10 Different Ponytail Hairstyles to Try This Week
The ponytail is one of those hairstyles that never truly goes out of fashion. It’s quick, it’s versatile, and it works on practically every hair type and length.
But if you’ve been pulling your hair back the same way for years, it might be time to switch things up. There are so many different ponytail hairstyles out there — some that take under two minutes and others that look like you just stepped out of a salon.
Whether you’re heading to the office, going out for brunch, or just want something fresh for your morning workout, a new ponytail style can change the way your entire look comes together.
From cute ponytail hairstyles that feel playful and fun to sleek, refined versions perfect for formal events, there’s a ponytail for every mood.
Below, we’ve rounded up ten of the most trendy ponytail styles worth trying this week. Each one includes outfit pairing suggestions and a quick styling guide so you can recreate the look at home — no salon appointment needed.
The Classic High Ponytail
There’s a reason the high ponytail has been a staple for decades — it’s bold, it lifts the face, and it instantly gives you that “put together” energy. This is one of the most simple ponytail hairstyles you can master, and once you get the positioning right, you’ll reach for it constantly.
Pull all your hair up to the crown of your head and secure it tightly with a strong elastic. Use a fine-tooth comb to smooth down any bumps, and finish with a light-hold hairspray for that sleek, flyaway-free look. If your hair is fine, backcomb the ponytail gently for extra volume and movement.
Outfit & Styling Guide
- Pair with a fitted blazer and high-waisted trousers for a sharp office look
- Gold hoop earrings add a chic finishing touch that complements the clean neckline
- Use a smoothing serum on damp hair before blow-drying straight for maximum sleekness
- Wrap a thin strand of hair around the elastic to hide it for a polished finish
The Low Sleek Ponytail
Understated elegance at its finest. The low sleek ponytail sits at the nape of the neck and gives off an effortlessly refined vibe. It’s one of those different ponytail hairstyles that works as beautifully with a silk dress at dinner as it does with a cashmere sweater on the weekend.
Section your hair with a middle or side part, smooth it back with a boar-bristle brush, and secure low at the nape. A dab of styling gel or pomade along the hairline keeps everything slick and controlled. This look thrives on precision, so take your time getting it right.
Outfit & Styling Guide
- Style with a turtleneck or off-shoulder top to highlight the clean neckline
- Minimalist stud earrings or a single pendant necklace keep the look sophisticated
- Apply a small amount of hair oil to the lengths for a healthy, reflective shine
- Best suited for second-day hair when natural oils help with smoothness
The Bubble Ponytail
If you’re looking for cute ponytail hairstyles that feel playful without being over the top, the bubble ponytail is your answer. This style has been all over social media for good reason — it’s surprisingly easy and looks far more complex than it actually is.
Start by tying your hair in a regular ponytail. Then, place small elastics every two to three inches down the length of your ponytail. Gently pull and fan out each section between the elastics to create rounded “bubbles.” The thicker your hair, the more dramatic the effect.
Outfit & Styling Guide
- Looks adorable with a sundress and sandals for weekend brunch or a garden party
- Use colourful or velvet elastics to add a fun, decorative touch to each section
- Tease each bubble section lightly with your fingers for fuller, rounder shapes
- Works beautifully on both straight and wavy hair textures
The Braided Ponytail
Combining two timeless techniques, the braided ponytail is both practical and gorgeous. Start with a French braid at the crown and transition into a flowing ponytail at the back. It’s one of those trendy ponytail styles that looks intricate but can be done in front of the bathroom mirror in about ten minutes.
For a looser, more romantic feel, gently tug at the edges of the braid to pancake it out. If you prefer a sportier version, keep the braid tight and neat. Either way, this style holds up beautifully all day long and keeps hair completely out of your face.
Outfit & Styling Guide
- Pair with an athleisure outfit — think matching set and clean white trainers — for a sporty chic look
- A denim jacket thrown over a simple tee ties the casual-cool aesthetic together perfectly
- Apply texturizing spray before braiding to add grip and prevent the braid from slipping
- Secure the braid-to-ponytail transition point with a clear elastic for a seamless look
The Curly Ponytail
Natural curls deserve to be shown off, and a curly ponytail does exactly that. This is one of the most beautiful different ponytail hairstyles for textured hair — it celebrates volume, bounce, and personality. Gathered at a mid-height point, the curls cascade down with gorgeous dimension.
The key to this style is moisture. Apply a curl-defining cream or mousse to damp hair before diffusing or air-drying. Once your curls are set, gather them gently into a ponytail without pulling too tight — you want to preserve the curl pattern, not flatten it.
Outfit & Styling Guide
- Style with a bold-coloured wrap top or flowy blouse for maximum visual impact
- Statement earrings — think oversized hoops or geometric drops — complement the volume beautifully
- Use a silk or satin scrunchie to avoid creasing and breakage on curly hair
- Refresh curls with a water-based spray and scrunch before pulling up for the best definition
The Side-Swept Ponytail
Romantic, soft, and slightly vintage — the side-swept ponytail is one of those cute ponytail hairstyles that instantly makes you feel feminine. Gathered loosely over one shoulder, this style works beautifully with waves or loose curls for an old-Hollywood feel.
