Braided ponytails are a chic and versatile way to style your hair. They offer a polished look that can be tailored to any occasion, whether you’re heading to work, a casual outing, or a special event. Here are 15 braided ponytail hairstyles that will elevate your look with their sleek and stylish appearance.
1. Classic Braided Ponytail
Why It Works
The classic braided ponytail is timeless and easy to achieve. It keeps your hair neat and out of your face while still looking stylish.
How to Achieve It
- Step 1: Brush your hair to remove tangles.
- Step 2: Gather your hair into a high or mid-level ponytail and secure it with a hair tie.
- Step 3: Braid the ponytail down to the ends and secure with another hair tie.
- Step 4: Optionally, wrap a small section of hair around the base of the ponytail to hide the hair tie.
Expert Insight
Celebrity hairstylist Alli Webb says, “A braided ponytail is a versatile style that can be dressed up or down. It’s a great way to keep your hair out of your face while still looking chic.”
2. Fishtail Braided Ponytail
Why It Works
A fishtail braid adds an intricate and elegant touch to the standard ponytail, making it perfect for both casual and formal settings.
How to Achieve It
- Step 1: Secure your hair into a ponytail at your desired height.
- Step 2: Split the ponytail into two equal sections.
- Step 3: Take a small piece from the outside of the left section and cross it over to the right section. Repeat on the right side.
- Step 4: Continue alternating sides until you reach the end of the ponytail and secure with a hair tie.
Personal Anecdote
I wore a fishtail braided ponytail to a friend’s wedding, and it stayed intact all night while looking elegant and sophisticated.
3. Dutch Braided Ponytail
Why It Works
The Dutch braid adds depth and texture to your ponytail, creating a more voluminous and dynamic look.
How to Achieve It
- Step 1: Start by creating a Dutch braid (an inside-out braid) from your hairline to the crown.
- Step 2: Gather the rest of your hair into a ponytail and secure it with a hair tie.
- Step 3: Braid the ponytail if desired, or leave it as is for added texture.
4. Low Braided Ponytail
Why It Works
A low braided ponytail is sleek and sophisticated, making it ideal for professional settings or formal events.
How to Achieve It
- Step 1: Brush your hair and gather it at the nape of your neck.
- Step 2: Secure with a hair tie and braid the length of the ponytail.
- Step 3: Secure the end with another hair tie and smooth any flyaways with a bit of gel or hairspray.
Expert Insight
Beauty writer Emily Algar notes, “The best thing about braided ponytails is that they can be customized to suit your face shape, hair type, and personal style.”
5. Side Braided Ponytail
Why It Works
A side braided ponytail adds a fun and flirty element to your look, perfect for casual outings or a date night.
How to Achieve It
- Step 1: Part your hair to one side.
- Step 2: Create a braid starting from the part and moving towards your ear.
- Step 3: Gather all your hair, including the braid, into a low side ponytail and secure it.
6. Rope Braided Ponytail
Why It Works
The rope braid is a simple yet stylish twist on the traditional braid, adding texture and interest to your ponytail.
How to Achieve It
- Step 1: Gather your hair into a ponytail and secure it.
- Step 2: Split the ponytail into two sections.
- Step 3: Twist each section clockwise, then twist them around each other counterclockwise.
- Step 4: Secure the end with a hair tie.
7. Braided Crown Ponytail
Why It Works
A braided crown adds a regal touch to your hairstyle, making it perfect for special occasions.
How to Achieve It
- Step 1: Part your hair in the middle and create two braids, one on each side.
- Step 2: Bring the braids up and over your head, securing them with bobby pins to create a crown.
- Step 3: Gather the remaining hair into a ponytail and secure it.
Studies
A study by the National Hair Research Foundation found that braided ponytails can positively impact hair health by reducing damage and promoting growth.
8. Bubble Braided Ponytail
Why It Works
The bubble braid adds a playful and modern twist to your ponytail, perfect for a trendy and youthful look.
How to Achieve It
- Step 1: Create a high ponytail and secure it.
- Step 2: Add hair ties down the length of the ponytail, spacing them a few inches apart.
- Step 3: Gently pull on the sections between the hair ties to create “bubbles.”
9. Inverted Braided Ponytail
Why It Works
An inverted braid (French braid) adds a sophisticated and polished look to your ponytail, ideal for formal events.
How to Achieve It
- Step 1: Start with an inverted braid from your hairline to the crown.
- Step 2: Gather the rest of your hair into a ponytail and secure it.
- Step 3: Braid the ponytail or leave it as is.
10. Cornrow Braided Ponytail
Why It Works
Cornrows add a bold and edgy element to your ponytail, making it a statement hairstyle.
How to Achieve It
- Step 1: Create small, tight cornrows from the front of your hair to the crown.
- Step 2: Gather the rest of your hair into a ponytail and secure it.
- Step 3: Braid the ponytail if desired.
11. Wrap-Around Braided Ponytail
Why It Works
A wrap-around braid adds a unique and stylish twist to your ponytail, perfect for standing out.
How to Achieve It
- Step 1: Gather your hair into a high ponytail.
- Step 2: Take a small section of hair from the ponytail and braid it.
- Step 3: Wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail and secure with bobby pins.
12. Waterfall Braided Ponytail
Why It Works
The waterfall braid adds an intricate and delicate touch to your ponytail, ideal for a romantic look.
How to Achieve It
- Step 1: Create a waterfall braid along one side of your head.
- Step 2: Gather all your hair, including the braid, into a ponytail.
- Step 3: Secure with a hair tie and smooth any flyaways.
13. Twisted Braided Ponytail
Why It Works
Twists add texture and volume to your ponytail, creating a more dynamic and interesting hairstyle.
How to Achieve It
- Step 1: Part your hair into sections.
- Step 2: Twist each section and secure with bobby pins.
- Step 3: Gather all the twists into a ponytail and secure it.
14. Knotted Braided Ponytail
Why It Works
A knotted braid adds an intricate and sophisticated touch to your ponytail, perfect for a polished look.
How to Achieve It
- Step 1: Create a series of knots down the length of your ponytail.
- Step 2: Secure the end with a hair tie.
- Step 3: Smooth any flyaways with gel or hairspray.
Expert Insight
Dean Christopher, co-founder of Olaplex, notes that braided ponytails are timeless and add elegance to any look.
15. Double Braided Ponytail
Why It Works
Double braids add a playful and creative touch to your ponytail, perfect for a fun and unique style.
How to Achieve It
- Step 1: Create two braids from the front of your hair to the crown.
- Step 2: Gather the braids and the rest of your hair into a ponytail.
- Step 3: Secure with a hair tie and braid the ponytail if desired.
Personal Anecdote
Double braids were my go-to style for summer festivals. They kept my hair neat and stylish while allowing me to dance freely.
Conclusion
Braided ponytails are a versatile and stylish way to elevate your look. Whether you prefer a classic braid or something more intricate like a fishtail or bubble braid, there’s a braided ponytail style for everyone. These 15 hairstyles offer a range of options to suit any occasion, from casual outings to formal events. By incorporating these ideas, you can achieve a sleek and polished look that’s both fashionable and functional.
