40 Easy and Chic Half Ponytails for Straight, Wavy and Curly Hair

The half ponytail is one hairstyle that never goes out of style. We’ve got 40 different ideas of how you can make this look your own, whether you have short hair, medium, longer locks, or even natural hair that you usually wear in an afro or cornrows. You can rock this versatile and stylish hairstyle for formal and fancy events or make it more casual too. Our suggestions make it easy.

The Convenience and Beauty of Half Ponytails

A half pony is a way to draw attention to your face and, at the same time, to show off some beautiful flowing locks. Simply style some loose curls with a flat iron and gather the front section of your hair into a pony. Here are the cutest examples we’ve come across on Instagram.

#1: Long Brown Hair With High Ponytail

Avoid looking too neat and overly put together by curling your hair and then running your fingers through it with a texturizing product. Split the ponytail in the middle so it falls on either side of your head. So pretty!

#2: Braided Boho Locks

This is great for thick hair because it’s a look that requires you to have a lot of hair to work with in order to keep it from looking too flat. This look features the perfect blend of color, texture and lines.

#3: Sexy White-Blond Weave

Long hair is sexy and feminine, but people with short and medium length hair can get the same vibe by using a weave. Try to get natural human hair, and avoid glue since it can damage your natural hair. Clip-ins are fun if you aren’t sure whether you really want to commit. Just attach fake strands on both sides and cover them with your own hair.

#4: High Ponytail

It’s time to get your glam on with a high pony that releases cascades of polished waves. After you add some waves, just tease the roots, shaping a perfect bouffant and pull the top half of your hair back and through a hair tie.

Instagram/ @husseinsafwann from @PACEELUCE

#5: Pebbles Pony

Meet the half ponytail that’s going to make you the coolest girl on the block. The Pebbles Pony is spunky, flirty and fun. The key to obtaining an appearance such as this one is to start your pony in the centre of your head, leaving some free-flowing strands around.

#6: Beachy Half Ponytail

A cool, laid-back approach is what you’ll get when you opt for a loose curly half hairstyle. Ideal for running errands or going to brunch, this hairdo involves three sections of hair, knotted together and curled through the ends. Works great for short locks too. Super simple, super cute.

#7: Messy Half Ponytail

The no-frills approach to hair is definitely a huge trend these days. But instead of opting for a messy bun, try a messy half up/half down ponytail. You don’t need to worry if your hair is a little frizzy or tangled – that will actually make it look better!

#8: Bardot Pony

Half ponytail hairstyles like this one are classic thanks to beauty icon Brigitte Bardot. Bouffant ponytails flatter most face shapes, so nearly everyone can try it out for a special occasion. You’ll need to backcomb and pin, so your hair has body.

#9: Soft Half Up Ponytail

Another craze all hot celebrities are wearing these days. You can go with wavy or straight hair to complete it, just make sure you make your pony high, high, high! And don`t forget to add a glamorous sparkling detail such as a brooch. A brooch in hair is a new trend.

#10: Jet Black Pony with Volume

While very similar to the bouffant, this design is a bit more sleek and chic, making it ideal for a wedding or big night out. If you have bangs, it will be easier to create a sophisticated beauty moment.

#11: Gigi Hadid Inspired Ponytail

This is a half up ponytail perfect for you ladies with super long locks. A very, very easy pony to recreate, as it looks best when you’re rocking your natural hair texture. Supermodel Gigi Hadid has been seen with this exact hairdo.

#12: Casual Half Up Ponytail

Do you have an ombre ‘do? If so, this one is for you. After you’ve pulled the top portion of your hair back, you’ll want to add the elastic band right where it starts to change color. By doing this, you emphasize the different shade.

#13: Formal Half Ponytail

Updos are great for a super formal affair, but if you want to standout in a crowd full of buns, try a formal half up. You can make your pony curly or wavy to produce a striking appearance.

#14: Midi Half Up, Half Down

Not too high, not too low, a midi half ponytail gives you the best of both worlds. Bright colors for such careless hairstyles work even better! If you have long bangs, you can either include them into your ponytail or leave them out to frame your face.

#15: Glam Ponytail

Who doesn’t love a bit of an optical illusion when it comes to beauty? While it appears to be one large pony, it’s not. By teasing and magnifying your strands, you’ll get more glam. Very fitting for a club night.

#16: Twisted Pony

Your hair will be the envy of everyone in the room once you bring out something this intricate-looking yet simple. A set of two or three topsy ponytails looks fresh, yet the basic style is as old as the world. Your beachy waves will shine!

#17: Grande Ponytail

Combine your half ponytail with pompadour to come up with a formal version of half ponytail. The touchable, soft blonde waves are very feminine and alluring.

#18: Half Up Curly ‘Do

Bridal looks can at times be a little, too, erm, serious. Add a fun factor with loose curls and twists. Let your bouffant be imperfect. Looks lovely and effortless!

#19: Half French Braid Ponytail

Give that classic French braid an update by making it the focal point of your half updo. Simply create the braid on one side and blend it into your pony. If you have straight hair, add some curls for a fancier appearance.

#20: Fabulous Bridal Pony

Feast your eyes on the perfect half ponytail. The twisted strands on the sides elevate an ordinary ponytail, and the added jewel hair clip offers the perfect amount of romance for your big day.

#21: Mod Ponytail

Take a trip back in time with this style. A perfect way to give straight hair some dimension, you just need to comb the front section of your hair back, and then use bobby pins and hairspray to create a cute half pony that blends with the free-flowing locks perfectly.

