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7 Best Ponytail Hairstyles, According to Celebrity Stylists

 

Ponytails aren't just for no-wash days.

Ponytails are having a moment—but let’s be honest, did they ever really go out of style? Long before the slicked-back runway looks and red carpet reinventions, the ponytail has been a forever fixture in the beauty world. It’s the hairstyle we turn to when we’re running late, hitting the gym, heading to brunch or even dressing up for a black-tie gala.

What makes the ponytail so enduring is its versatility. It lifts the face, elongates the neck and adds instant polish, even when the rest of your look is low-key. It can be sleek and sculptural, soft and romantic or effortlessly undone depending on your mood. And unlike some trend-driven styles, a ponytail works on nearly every hair length, texture and face shape. It's a little like a white button-down or your favorite lipstick shade—timeless, flattering and always in rotation.

Lately, though, ponytails have been getting a high-fashion upgrade. Celebrity stylists are leaning into the look with sculpted volume, playful accessories and clever detailing that make it feel fresh again. Whether you're headed to an event, a workout or just want to give your hair a break from heat styling, there’s a ponytail for that—and it might just become your new signature.

7 Best Ponytail Hairstyles, According to Celebrity Stylists

1. Textured and Low

A textured low pony is the definition of understated elegance. “This is a perfect example of how to make a low ponytail feel elevated,” says Helen Reavey, Celebrity Stylist and Founder of Act+Acre. It’s all about balance—the clean center part and smoothed edges create structure, while the defined waves or curls add softness and movement.

Whether the texture is achieved with a curling iron or diffuser, this 'do will always bring dimension that feels polished but not overdone. To mimic Zendaya's iconic style, start by prepping damp hair with a lightweight styling cream or curl-enhancing product, then either diffuse to enhance natural texture or use a medium-barrel curling iron to create soft, lived-in waves. Once your texture is set, create a clean center part and gently gather the hair at the nape of your neck, securing it with an elastic. Use a boar-bristle brush like the Tek Oval Black Brush with a styling paste to smooth down the hairline and tame any flyaways for a refined finish.

2. Half Up, Half Down

The half-up, half-down ponytail is the kind of style that flatters everyone—and according to  Stephanie Angelone Master Stylist at RPZL, it’s basically foolproof. “I’ve never met a face it didn’t look perfect on,” says Angelone. This hybrid look offers the best of both worlds with the pulled-back polish of a ponytail and the softness and movement of loose hair. It’s ideal for anyone who doesn’t love the way their hair looks fully up but still wants to switch things up in a way that feels cool and intentional.

When styling, taking your facial features into account can make all the difference. “Positioning the ponytail in alignment with the cheekbones is the most flattering, as it naturally lifts and shapes the face,” says celebrity stylist Glen Coco. This placement complements most face shapes, giving a subtle, sculpted effect that feels fresh and flattering. Once you've locked in your placement, finish with a strong-hold hairspray—like amika Headstrong Intense Hold Hairspray—to keep everything in place without sacrificing movement or shine.

3. High Pony

With the right prep, placement, and finish, a ponytail transforms from an afterthought to a fully styled, intentional look. It’s all about making purposeful choices, says Leo Izquierdo, Co-founder of IGK Hair Care - each detail, from the part to the texture to how you secure it, adds up to a polished result that feels modern and elevated. That's why the classic high pony is so quintessential.

The height alone adds instant drama, lifting the face and giving a sleek, sculpted silhouette that works for just about any occasion, from workouts to red carpets. To style it, start by smoothing hair upward using a boar bristle brush and secure it high at the crown with a strong elastic. A little styling gel or smoothing spray can help tame flyaways and add shine. For extra impact, clip-in extensions like the RPZL Clip In Ponytail Synthetic Extension can instantly boost volume and length, taking the look from everyday to full-on glam. Finish with a firm-hold hairspray to keep everything in place and you've got yourself a polished, powerful and endlessly versatile 'do that will turn heads all day long.

4. Long and Low

The long, low ponytail is the epitome of effortless elegance. It strikes the perfect balance—refined yet relaxed, sleek yet soft—which makes it a universally flattering choice for any face shape or hair texture. “A low classic ponytail is a perfect balance for any face shape or hair texture for day or night,” says Amy Abramite Creative Director & Stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. To style it, brush hair downward to smooth the crown and sides, then secure it at the nape of the neck with a simple elastic. A light mist of hairspray helps keep everything sleek up top, while the lengths are left to do their own thing, whether that’s air-dried waves, natural curls or a super straight finish.

And don't forget—the key to a flawless ponytail is smooth, well-prepped hair. Begin by working a small amount of serum or styling cream through the lengths to tame frizz and add shine. Use a fine-tooth comb to sculpt your shape, then secure it tightly where you want the pony to sit. For that clean, polished finish, smooth the top and keep flyaways in check. To take it to the next level, Celebrity Hairstylist Kim Kimble recommends adding one of her Hair Collection by HairUWear pieces. “They’re easy to apply, blend beautifully, and instantly elevate your look,” she says—perfect for dialing up the volume and drama with zero fuss.

5. Bouncy Side Pony

A bouncy side pony, like Beyoncé’s unforgettable look at the 8th Annual MTV Video Music Awards, is pure throwback glam with a modern twist. It’s playful, voluminous and full of movement—perfect for when you want to make a statement without sacrificing softness.

Celebrity Hair Stylist and John Frieda Hair Care Ambassador DJ Quintero recommends enhancing curls with a defining cream like John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Curl Defining Oil before styling to "keeps curl defined and glossy while smoothing out frizz.” Once your texture is prepped, loosely sweep hair to one side and secure it just below the ear. This placement keeps volume intact while showing off those big, bouncy curls that feel both flirty and fresh.

6. Intentional Yet Romantic

A romantic ponytail is the perfect mix of softness and sophistication—it’s got that effortless charm, but with just enough structure to make a statement. Loose waves create movement and texture, setting the stage for the hair to be gathered low at the nape.

To make this style truly shine, it's all about focusing on the specifics—the devil is in the details, after all. “Small changes can transform your ponytail, giving it that perfect ‘elevated, done-but-not-done’ look,” says Coco. His go-to trick? Wrapping a strand of hair around the base and setting it with a strong-hold hairspray to create a sleek, refined finish that still feels natural. Coco also emphasizes that every strand plays a role. Take your time to brush each piece in the right direction, making sure everything is strategically placed. The end result is a ponytail that's fresh, chic and effortlessly glamorous.

7. Voluminous Mid-to-High

A mid-to-high ponytail with added volume is the perfect combination of height and softness. This style is incredibly flattering because it lifts the face and elongates the neck, creating a leaner, more sculpted silhouette, says Kimble.

The volume adds a playful, youthful touch while keeping the look polished and versatile. It works effortlessly with most hair types, too—no matter if your hair is naturally straight, curly or textured, the added fullness enhances the shape without feeling too heavy or overdone. Whether worn for a night out or a casual day look, this ponytail always feels fresh and elevated, striking the ideal balance between chic and fun.