands out of your face while conveying a polished appearance. Apply a bit of hair gel, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Clean Style Gel, throughout your mane. Then, slick your strands backward—making sure to avoid any bumps—and secure with an elastic.

Now that you know how to create the perfect ponytail, how about mastering the messy bun next? Here’s How to Create a Messy Bun.