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A portrait of Sarah Lahbati with a low ponytail.
Low ponytail is one of the most versatile hairstyles out there. You can dress it up or down, depending on the occasion. (Instagram.com/sarahlahbati)

10 Low Ponytail Looks That Are Anything But Lazy

The low ponytail gets flack for being too basic. But you can upgrade the look with a little creativity. Check out these hairstyle ideas, from classic to edgy.

February 17, 2024
Read Time: 3 Minutes

Short Hair Ponytail with Bangs>

Fishtail Side Pony>

Va-Va-Voom Curly Pony>

Clean Ponytail>

Bow-Tastic Pony>

Side-Parted Low Ponytail>

Looped Pony-Bun>

Retro Bouffant>

Low and Messy Ponytail>

Braided Mohawk>


Nothing beats the simplicity of a low ponytail. All it takes is a trusty elastic, and you’re ready to go in under a minute. But despite its understated charm, it’s far from being a one-trick pony. You can zhuzh it up with accessories and styling tricks whenever the occasion calls for a touch of glam. So, whether you’re in the mood for something flirty or modern, here are the best low ponytail hairstyles to try.

Short Hair Ponytail with Bangs

A side profile of a woman with short ponytail and bangs.
Bangs are the best accessory for a low ponytail. (Pinterest.com/leighlchan)

You don’t need extensions to pull off a cute low ponytail. Bangs can instantly level up this classic hairstyle. Best of all, they inject a dose of personality and freshness into your look. If you want a sleek, Y2K vibe, throw your hair up with a scrunchie and call it a day. For that straight-out-of-a-beach look, curl your strands into soft waves and finish with a sea salt spray.

Fishtail Side Pony

A portrait of woman with fishtail side ponytail.
If you’re a fan of the boho-chic style, try creating this fishtail masterpiece. (Pinterest.com/EPStyle)

Let's be honest; the fishtail is not the easiest to create. It requires dexterity and patience to nail down the technique. But once you do, the result comes with major "wow" factor. You can flaunt it to classes, first dates, proms, or even your own wedding.

Va-Va-Voom Curly Pony

A selfie of woman with curly ponytail and gold earrings.
Reach for a hair diffuser to fluff up your curls. (Instagram.com/allthingsefua)

If you’re wondering how to do a low ponytail that doesn’t look boring on textured hair, the answer is right here. Let your curls take the spotlight by pulling all your hair back into a tight pony, allowing those gorgeous ringlets to cascade down your back. Then, apply a few drops of TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum to smooth the top part. This styling serum offers five benefits in one bottle, including frizz control, added shine, and taming flyaways. Want more drama? Shape your edges using a small amount of hair gel.

Clean Ponytail

A portrait of Lori Harvey with a sleek ponytail and beige trench coat.
The clean ponytail is perfect for entering your cool girl era. (Instagram.com/loriharvey)

In case of a bad hair day, this hairstyle can save you from looking like a greasy mess. The secret is spritzing lots of hairspray to flatten the sides and baby hairs. Pair this ‘do with a middle part to give it some model-off-duty chicness. And to tie everything together, why not try the latte makeup trend? It complements the polished aesthetic and brings out your inner boss attitude.

Bow-Tastic Pony

A portrait of woman with blonde braid and white bows.
Bows and ponytails? A match made in a coquette heaven. (Pinterest.com/mwestp2023)

Steal a page from the coquette stylebook and adorn your hair with a ribbon tie or clip. It’s one of the cutest and most effortless ways to sprinkle festive flair into your everyday look. Choosing the perfect bow accessory comes down to the material and design. A satin bow, for example, hits the mark for a formal event. Meanwhile, a gingham or floral print is more suited for casual attire.

Side-Parted Low Ponytail

A portrait of Sofia Carson with side-parted ponytail.
Sofia Carson shows how a sleek, low ponytail can look elegant. (Instagram.com/cailenoble)

Those with fine hair might find the clean ponytail too founding father-esque, a.k.a. flat on the top and lacking dimension. Not to mention it exposes so much of your forehead. The workaround? Flip your hair to a deep side part!

To achieve Sofia Carson’s super sleek hair, prep with Sunsilk Expert-Perfect Straight Shampoo. Its Straight Lock technology helps keep your strands straight and soft as they dry. Next, slather on styling cream to lock down cowlicks and tikwas. If your strands are being stubborn, use a no-crease clip to train your hair in the new direction.

Looped Pony-Bun

A portrait of woman with blonde, looped ponytail.
Wrap a small section of hair around the ponytail to hide the elastic band. (Pinterest.com/TonyiiJoseph)

One hairstyle that works for all hair lengths (except you have a super short ‘do like the pixie cut) is the loop. It’s not a bun, but not a ponytail, either. Regardless, it’s a runway-ready number that can catch everyone’s attention. You can style it as is or make it more artsy with a scrunchie.

Retro Bouffant

A portrait of Scarlett Johansson with bouffant ponytail.
The good ol’ pouf screams high-fashion! (Instagram.com/scarlett_g_hoo)

The ‘60s is swinging back in style! Unlike its previous iteration, the modern bouffant is less dramatic and has a lived-in feel. However, it’s still iconic in its own right. Copy Scarlett Johansson’s puffy low ponytail by backcombing your crown. Don’t forget to add a thickening or volumizing spray to create sexy texture.

Low and Messy Ponytail

A portrait of Laura Harrier in a red dress wearing a messy ponytail.
In a clutch? Tie your hair into a ponytail and pull out a few face-framing pieces of hair. (Instagram.com/lauraharrier)

You’re not qualified to be a rom-com protagonist if you haven’t rocked a low ponytail with tendrils at least once. This style exudes a laid-back yet romantic allure, perfect for relaxed and dressy outings. Bring out your trusty curling iron to create loose waves. And, of course, grab a few pieces of hair right above the ear to frame your face nicely.

Braided Mohawk

A portrait of woman with faux mohawk.
Faux mohawk is a cool way to show off your new dye job. (Instagram.com/centrohairsalon)

Braiding a faux mohawk is not as fiddly as it looks. If you know how to do a French plait, you’re already halfway to mastering this edgy low ponytail look. Give it a try if you're attending a music festival or a night out with your clique. Placing accessories like hair rings and statement pins along the braids can elevate the boldness of your “mohawk.”

The low ponytail will always be in style. It's very comfortable and doesn’t tug at your strands as much as a high pony. So, save these inspos for when you just don’t know what to do with your hair.

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