40 High Ponytail Ideas for Every Woman

A high ponytail is popular because it is so versatile and easy to do. Worn slick and straight, it is a perfect complement to a gown at a formal event, and its messy wavy version is a good idea for a fun and flippy casual look. No matter what your preference or personal style is, this quick hairdo is always an option. Keep reading to see 40 inspiring pictures in the gallery below!

The Variety of High Ponytails

Every high pony on our list is special, and you won’t find two hairstyles that are practically alike. Playing with texture, adding braids, twists or hair accessories, you’ll be able to come up with your own outstanding version of the good old pony.

#1: Straight High Ponytail with a Twist

For a more bohemian take on the classic straight look, simply add a French braid on one side. Change the size of the braid depending on the events that you have planned; go larger for casual environments and smaller for conservative ones.

#2: Red Carpet Worthy Hairstyle

If you are in search of an appropriate high ponytail hairstyle for a special event, this is the look for you. A wavy style with a small bouffant in the front gives major volume and will look good when photographed from any angle.

#3: Reverse French Braid Ponytail

Create a bit of mystery by hiding a French braid under your high ponytail. Every time you move, it will peek out without giving too much away. A worthy hairdo for a conservative woman with a bit of spice.

#4: Ponytail and Lacy Braid

As stated above, a messy side braid is a great way to add some fun to your look in a casual setting. This take combines brown and blonde colors for a blending of hues that is truly unique. Fans of Khloe Kardashian will definitely want to try this, as she has sported a similar dye job on multiple occasions.

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#5: Big and Bouncy Half Ponytail Style

A half-ponytail is a good option for women who have layered hair because it keeps the shorter pieces out of your face while letting the longer ones flow freely. Springy curls add a polished touch to the look that could easily work for a prom or wedding.

Instagram/ @georgesmattarofficial

#6: Retro Ponytail Style

If you want to make a high ponytail even classier than it already is, why not give it a retro feel? By wrapping a side section of hair around the base of the pony and adding a small bouffant, you can channel some 1960s vibes in no time. Leave a few strands to fall down for a super cute ponytail updo ready to be worn for any occasion, casual or formal.

Instagram / @missysueblog

#7: Wavy Ponytail

There’s no reason why a high ponytail should be smooth and sleek. Instead, play with its texture to your heart’s content. By curling the hair after pulling it back, you get a messy yet charming aesthetic that will suit any formal event.

Instagram / @circlesofhair

#8: Ponytail with Dutch Braid

Should you be lucky enough to have super long locks, a messy ponytail with a Dutch braid and bouffant may be the way to go. Backcomb the crown section and braid one side or both. With this style you don’t need a ponytail to sit super high – right at the crown or a bit lower would be fine. Apply some texturizing product and backcomb your long pony. Messy has just got chic.

Instagram / @braids_in_action

#9: Ponytail for Fine Hair

Perfect pony isn’t so hard to achieve. The particular updo takes minutes to complete, here’s how to make a high ponytail extra fancy. Brush the hair back and pull it up as high as you want your ponytail to be. Tie your ponytail with an elastic. For thin hair to make your pony thicker at the base, divide it into two sections. Lift the top section and pin a small claws hair pin clamp at the base of your pony. Cover with the top section of the hair. Make a hair wrap and pin in place.

Instagram / @_hairbygabrielle

#10: Trendy Style with French Plait

As far as high ponytail styles go, a tousled pony with a braid won’t let you down. The French braid at the top of the head is what draws the most attention. Add that to your messy updo and you’ll really get a winning combo.

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Instagram / @hairby_chrissy

#11: Pony with Textured Braid

Here’s a hairstyle that’s ideal for long hair; you just have so much scope for creativity that you may as well make the most of it. One French braid is good, but what about trying three plaits that mold the front of your style into a braided Mohawk that can be finished with a ponytail. Oh, and you don’t need to keep things super straight — feel free to play with curls.

