Braided ponytails are great for brining texture, dimension, and personality to your everyday or statement-making looks. Here are 40 ways to vary your go-to hairstyle!
@wedlocks_
This is one way to be large and in charge! Ditch a braided bang, and step up your high ponytail with a jumbo French style. The size creates a lattice weave effect throughout the front of the style for a cool sculptural appearance that will be the focal point of your hairdo.
One of the benefits of adding braids to your hairstyle is that you can create looks you might not wear otherwise, like this fun and funky Mohawk. Insider tip: tease your roots in the front to get the height and volume seen here.
@theconfessionsofahairstylist
If you want a pony that’s high in style and full of surprises, consider this appealing option. A lace braid on its own can seem too romantic, so balance it out with a full messy ponytail for an edgy-yet-bohemian hairdo.
@amberfillerup
When you are short on time but still want a funky style, adding a couple of clear elastics for a bubble effect is an easy way to update your ponytail. Balance it with a romantic-looking side braid. This style glam super pretty if made on slightly curled hair.
@missysueblog
With thick curly hair, highlights are necessary because they provide depth to your curls and keep them from looking one-dimensional or heavy. They also add a touch of elegance to messy styles and give the appearance of sun-kissed beach hair instead of bedraggled and unkempt strands.
@salonleah
In this fabulous style, a sleek ponytail is juxtaposed by two braids along the sides of your head and a sort of small bouffant in the center. Remember, a ponytail can also be switched for a bun in the hotter weather or when your hair doesn’t want to cooperate.
This messy style is perfect for shows, festivals and concerts. Feel free to try it out for the next crazy, wild occasion you have planned! To style the undone look, use a curling wand to create waves in your tresses and then back-comb for volume.
If you want a little more spunk from your hairstyle, this is a good place to start. Trade in that boring old low ponytail for a higher, bouncier alternative. Position your braid into the middle and twist your hair around the elastic to hide it.
This messy hairstyle is a perfect look for high humidity. Your hair is frizzing up in the heat? Who cares! It’ll just allow you to rock an even cooler, more hands-off glam. Spritz some sea salt into your locks before doing your hair to allow for natural texture and volume.
This braided ponytail is different from the others as the braid only covers a small portion of the length. Long-haired ladies ought to give it a try – it allows you to flaunt your length and your wispy strands while mixing in the fresh style.
A look like this promotes tons of volume all over. Leave your ponytail loose and wavy at the ends for a very lived-in feeling. Make the style a little easier to achieve by teasing your hair before you begin braiding.
@heatherchapmanhair
A fishtail braid seems complicated but is actually one of the easier braids once you’ve got the technique down. Leave a few face-framing pieces out for a playful look.
@hairby_chrissy
Ponytails look immediately sophisticated when you work some fun braids into the mix. A double Dutch braid that blends into a fishtail is unexpectedly elegant. Plus, having berry-colored hair adds an amusing twist to the whole glam.
@theconfessionsofahairstylist
A surprising set of two tight angled braids goes a long way in a ponytail. A cool braiding idea to try is an upbraid, known for its reverse visual effect. A velour scrunchie and a smooth pony make a fierce combo as well.
@game_of_braids
Create a faux hawk-like style by adding braids on either side of a ponytail. A sultry hairstyle like this can be achieved by using the fishtail braiding technique on each side, and then pulling everything into an untidy ponytail. The messier, the better. A sort of bouffant also won’t hurt.
@sarahpotempa
Who says a traditional French braid can’t be fun? Set your head up for a big reveal. Braid just a small section down the center of your head. Besides, pulling your hair back into a pony makes this hairstyle look awesome, and no-fuss.
@hair_by_pelerossi
Adding texture to your hair beforehand makes for a playful ponytail style. Embrace some unruly flyaways around your crown as you braid. This is a great look for ladies with bangs as well.
@christinagunnell
Cute ponytail hairstyles like this are made from loosened, relaxed boho braids. From beach to bridal, the hairstyle is a fit for multiple occasions. Hidden bobby pins help you hold a slack style together throughout the day.
@annette_updo_artist
A high ponytail calls for unexpected twists at the crown. Face-framing bangs work very well with a folowing style. If you’re looking for an easy yet elegant hairstyle, then this just may be the one!
@studioalessandranunes
A statement braided ponytail updo involves killer details. You can easily spice up an ordinary style by making it into a fishtail braid with dozens of tiny strands. Keep it polished in the front by slicking your hair back with a comb as you pull and position it into a ponytail.
