13 ponytail hairstyles that are far from boring

Hailey’s super high ponytail is perfect for those with longer locks. The juxtaposition between the tight, sleek pullback and her relaxed messy tresses means it's chic enough to wear out, yet easy enough to do in just minutes. Tip: Tie up the hair with a wide elastic like Hailey’s to create volume at the base of the pony so it doesn’t fall flat on your crown.

bh recommends: Toni&Guy Fashion Soft Ties

Here, Laura Harrier wears one of my favourite ponytail variations: the half-up half-down. You can wear this trendy pony to work, on a night out, or to brunch with your gal pals. Tip: Style your hair prior to pulling it up and make sure you don’t neglect your hair’s underside (like we so often do!) as it’ll be exposed. This pony is best worn with styled hair unless you’re going for that just-rolled-out-of-bed kind of look.

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Of course a ponytail gallery wouldn’t be complete without an Ariana Grande mention. Make her classic sleek high pony your own by adding some accessories like hair clips or a scrunchie. To ensure you achieve the super sleek look that Ari goes for, straighten your hair before putting it into a pony. Tip: If you’re wearing it to a more formal event or on a night out, try wrapping some of your hair around the hair elastic to create a more polished look.

bh recommends: VS Sassoon Keratin Protect Straightener

Going on vacay? Headed to the beach? Hitting the gym? The ponytail plait should be your go-to for all things active, outdoorsy, and fun. Unlike a french plait, this style is super laid-back and takes little to no braiding talent since you’re pulling it into a ponytail first. Tip: Use tiny rubber elastics the same colour as your hair to create an effortless style.

bh recommends: SCUNCI Clear Polybands available at Priceline.

Gigi’s fierce ponytail is ideal for anyone with very curly or messy, unkempt hair. The middle part adds a chic twist on the classic slick back, and the long wavy ponytail lends itself to those of us who have more unruly tresses. Tip: Use a holding gel to keep your flyaways at bay and the front of your hair slicked back.

bh recommends: De Lorenzo Elements Titanium Superstrong Styling Gel

Sisters Halle and Chloe Bailey show off how to rock a pony for textured hair. Halle’s hair is braided back and pulled into a ponytail while Chloe’s is parted to the side. While both girls have long hair, these looks work with most hair lengths and can be worn for all occasions. Tip: When pulling back braids, opt for a durable and thick elastic as there will be more volume to hold.

bh recommends: TONI&GUY Go Anywhere Thick Hair Elastics

Rihanna’s straight-haired ponytail has a retro vibe with a teased crown and tendrils left hanging down around her face. This classic style is perfect to try for formal event like a wedding or a big holiday party. Tip: Tease the top of your hair before lightly combing hair back into a high pony. Curl the ends of the tendrils inwards for a more elegant flair.

bh recommends: Mason Pearson Comb Tail

Aussie beauty Steph Claire Smith shows us how to rock the prettiest low pony with a loose fringe. To achieve this feminine look, loosely pull hair back (don’t worry about combing it in any specific way!) and tie it at the nape of your neck. Complete the look by adding a scrunchie or bow. Tip: Pull out some extra pieces from around your face to soften the transition from pony to fringe.

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Amber Fillerup Clark, queen of Pinterest-worthy hair, is absolute ponytail goals with this one. Her idyllic mermaid pony works best for those with long, thick hair (we can all dream!) or extensions. To achieve this look, curl your hair into tight ringlets starting at the very top. Then let them cool before brushing out. Pull your curled hair back, fasten with a thick elastic, then wrap some hair around the pony to hide the elastic. Tip: Pull out strands around your face and lightly pull on pieces around your head to create more volume and give you that loose, effortless mermaid effect.

bh recommends: VS Sassoon Curl Secret on the “romantic” setting.

One of the simplest ways to dress up a classic low ponytail is to add a fun design! Mummy blogger Rachel Parcell creates a simple but trendy bubble ponytail by placing small clear elastics all the way down and then tops it off with a pink flower! Tip: Tie your elastics into your ponytail first before pulling the hair out into a round bubble shape, rather than trying to create the bunches as you go.

bh recommends: SCUNCI Clear Polybands available at Priceline.

One for the short-hair girls! If your locks struggle to pull back into a high ponytail, then this low pony is for you. Gemma Chan creates this retro-inspired ponytail with a head scarf and a deep side parting that’s ideal for anyone with short hair, thin hair, or very straight hair that just won't hold a curl. Tip: Tease your hair at the crown of your head before you tie your hair back and spray with holding spray to add volume and dimension to the look.

bh recommends: ELEVEN Australia Give Me Hold Flexible Holding Spray

Do you have curly hair? And do you have a lot of it? If so, you need to try this ponytail. Ciara’s super high and super voluminous ponytail is a stylish way to pull back natural, textured locks. Pull it back, slick it down, and wrap your hair around the elastic to polish it off. No need to for heat styling and it shouldn’t take you longer than 5 minutes to achieve! Tip: Add a hydrating curly hair serum to avoid frizz all day long.

bh recommends: John Frieda Frizz Ease® Extra Strength 6 Effects™ + Serum

Another variation on ponytails and plaits, Camila Coelho shows off boxer braids pulled back into a low pony. The plaits end where her pony starts and it's a super chic way to keep your hair pulled out of your face for a workout class, a hike, a run - anything active! Tip: If you have thinner hair, try doing only 3-4 plaits. If your hair is thick, opt for 5-6.

bh recommends: bhave Sleek Pomade