Instagram/ @husseinsafwann from @PACEELUCE

#22: Romantic Half Pony

Here’s a super cute half up ponytail that screams romance and is incredibly easy to complete. It’s a date night option that is sure to please. You need to start by curling and teasing your hair a bit. Then, pull the sections above the ears, and bring them straight to the back of your head. Finish by tying with a band and red ribbon.

#23: Classic Bridesmaid Ponytail

If you’re in a wedding party and really want to make a statement, look no further than this curly ‘do. You can simply curl your locks, pull them into a low pony and add some bling. It’s a soft and elegant showstopper.

#24: Honey Blonde Fishtail Look

The fishtail remains in style because it’s an easy way to make your look ultra-cool. Section off one third of your hair at the top of your head and wrap it with a hair tie. Then fishtail that part until you reach the middle of your head. End the braid with another hair tie. This works best with hair left natural, as it adds good texture. You can use a french braid for this look too.

#25: Accessorize Curled Look with Bangs

Get curls so perfect that they almost look fake – use a lot of hairspray and both a large and small curling iron. Split your bangs down the middle and curl them gently outward using the large curling iron. Use bobby pins to secure stray curls to the top of your head so they wrap around seamlessly and blend into your half ponytail hairstyle.

Instagram/ @georgesmattarofficial

#26: Ombre Curly Style

Ombre is still on trend, and this is a new way to wear it. Create only large curls all over your head. If you have shorter hair, use a smaller curling iron. Use an elastic to tie up your curly ponytail and then wrap its base with a thin strand. The pony should rest pretty high on your head for this cute look.

#27: Mature, Poofy Style

If you want a more elegant and mature look this is the style for you, as it can take you from the office to a formal event in no time. This looks great on any length. For extra sophistication, wrap a one-inch section of hair around the hair band to mask it.

#28: Long Blond Hair with Bump and Sparkling Clip

Instant volume becomes your go-to with this stylish bump. You can use a product like Bump-It or you can rely on backcombing and a lot of hairspray. Either way, you’ll get a great, high lift. Make your half up ponytail special by adding a sparkling clip or a bow.

#29: Intricate Updo for Highlighted Hair

Put a spin on the traditional look by adding an intricate design. Section off the upper portion of your hair in three parts, with the middle section being the widest. Put the middle section in a ponytail. Then, tie the first and third sections on either side of your head to create the perfect complex loop.

#30: Princess-Like Style for Long Thick Hair

This princess-worthy style is a unique take on the curled design with the smoothed back crown and high ponytail. You can try using a weave or fake hair for this look if your hair isn’t too long. Wrap a strand around the ponytail to give it extra height.

#31: Dyed Simple Style for Second Day Hair

Growing out a dye-job? This look is your new favorite among half ponytail hairstyles. It’s shiny and a little messy, so it’s perfect for second day hair. Basically section off a half of your hair and band it back. Let your natural waves free.

#32: Blonde Flirty Teased Style

If you like to look cute and innocent, this look is perfect for you. Add gentle curls using a curling iron, or calm naturally curly hair using a conditioning product. Scrunch curls with mousse. Pull half of your hair up, using a simple black hairband and tug gently on hair to push it up to the crown of your head.

#33: Ginger Highlights With Side Bangs

This look is so versatile that it works really well with bangs too. Put a half of your hair into a ponytail like usual and pin bangs to the side of your head to keep them neat. Highlights or ombre work really well with this semi-messy look.

#34: Brunette Prom Hairstyle

Prom season is always an exciting time. You want hair that’s neat but easy to fix in case it gets messed up with all of that dancing. Relying on nothing more than a curling iron and a hair band, section your hair right behind your ears and then tie it so that your half ponytail is in the middle of your head. Use a wrap to mask the hairband.

#35: Loose Messy Hairstyle For Dyed Hair

Carefree days require hairstyles that don’t take a lot of effort. If your hair is naturally curly or wavy, leave it. If you have straight hair, wash your hair at night and braid or twist it so that you can wake up to lovely heatless curls. This is awesome if you have highlights or lowlights you’re really proud of.

#36: Quick Vintage Hollywood Style

This soft, feminine look is reminiscent of old Hollywood glam. If you have a wider face shape this will draw attention up thanks to the poofy height of the crown, which will visually lengthen your face. Go for relaxed waves or soften your natural curls.

#37: Glossy Twisted Look

Put your own twist on the half ponytail by creating a low ponytail and twisting hair around it. Curl your hair mid shaft to ends. This relaxes the low pony and makes it good for day or night.

#38: Sleek Straightened Black Hair

Natural hair is very beautiful, but it’s often hard to manage. This half ponytail shows off the mirror-like sleekness of relaxed black hair with balayage highlights. Use a fine-toothed comb to part your hair one-third down your head and gather that section to the top of your head, banding tightly. Smooth down baby hairs using a toothbrush.

#39: High Curled ‘Do for Dark hair

This quirky ponytail is a great look if you’re on the edgier side. Create defined curls using your fingers and a moisturizing product for natural or curly hair or apply a large-barrel curling iron for straight hair. Add hair spray and band your hair tightly. It should look like you have two large curls on either side of the ponytail.

#40: Glitter Style for Concerts and Parties

Move over, diamonds. Glitter is truly a girl’s best friend. Take the half ponytail to parties and concerts by topping the look off with glitter. Sprinkle it around your crown and along the rest of your hair.

Half ponytails work for day and night, office and birthday party, and they look great with any type of hair. Accessorize your pony with fun clips or embellished headbands for a new look! Be sure to keep your hair nice and healthy by conditioning and moisturizing it. That way, you’ll be rewarded with locks that are always ready to try something new!