Instagram / @sweethearts_hair

#12: Tight and Sleek Tail

Starting with just a couple of small braids off the hairline, you have a wealth of ways you can go with. If you want your ponytail to be perfect, you need to make sure that the roots are sleek and smooth. Use gel or pomade. Then, tie a ponytail super high.

Instagram / @circlesofhair

#13: Messy Waves Style

Whether you’re heading to a wedding or just to a garden party, it is a hairdo that will suit you. Teasing the hair to make it look effortlessly messy yet styled is ideal. It’s one of those high ponytail hairstyles that can be worn to pretty much any event.

Instagram / @sunkissedandmadeup

#14: The Princess Tie

For a fun, urban chic hairstyle, all you need to do is add some plaits into the mix. While cornrows that are typically paired with a ponytail are braided vertically – from hairline towards the crown, change the direction of yours and get a completely new take on the look. Cornrows across the side of your head are a cute detail that spices this otherwise plain pony.

Instagram / @hair_by_pelerossi

#15: Half Up Half Down

Want to keep things natural yet stylish? The half up, half down trend was massive throughout the 1990s, but it’s making a comeback. Tie half of your locks up in a ponytail and let your curls cascade down.

Instagram / @hair_by_pustovalova

#16: High Voluminous Ponytail

Inspired by wonderful Adele, here’s a high ponytail that is certain to turn heads. To get the fad right, you need to make sure that you leave some messy strands pulled out here and there. They frame any face beautifully.

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Instagram / @alliedoeshair

#17: Natural Curly Pony with Bangs

A long pony is easy to achieve with a weave or simply applying a drawstring ponytail, but your shorter natural hair can also be beautifully styled into a pretty ponytail updo. Pair with curly bangs and consider adding soft highlights.

Instagram / @modelesque_nic

#18: Crimped Pony Look

You may think that crimpy hair has gone well out of style, but you’re wrong. Check out this braided updo and try to recreate it yourself! French braids and straight crimped strands make for a cool contrast of textures.

Instagram / @sweethearts_hair

#19: Bouffant and Braid

A high ponytail is a quite casual hairstyle for women but with a bouffant, a side braid and a few messy curls, you can easily turn it into a formal updo. Pancake the braid, making it more pronounced and add a hair wrap to the pony.

Instagram / @studioalessandranunes

#20: Cascading Pony

Curly locks always appear wonderful, especially if you’re willing to be experimental. Curls like these may also conseal a high ponytail trick that will make your pony extra long. Just take the good example of how sleek hair can be in a ponytail; this one can be even worn to a wedding.

Instagram / @tatiana.wladi

#21: Box Braids Pony

Cute box braids are easy to make even cuter with a simple updo, like a high wrapped pony. Pull them up, twist and pin. A cool, contemporary hairstyle!

Instagram / @braidsbynuvo

#22: Updo with Poof

For something utterly fabulous, here’s an updo with poof. It’s one of those high ponytail styles that will make your jaw-drop. The perfect root volume, soft bouncy curls, dimensional color and a high shine finish are the key elements of its success.

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Instagram / @art4studio

#23: Braided Side Ponytail

Want to take your braids to the whole next level? Try them in a cute side ponytail. Ghana braids are ideal for a style like this, but you can also wear a side ponytail with box braids or Senegalese twists.

Instagram / @mzpritea

#24: Ponytail with Bump

A ponytail with bump is a snazzy style that every girl can appreciate. The trick is backcombing the top section before pulling your hair back into a pony. As for the texture of the pony, make it as fierce as you feel!

Instagram / @bnhair_

#25: Super Sleek Ponytail

Wondering how to do a high ponytail that holds all day? You may go for a compound ponytail. It consists of two ponies but looks like one. After dividing the hair into two sections (top and bottom) make a ponytail for the bottom section. Then pull the top hair back and bring it to the ponytail you’ve just made. Secure the top hair with the bottom ponytail with an elastic. Add a hair wrap.