@circlesofhair
Cute ponytails are totally achievable when you use a sectioned layering technique. Who knew that Dutch braids, French braids, and twisted braids could all go into one uncomplicated ‘do? The key to nailing this look is to work on your hairstyle one section at a time.
@hairdidby_caroline
The best thing about the zipper braid is its pretty knotted effect. Letting it fall into a ponytail at the nape of the neck keeps this style structured and graceful.
@hairbyjaxx
The trick to pulling off a fishtail braid is making it totally undone from the outside. Try pulling carefully at each loop, and leave some pieces hanging loose on the sides. A braid like this is best done with second-day hair.
@thetarahair
This hairstyle might seem like too much effort but it’s easy to create if you’re familiar with Dutch and French braiding techniques. Start with three sections, Dutch braid the sides and French braid the front of your hair separately. Pull the braids along with the rest of your hair into a sleek pony once you get to the crown of your head.
@hair_by_pelerossi
Take a stress-free approach to a side Dutch braid. Spray your tresses with a sea salt spray and let your hair air dry to capture the most natural effect. Braid loosely and pull at the sections of the plait once it’s finished to achieve that effortless, beach vibe.
@taylor_lamb_hair
For a more controlled take on the braiding game, focus on braiding small rows from the hairline towards the crown. Braid only the front half of your hair and leave the back unbraided for a variety of textures and a more interesting final look.
@game_of_braids
Curly hair and braids never looked better! Start with a Dutch braid across the top of your head and feed it into a side ponytail. Once it’s in a pony, turn it into a French or fishtail braid by creating a small, much tighter braid that is cozily nestled among the curls.
@alliedoeshair
The coolest thing you can do to beautifully colored hair is play around with styles that show off your unique dye job. Try a one-side braid all the way down the length of your hair and pull it with the rest of your hair into a casual ponytail.
@jaywesleyolson
Just when you thought you couldn’t figure out a new way to incorporate the braided trend into your hairstyling routine, here comes an excellent example. Forget the faux hawk, and create a fun “braid hawk” down the center of your head instead.
@josievilay
Undone braids can be a lot of fun but it’s too soon to forsake tight, sleek braids. Any ponytail is instantly polished with a delicate braid incorporated into it. Who would dare say a braided ponytail can’t be a refined hairstyle?
@celebrittany_hairstyles
This impressive updo is giving us Rapunzel vibes! Wear the style to any formal occasion, pairing it with a traditional little black dress to keep the focus of attention on your hairstyle.
Here’s yet another unique braid you can try out when you want something new. Sometimes a challenge is exciting! Instead of rolling out of bed and twisting your hair into the same old tired braid, explore different options. This ladder braid is easy to recreate and adds a fun texture to straight hair.
For a more composed and elegant glam, here’s something to wear on a date or to a family party when you want to look put-together and classy. This braid is carefully constructed and leads into a sleek, low ponytail. Don’t be afraid to spritz a bit of hair spray to keep away frizzy hair on humid days.
If you’re wondering how to get a loose, unraveled glam like in the picture, it’s simple. Just gently pull apart the tight, newly-created braid and allow it to look undone. Seriously, you won’t regret it! Messy braids are all the rage these days – totally bohemian chic.
In this version of the popular trend, three braids feed into the ponytail and then the tail is also braided. Double the braids, double the love! The cute style is fantastic to take on the beach. The sun, the sand – none of it will destroy the gorgeous style.
Check this out! One braid is nice and all, but two braids are simply perfect! To create the style at home, simply braid loosely both halves of your hair on either side and tie them together at the nape of your neck with a frilly bow. Note: no distinct parting is needed.
Be a southern belle with this gorgeous style! A fishtail look can be fun and playful or elegant and classy depending on how you style it. With the hairstyle, you’ll be ready for the ball with a voluminous, bouncy, and all-around-well-maintained braid.
The best thing about braids is that there’s always a new technique left to discover. You never have to settle for some old style you’ve worn in and out. For example, look at this fun and unique bow braid! It’s a great way to spice up a tried and tired style.
Combining two different kinds of braiding patterns can take your hairdo from standard to spectacular. A French braid floating within a lace braid and a wrapped ponytail seem fabulous. This look has many elements that harmoniously blend together and appear casually chic.
@sofiekrans
There’s nothing basic about this suspended infinity braid! Sometimes a weave can seem too casual, and in that case, an elegant silver accessory will elevate your look to appear more formal than a classic braided ponytail.
@madisonshairart
Which of these braided ponytail hairstyles are you most excited to try? They offer great adaptability for any hair texture, so it’s time to start styling!
