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13 Best Ponytail Hairstyles Set to Define 2026
Ponytail hairstyles look ridiculously chic in the summer months. Larry King’s Andreas Wild shares all the best tricks for ponytails that are high, low, touseled, and more.
Styling your hair in the summer should be a breeze, and ponytails are one way to keep things simple. While a plain old pony secured with a scrunchie will do the trick, there are plenty of more elevated alternatives to try. You could go for retro pigtails like Elle Fanning, tousle your tresses like Nicole Kidman, or opt for floaty, boho knotless braids if you have textured hair like Chase Infiniti.
Texture and hold are key. “I always recommend prepping the hair with a texture spray, like Larry King’s Ride or Die,” Andreas Wild, hairstylist at Larry King Notting Hill, shares with Vogue. “Spritz throughout your roots and ends, then flip your hair back up for natural grip and hold,” he explains. “The biggest game-changer is using a hair tie with hooks at either end, which creates tension and keeps the ponytail firmly in place.”
Placement is everything when it comes to styling a perfect ponytail. It “completely changes the feel of a ponytail, so it’s important to decide before you begin,” Wild adds. “A high ponytail feels youthful and lifted, a mid-height ponytail is effortless and versatile, and a low ponytail often feels quite fashion-forward,” he asserts.
Ponytail hairstyles work beautifully across every texture and length. “Styling should always complement the hair type,” Wild says. “Finer hair often looks best with added texture, as it creates fullness and movement,” he adds, noting that sleeker finishes usually complement thicker hair and longer lengths. “Braided ponytails are especially on-trend right now.”
Before you get to the styling, keep in mind that second or third-day hair is often ideal for ponytails, as you’ll benefit from added grip and texture.
Ponytails can be tailored for almost any occasion, including a wedding. “A power ponytail can feel incredibly elegant and modern for bridal or guest styling, while a wispy ponytail creates a more relaxed, romantic finish,” Wild explains.
Below, find 13 ponytails that are ideal for summer.
A tousled pony is particularly good in the heat. To perfect the look, tease your tresses with a comb to add texture. Next, separate bangs or any face-framing strands that you want left out at the front, then toss the rest of your hair into a bouncy mid-set ponytail.
Boho knotless braids are an incredibly versatile summer style for those with textured hair. Gently scoop your braids backwards and secure them with a satin-wrapped elastic scrunchie. To conceal the hair tie, wrap two to four braids around it. Finish the look by pulling out a few face-framing curls at the front.
A power pony is perfect for the office or an evening event. To style, start with detangling your hair and add a hydration treatment if it feels dry. Either straighten or curl your hair, then sweep it all up into a ponytail and wrap it around extensions for added volume.
The half ponytail is a great way to keep your hair out of your face, without compromising on length. The style was especially popular at this year’s Met Gala, as seen here on Charli xcx. It also can be tailored to all face shapes and be dressed up or down, depending on your vibe.
To master this look like Dakota Johnson, start by brushing your hair to get rid of any knots and tangles. Then, start braiding it to one side, foregoing a structured part. Secure at the end with a hair tie, and if your hair is on the thinner side, you can also add a small amount of hair powder for even more density. Finally, set it all in place with hairspray.
For a sleek ponytail that showcases voluminous curls at the ends, begin by carefully detangling your hair. For a secure hold, gently apply a small amount of styling gel in layers, separating each section with a thin comb. You can also tie the hair relatively tightly—ensuring that it still feels comfortable and isn’t tugging at your scalp—then finish with a styling cream or pomade of your choice and add shine with a mist.
Experiment with shape by creating a bubble ponytail. You’ll need around three to five hair ties to complete the look, depending on how long your hair is. The style can be achieved with any placement, just be mindful of creating even sections throughout and gently pulling each one to create that rounded bubble silhouette.
What’s better than one ponytail? Two, as demonstrated by Elle Fanning, who wore hers with bouncy retro bangs and jewel-encrusted hair ties. To replicate the star’s do, separate the ponytail bunches in the lower half of your scalp—creating a free part in whichever direction you like—and secure the hair just below the earlobes on either side.
There is an art to perfecting the wispy low ponytail, which Ayo Edebiri nailed at the Met Gala this year. Keep the shape loose and floaty by placing your hair tie at the nape of your neck, leaving some face-framing strands loose. This look requires minimal product—just a dash of curl cream and a spritz of finishing mist will do.
Another fixture on the minimal-tension list, the polished low ponytail is slightly less bohemian and more structured than its wispy counterpart. Make like Daisy Edgar-Jones and comb your hair smooth before sweeping it back into a low ponytail that sits just above the nape of the neck. Secure your hair tie twice for a bump effect, and leave out a couple of strands at the front and just above your ears.
The barrette pony lends itself to high placement and is packed with volume, so you’ll need a few tools and products for this one. Run a comb through your hair and add a small amount of pomade (or gel to make the style last longer), then secure it in place with a smaller hair tie. Gently fan out your hair by pulling the ponytail outwards on either side—don’t tug your hair aggressively. You can also add extensions for a more dramatic look if you have thin hair. To finish, add your barrette to the center of your ponytail.
Shorter hair doesn’t rule you out of this style. Natalie Portman styled her bouncy ponytail with a backcombed center part and a simple black hair tie at last year’s Cannes Film Festival.
The key to making this mid-height pony look chic is ensuring that both the front and back strands are neatly tucked away. A little pomade or wax stick will tame any flyaways.
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