Instagram / @getporschd

#26: Bold and Blonde High Ponytail

For a night on the town, opt for a more grown up variety of the standard ponytail. This curly twisted look gives you major volume without the hassle of having hair falling into your face or weighing you down.

#27: Futuristic and Flirty Ponytail

When all else fails, a hair accessory will always take your look to the next level. The blonde sleek ponytail with a metal holder is reminiscent of early 2000’s pop stars like Britney and Christina — which lets you know that this hairdo is guaranteed to be a hit.

#28: Stylish Supersized Ponytail

This is the perfect high ponytail hairstyle for a woman who never takes a day off from being glamorous. There’s nothing basic or boring about this look, with a long bouffant it takes the wearer to new heights.

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#29: High Ponytail with Side Bangs

Another star-inspired look, but this time it’s current reigning pop princess Ariana Grande. The singer wears this wavy side bang with highlights on stage, the red carpet and even out with friends, which proves how versatile and appealing this look can be.

#30: High Bubble Ponytail

The double banded ponytail has been a popular hair trend this year. It adds visual interest to the basic look without requiring any extra prep time. This sleek, no-fuss style will pair just as well with workout wear as it will with a trendy outfit for the weekend. A perfect look to transition from morning yoga to afternoon brunch on a Saturday.

#31: High Ponytail with Long Golden Coils

Wrapping a piece of hair around a ponytail holder is a quick way to transition your updo from day to night. Messy blonde curls with a bump in the front are a great contrast to each other for a style that is put together but not over the top.

#32: Brunette Ponytail with Braided Bangs

A braided bang highlights your facial features and seems a bit more polished than an average high ponytail. This loose curly style is perfect for a variety of momentous events in a young lady’s life like formal dances, graduation and more.

#33: Chic High Ponytail with a Twist

If you work in a professional environment, it might not fit into the conservative dress code to wear big curls or braids. This twisted blonde option is a great way to put a spin on a classic look while remaining office-appropriate.

#34: High Ponytail with Jumbo Cornrows

Women with natural hair sometimes want to take a break from co-washing and twist-outs for a more low-maintenance option. When you need to take a breather, a braided ponytail is a way to go for an upkeep-free look that will last at least a week.

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#35: Long Braided Ponytail with Bouffant

Seeking a creative yet sophisticated updo for your next event? Look no further than this loosely looped style with pinned bangs. The high ponytail hairstyle manages to be tough, but still works great for high society events.

#36: Sassy Side Ponytail

Another form of cute styling for African-American women suggests the use of a weave. If you want to try a perfect voluminous high ponytail that requires zero heat, make sure to match the added hair to the natural texture and base color of your own hair.

#37: Two-Tone High Ponytail with a Fauxhawk

If blending into the crowd or playing it safe is not your thing, try a look that is sure to make you stand out. This curly style combines braids and a Mohawk for a look that will take you to the new heights. For extra style points, wear a studded denim vest to give it a rock star vibe.

#38: Ponytail with Wild Wavy Ombre

Many black women desire blonde hair, but worry about it clashing with certain skin tones or taking too much effort to maintain. A blonde ombre helps you to get the warmth and brightness of a lighter hair color, without worrying about all of the extra effort that comes with it.

#39: Hot High Rebellious Ponytail

Getting an undercut seems like a major commitment, but it doesn’t have to be if you leave the top long. Wear it up to show off the tough cut, but when you are feeling a bit more demure, you can part it down the middle for a wavy medium hairstyle.

#40: Full and Fluffy Blonde Ponytail

Women with thick short hair might find it difficult to pull it up into a high style without the fear that wispy pieces will stick out awkwardly. Instead of piling it up on the crown, twisting the sides into an updo at the back of your head creates a ponytail effect without the need of long strands.

A high ponytail is an easy way to keep your appearance stylish while on the go. Whether you prefer to be glamorous at all times or usually adopt a more low-key look, there is a hairdo option for every woman. From blonde to dark hair, shorter or long length, this hairstyle is universal.