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34 Ponytail Hairstyles Perfect for Upping Your Hair Game in 2020

34 Ponytail Hairstyles Perfect for Upping Your Hair Game in 2020

By Kaitlyn Yarborough

January 15, 2019

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Credit: @barefootblondehair

In the confusing world of perfectly undone waves and high-maintenance “messy” buns, we know we can always turn to one style to get us through workdays, weekends, and everything in-between: the ponytail. Whether we're sweating our way through a hot, humid summer or slowly crawling through the South’s take on a cold, dry winter—a ponytail is there to pick up the slack. Pun intended.From the perky high ponytail to the trusty low ponytail to the ever-stylish braided ponytail, cute ponytail hairstyles are a dime a dozen, which means you could, theoretically, rock one every day. (Sign us up.) And this year, it’s all about the pony. Find inspiration in these gorgeous and doable ponytail hairstyles that'll keep you looking pretty and polished, no matter your style.

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Retro High Pony

Credit: @natalieannehair

This vintage ponytail hairstyle has been making a major comeback. Leave out a chunky portion of hair at the front to sweep to the side in a grand fashion, pull that ponytail up high, and flip out the ends with your straightening iron.

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Bubble Half-Ponytail

Credit: @thisislaurendavis

Half-up pony—but way, way better. Use clear elastics to create a "bubble effect" and then cinch each with a fun barrette (like these).

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Studio 54 Ponytail

Credit: @ashleyantoinebeauty

Business up front, party in the back—this is the easiest way to make your curls look dressed up to the nines.

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Ponytail Updo

Credit: @cashlawlesshair

Ponytail…but make it fancy! This ponytail-updo hybrid looks much harder than it is. Start by pulling your hair into a half-up style and securing with a clear elastic. Then, combine the rest of your hair with the half-up and tie together with a skinny ribbon.

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Half-Braided Low Pony

Credit: @kathleen_hair

A low ponytail is as easy as it gets, but a quick braid at the base instantly makes it a day-to-night look. To mix things up, style it with a fishtail braid.

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Bobby-Pinned Ponytail

Credit: @khloekardashian

Who knew your trusty pins could be your next best accessory? Line them up along the side of your sleek ponytail, and they’ll instantly put in the work.

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Curly Ultra-High Pony

Credit: @kristin_ess

Curls, curls, curls. To feign even more volume, gather the top half of your hair into an ultra-high ponytail and then follow up by pulling the rest of your hair into a ponytail just below.

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Perky Pony

Credit: @barefootblondehair

Why mess with a good thing? This classic high ponytail never goes out of style. Wrap a small piece of hair around the base to conceal the hair tie.

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Bow Pony

Credit: @juliahengel

From high to low, every ponytail will love a bow-tastic finishing touch. Try out a wide, silky bow (like this one) to make it feel girly and fun.

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Wrapped High Pony

Credit: @kristin_ess

This one's a classic. Turn to it when you need an occasion-ready look that takes so little effort. Hint: Add extensions if you're looking to make a major statement.

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Short Shaggy Ponytail

Credit: @riawna

If you think short-haired ladies can’t pull of a stylish pony, think again. Let those layers and bangs roam free, and it’ll capture that undone look perfectly.

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Messy Mid-Pony

Credit: @nikkilee901

Not too high, not too low—just right. This is your perfect everyday pony that oozes cool factor.

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Braided Low Ponytail

Credit: @brittsully

Make your low ponytail the talk of the town—and to do that, it only needs a colorful scarf. Secure your hair into a low ponytail, tie the scarf around the base, and then weave your mane into a loose braid.

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Bubble Ponytail

Credit: Pinterest/The Blessed Queens

Nothing says fun like a bubble ponytail, and curls can really make it pop with even more personality. Style this curly ponytail with more accessories—like barrettes and scrunchies—to dress it up.

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French Braid Ponytail

Credit: @barefootblondehair

You get the best of both worlds with this braided ponytail hairstyle. Start with a fun French braid, and end with a casual low ponytail. Scarf optional.

