A person with long, dark hair holds their high ponytail against an orange background. A person with long, dark hair holds their high ponytail against an orange background.

Level Up Your Look With These Ponytail Hairstyles

Ponytails reign supreme in the hairstyle world, prized for their convenience, versatility, and undeniable style. From gym sessions to special occasions, a ponytail is a classic choice. Whether you prefer a sleek, slicked-back look or a bouncy, curly ponytail, the options are endless. And ponytails aren't just for long hair; medium and even shorter hairstyles can rock this look with the right styling products. Get inspired and elevate your ponytail game with these stylish options.

Wavy Ponytail Hairstyle

Calling all minimalists! This effortlessly chic ponytail is a classic for a reason. The combination of smooth roots and loose waves is unbeatable—it's essentially the hair equivalent of athleisure. To achieve this look, prep damp hair with Garnier Fructis Anti-Humidity Smoothing Milk to boost shine and combat frizz. Blow-dry using a round brush to create volume and a gentle curl at the ends. Then, simply pull your hair back into a ponytail, and you're ready to go.

A woman with long blonde hair is seen from behind, showcasing a wavy, low ponytail.
A woman with blonde hair ties her short hair back into a low, slightly messy ponytail.

High Ponytail Hairstyles

This versatile style works best with second- or third-day hair, as the natural texture adds grip and volume. If you're starting with freshly washed hair, dry shampoo can help create a similar effect.

Classic High Ponytail: Brush your hair thoroughly to remove any tangles. Tease the hair at the crown for extra lift. Gather your hair and secure it high on your head with an elastic.

Twisted High Ponytail: After brushing and teasing as described above, gather your hair into a high ponytail. Divide the ponytail into two sections and twist each one in opposite directions. Then, wrap the two sections around each other and secure the ends with a hair tie. Set the style with Garnier Fructis Flexible Control Anti-Humidity Hairspray for hold and shine without stiffness.

Short Ponytail Styles

Even short hair can rock a ponytail! Here are two variations:

Short Shaggy Ponytail: Embrace a relaxed, tousled look with this easy style. Gather your layers back into a full or half ponytail. Spritz with Garnier Fructis Volume Anti-Humidity Aerosol Hairspray to hold the style and add texture.

Vintage Flipped Short Ponytail: Start by applying Garnier Fructis Flat Iron Perfector to dry hair for heat protection. Gather your hair into a low ponytail. Use a flat iron to straighten the length of the ponytail, then flip the last couple of inches outwards by curling them upwards and away from your head.

The back of a woman's head showcases a neatly styled high ponytail.
The back of a head with long, brown hair demonstrates a wrapped ponytail style.

Long Ponytail Styles

The wrap-around ponytail is a deceptively easy updo perfect for any occasion. Begin by parting your hair down the middle and sectioning off two small pieces at the front. Gather the remaining hair into a ponytail. Wrap each front section around the base of the ponytail, concealing the hair tie, and secure with bobby pins. For extra volume, gently lift the ponytail and backcomb underneath. Finish with Garnier Fructis Volume Anti-Humidity Hairspray to hold the style.

Braided Ponytail Variations

Elevate the classic ponytail with a touch of braid. A French braid ponytail combines a French braid starting at the crown with a low ponytail, offering a chic, versatile look. 

For a more intricate style, the mini braided ponytail incorporates a small braid at the front, ideal even for short hair. Second or third-day hair works best; refresh curls with Garnier Fructis Curl Renew Reactivating Milk Spray or add texture to straight hair with dry shampoo. Create the braid, gather the hair into a ponytail, backcomb for volume, and set with Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Hairspray. 

Finally, the braided side ponytail offers a modern take on a classic. Apply hairspray to dry hair, part your hair to one side, and gather it into a low ponytail on the opposite side, at ear level. Braid the ponytail and finish with hairspray.

A profile view of a woman with blonde hair styled into a French braid leading into a ponytail.
A side view of a woman with dark hair pulled back into a sleek, high ponytail.

Sleek Ponytail Styles

These high ponytail styles offer versatility for every occasion.

Sleek High Ponytail: Transform your gym-ready ponytail into a chic style by prepping damp hair with Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Flat Iron Perfector. Blow-dry with a round brush, keeping the ends straight, and finish with a flat iron. Secure high on the crown.

Slick Back Ponytail: Achieve a polished, high-shine look with this style. The key is a smooth, tight base. Start by applying Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Glass Hair Water for ultimate shine and smoothness in seconds. Then, gather your hair tightly at the crown and secure with an elastic.

Bubble Ponytail

Create a half-up ponytail, then add additional elastics down the length of the pony, gently pulling out the hair between each elastic to create "bubbles." Garnier Fructis Curl Refresher Spray is perfect for reviving waves in the remaining hair. A YouTube tutorial can be helpful for visualizing the technique.

A woman with long, light brown hair smiles as she showcases a bubble ponytail adorned with small, gold elastics.