A French braid ponytail may conjure up images of elementary school days, but the modern iterations are anything but juvenile. When you want to wear a fuss-free updo, but grow bored easily of simple styles, a braided option is an ideal look for you. Whether you are blonde or brunette with curly or straight hair, we have a hairdo in our gallery of 30 pictures below to motivate you and guide in spicing your style up.
A French braid adds interest to a simple pony hairstyle. Since you can place your braids in different sections, vary their width, tightness and texture, it’s easy to come up with an individual style that will be all your own.
For a day when some additional styling is desired but you’re not trying to go all-out, try a loose French braid that stops at the nape. Then put in a pony holder and you’re good to go. This look can work for anything informal or casual. To keep it carefree, don’t use products.
@american_salon
For a French braid ponytail that will bring out your I-know-how-to-wail-on-the-guitar attitude, fake a faux hawk. Section off the top part of hair and add tight French braids that will lay flat on either side. Then tease hair as high as you dare.
@modernsalon
The looseness of this look is perfection. Loose braids. Loose curls. Hair loosely wrapped around the pony tail holder. The key is to employ workable products before you start (not hairspray after).
@missysueblog
This side French braid is full of romance. To get the look, work with a loose tension and medium sections of hair at the crown, bringing the braid along one side and down to the nape. Make it more unique and full of texture by choosing a fishtail braid to hold everything together. Add easy waves and you’re done!
@american_salon
Who says up-dos have to be all the way up off of your neck? Truth is, they don’t. Extra-special ponytails can be just as event-ready as up-dos that hide hair length. A teased poof makes for a fresh formal look, but the key to this French braid ponytail is definitely the curls.
@hairbyanasheh
The braid into ponytail trend can be interpreted in so many ways, but this is one is among our favorites. The smaller French braid at the crown creates a headband effect while the larger one gives some added visual interest. Keep braiding all the way down to create an elegant side braid.
@modernsalon
With ultra-long hair, you can add a twist to the bubble ponytail popularized by Valentino. French braid all your hair from top to nape and secure. Then braid just a small top section to add as decoration to the bubbles, which are formed by pulling at loose strands for a rounded shape.
@hairbysel
A French braid into ponytail look can add a lot of volume and body to your hair. A sea salt spray or texturizing spray will be the best way to get started. Next tease the back of your hair. Keep the braid low while pulling in sections of hair from your part. You’ll have full, flowing locks.
@hair_by_zolotaya
When you are perusing inspiring braid pictures, such images like this one instantly catch your eye. This look is Grecian goddess meets the 70s. Right? To get it now, braid three individual sections all the way down, tease the hair behind them, and create a perfect pony. Loosen waves for the win.
@missysueblog
Braided ponytails are such a cute way to show off highlights and lowlights. This look is the messy bun’s new best friend. The braids are well-executed but not perfect. The long side bangs are kept wispy. The pony is just a little bit teased. Our guess is that you’re already trying this out right now.
@laineymariebeauty
For a French braid ponytail that has rarely been done before, start with a braid that progresses along a diagonal. You can do a waterfall braid, or like this example, keep the top a separate section. Next, mirror that angle with a second, swooping braid and secure both into a single side ponytail.
@braiderina
Channel your inner diva with large, undone cornrows. Two-tone or ombre hair looks super cool with this style, as it exaggerates the distinction. French braids that are loose add extra height on top. To keep the look sassy and glam, put the pony up high.
@kykhair
If you’ve got expert braiding skills, you deserve to show them off. If not, the trick is to be patient and only grab small sections of hair at a time. Pigtail braids allow for more volume in the cascading curls, as you can further separate the hair. Go for it!
@lalasupdos
Most likely, no matter how many pictures you’ve searched through, you have yet to encounter a braid ponytail like this. At first glance, you might not notice that the super loose sections are actually a deconstructed braid. The contrasting tiny braids show that this is the work of an artist.