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Textured Ponytail

Credit: Pinterest/The Right Hairstyles

Let’s make second-day hair the new norm. Who’s with us? This relaxed ponytail makes the most of your dry shampoo.

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Big Bubble Ponytail

Credit: @thisislaurendavis

Instead of going all-in on the "bubble effect," keep it big and bold with just one. Then wrap the clear elastic with a strand of hair for an occasion-worthy finish.

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Retro Long Ponytail

Credit: nikkilee901

We're here for a vintage ponytail. This one makes the most of long locks.

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Pull-Through Braid Ponytail

Credit: @missysueblog

Enter: the most show-stopping ponytail yet. (Here’s a secret: it’s actually so easy.) Check out the tutorial here.

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Super Slicked Low Pony

Credit: @veronica_nunez

Bring on the drama with this super sleek curly pony. Tease up your curls for ultimate volume and style with IGK's Rich Kid Cococut Oil Gel to texturize, hydrate, and smooth your curls.

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Short Scrunchie Ponytail

Credit: @rosemarymonicahair

We’re all for bringing the 90s back. Pull your lob into a ponytail cinched with a cute scrunchie, and you’ll wonder why we ever let them go out of style in the first place.

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Fishtail Mohawk

Credit: @barefootblondehair

Take a walk on the wild side with this edgy ponytail. Start with a fishtail braid from the top, then secure into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck.

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French-Braided Low Ponytail

Credit: @kayleymelissa

Not a French braid, not a low ponytail—something spectacularly right in the middle.

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Wavy Mid-Ponytail

Credit: @amberfillerup

This hairstyle works from day to night, office to cocktail party. Leave out a few wavy tendrils to frame your face, and tease the crown beforehand to add volume.

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Baby Bubble Ponytail

Credit: Pinterest/The Right Hairstyles

As if bubble ponytails weren’t already as cute as it gets, this modern version ups the ante with miniature “bubbles.” Use elastics for a sleek, no-show finish.

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Cuffed Ponytail

Credit: @cwoodhair

Introduce your high ponytail to its new partner-in-crime: the ponytail cuff. Shop a similar leather hair cuff here.

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Long Braid Ponytail

Credit: Missy Sue Blog

This is not your average ponytail. A simple braid takes this style from basic to date night-worthy.

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Scarf Mohawk Ponytail

Credit: @justinemarjan

A Dutch braid gets a fun twist. Secure the braid at the nape of your neck with a funky scarf (like this one), and you’re set with a statement-making look.

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Silky Pony

Credit: @chadwoodhair

We’ll take that ponytail with an extra side of shine, please. In this case, hair oil is your best friend.

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Volume-Packed Pony

Credit: @behindthechair_com

This ponytail shows up with volume to spare, and that’s just the kind of supportive friend we like to keep around. Give it some extra oomph with dry volume spray or teasing.

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Undone Ponytail

Credit: Pinterest/Luxy Hair

Even Rapunzel would be jealous of these strands. This perfectly undone ponytail lets long, tousled locks really shine.

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Face-Framing Ponytail

Credit: Pinterest

You don’t always need all the bells and whistles. This low pony frames the face, while keeping things super low maintenance.

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34 Ponytail Hairstyles Perfect for Upping Your Hair Game in 2020

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Retro High Pony

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Bubble Half-Ponytail

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Studio 54 Ponytail

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Ponytail Updo

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Half-Braided Low Pony

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Bobby-Pinned Ponytail

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Curly Ultra-High Pony

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Perky Pony

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Bow Pony

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Wrapped High Pony

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Short Shaggy Ponytail

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Messy Mid-Pony

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Braided Low Ponytail

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Bubble Ponytail

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French Braid Ponytail

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Textured Ponytail

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Big Bubble Ponytail

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Retro Long Ponytail

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Pull-Through Braid Ponytail

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Super Slicked Low Pony

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Short Scrunchie Ponytail

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Fishtail Mohawk

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French-Braided Low Ponytail

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Wavy Mid-Ponytail

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Baby Bubble Ponytail

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Cuffed Ponytail