Create soft waves using a large-barrel curling iron, then sweep all hair to one side and secure with an elastic just behind the ear. Let a few tendrils fall loose around the face for that effortlessly dreamy quality. This ponytail is all about softness, not perfection.
Outfit & Styling Guide
- Perfect with a one-shoulder or asymmetric neckline that echoes the off-centre placement
- Delicate chain earrings or pearl drops add to the romantic, feminine aesthetic
- Pin the hair behind the opposite ear with bobby pins for extra hold throughout the night
- Use a medium-hold hairspray to maintain the waves without making them stiff or crunchy
The Hair-Wrapped Ponytail
Small details make the biggest difference. The hair-wrapped ponytail is essentially a regular ponytail with one elegant upgrade: a section of hair is wrapped around the elastic, completely concealing it. It turns a simple ponytail hairstyle into something that looks intentional and polished.
Tie your hair in a mid-height ponytail. Take a small strand from the underside of the ponytail, wrap it around the elastic until it’s fully hidden, and pin the end underneath with a bobby pin. That’s it — a two-second trick that elevates the entire look.
Outfit & Styling Guide
- Pair with structured workwear — a tailored shirt and pencil skirt creates a refined, boardroom-ready look
- Keep jewellery minimal; a simple watch and small studs are all you need
- Straighten hair beforehand for the cleanest, most polished version of this style
- Use a texturizing powder at the roots for subtle lift and grip that lasts all day
The Messy Textured Ponytail
Sometimes the best ponytail is the one that looks like you barely tried. The messy textured ponytail is the ultimate laid-back style — loose, undone, and completely effortless. It’s one of the most popular simple ponytail hairstyles because it literally works with whatever your hair is doing that day.
The trick is to embrace imperfection. Don’t smooth your hair down. Instead, rough it up with a texturizing spray, pull it back loosely, and let pieces fall where they want. The face-framing strands are non-negotiable — they’re what make this look feel intentionally undone rather than just messy.
Outfit & Styling Guide
- Throw on a linen shirt, relaxed jeans, and leather sandals for a weekend-in-the-countryside vibe
- Layered necklaces and a straw tote bag complete the bohemian-casual aesthetic
- Spritz dry texture spray generously through mid-lengths and ends before pulling back
- Avoid using a brush — use only your fingers to gather hair for that natural, undone feel
The Slicked-Back Middle Part Ponytail
Sharp, modern, and undeniably cool — this is the ponytail that fashion models reach for between runway shows. The slicked-back middle part ponytail is one of the most trendy ponytail styles right now, and it gives off a confidence that other hairstyles simply can’t match.
Use a strong-hold gel to slick your hair back from a precise centre part. Smooth every strand flat against the head and secure at the nape or slightly above. The finish should be glossy and almost wet-looking. This is a style where precision matters, so don’t rush the parting.
Outfit & Styling Guide
- Goes perfectly with monochromatic outfits — all-black everything or a tonal beige ensemble
- Angular sunglasses and structured handbags amplify the editorial, model-off-duty mood
- Apply gel to damp hair and comb through with a fine-tooth comb for maximum control
- Set the look with a strong-hold shine spray to maintain the wet, glossy finish all day
The Voluminous Glam Ponytail
When you want to make a statement, this is the ponytail to choose. The voluminous glam ponytail is all about height, body, and drama. It sits high on the head with a teased, lifted crown and big, bouncy waves cascading down. It’s the ponytail version of “go big or go home.”
Tease the crown section with a fine-tooth comb for maximum lift, then smooth the outer layer over the teased section for a clean surface. Secure high and curl the ponytail in large sections with a curling wand. This is one of the different ponytail hairstyles that truly turns heads — ideal for date nights, events, or any time you want to feel glamorous.
Outfit & Styling Guide
- Pair with a cocktail dress or a fitted jumpsuit and strappy heels for maximum drama
- Chandelier earrings or bold statement jewellery match the larger-than-life energy of this style
- Use velcro rollers at the crown while doing your makeup to build volume without heat damage
- Clip in a ponytail extension for extra length and fullness if your natural hair needs a boost
Final Thoughts
The beauty of different ponytail hairstyles is how effortlessly they can transform your entire appearance. A quick change in placement, texture, or accessories can take you from casual to polished in seconds. These ten styles prove that the ponytail is anything but basic.
Whether you gravitate toward simple ponytail hairstyles for your daily routine or prefer experimenting with more elaborate trendy ponytail styles for special occasions, there’s always room to play. The key is to find the versions that make you feel most confident and pair them with outfits that complement the overall vibe.
So grab your favourite hair tie, a few bobby pins, and start experimenting. You have a full week ahead — that’s more than enough time to try every single one of these cute ponytail hairstyles and find your new go-to look.