@hair_by_zolotaya
For a formal style that is unique and classy, try a French braid that starts at the front and then wraps around a high ponytail. The sleek perfection of the styling and the volume at the crown make it perfect for a night out.
@american_salon
A definite update on the hippie vibe, braided ponytails give you that partly braided, partly straight hair look without trying too hard. In short, we’re going for modern style here, not festival wear or costume. Work with a pomade or wax while you are braiding to keep hair smooth.
@braidsbyallie
This braid ponytail is not for the faint of heart. Tight cornrow-style braids at the temples with a perfectly straight high ponytail make for a fabulously confident style. Not too formal, this look can take you anywhere, from a super fun day to a sexy night out.
@nk_beautysalon
The gorgeous long locks are on display here. The braids at the temple merely add a decorative element that separates the teased upper section of hair from the sleek under part. Highlights and ombre strands really stand out when wrapped around the pony holder.
@sweethearts_hair
To get this look, part hair down the middle as if you were going for pigtails, then do waterfall braids, dropping the strands on the top instead of the bottom. Next, you can braid those dropped strands together, concealing the center part. Divine!
@braiderina
Wow—mad skills. This French braid ponytail is kind of incredible. Waterfall French braids are created in the center and on the very sides, then joined in between. The fishtail braid below helps to balance out the intricacy. Some work went in to this one, so get your practice on.
@braided_to_infinity
Rocking your braid behind your ponytail instead of at the front is an interesting spin on the usual look. Because you put in all that hard work braiding, don’t cover it up with a long tail. Shift it to the side for a look that is flirty and full of life.
@hairbydreeze
If a carefree bohemian style is more your speed, look no further than a side braid with wispy flyaways for a messy touch. Instead of a normal French braid, this is playing with proportions by weaving a thin tight braid into a larger loose one. The result is a thoughtful detail that can’t be missed.
@stylebylizette
Although many French braid ponytail styles require longer hair, that doesn’t mean that you have to skip out on them altogether. By using a weave, you can create full styles that last and look realistic like the double French braid updo in this photo.
@braiding_witch
This is perfect for those who have fond memories of playing with My Little Pony dolls and wishing they had one of those colorful clip-on ponytails. A more grown up version uses pink and blonde highlights throughout the wavy mane for a vibrant look that’s still subdued.
@danielle_anspach_hair
When looking for a French braided ponytail that can work for prom or a fancy event it’s best to think outside of the box. Adding a twisted bun to the base of your long pony provides you with a look that is unexpected and memorable.
@lilithmoonlife
This double French braid ponytail seems simple at first, but once you look at it long enough, you begin to notice the special yet simple details that make it so unique. From the connecting side braids to the twisted ponytail and the blonde waves, it is the perfect date night look for a beauty obsessed woman.
@thecombmag
Formal hairstyles don’t always have to be stiff or over the top. This high ponytail is polished, but still approachable, so it’s a nice choice for a woman who wears many hats and would attend many events in one night.
@modernsalon
When you want your braids to look less romantic and more edgy, it’s best to pair them with straight hair. This sleek look combines polished strands, a wrap around ponytail and three small cornrows for a no-nonsense look.
@american_salon
When you know that you won’t have a lot of time to primp in the morning, but you want to keep your everyday look interesting, it’s best to experiment with different colors. The two-tone blend of brown and blonde turns a standard ponytail into something visually exciting.
@sun__kissed__blonde
Updos are perfect for weddings and this shoulder-length style is a nice option for a bride who wants to achieve a full French braid ponytail without using fake hair. By combining a jumbo braid and loose curls, you’ll get an enchanting look for your special day.
@modernsalon
In future, when you are stumped with planning a hairstyle, consider a French braid ponytail. It is a hairdo that can work in both casual and formal settings, while being sweet or sassy depending on your desire. No matter what hair length or texture you have, there is a perfect look for you.
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