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While we love a highly stylized hairdo—be it a blowout, a fancy updo, a silk press, or something else entirely—there’s something special about a classic ponytail. It keeps your hair out of your face, provides a fun, temporary snatch, and, if you style it right, can look way more intentional than you may think. Don’t believe us? We rounded up 17 of our favorite ponytail ‘dos that prove it can be so much more than the default post-gym hairstyle. Scroll on to see them.
01 of 17
Subtle Waves
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Take inspo from Victoria’s Secret Angel Jasmine Tookes and throw your hair into a wavy pony. To get this look, we suggest going with the blowout method and using a large round brush. Then, use gel to make the front super sleek and slicked back.
02 of 17
Double Ponies
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Pigtails aren’t just reserved for little girls. Case in point: Paris Hilton, who recently rocked the style (and looked fab while doing so). Simply divide your hair into two sections, slick them back into high ponys, and wrap a small piece of hair around the base of each.
03 of 17
Braided High Pony
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Rapper Alaya High, AKA That Girl Lay Lay, looks darling with her braids pulled back into a high pony. If this look is too heavy with your box braids, consider a half-up, half-down ponytail style instead.
04 of 17
Sleek Fringe
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If you have a fringe, this sleek look is definitely for you. TikToker and model Meredith Duxbury slicked her vibrant hair back into a tight ponytail at the crown of her head, allowing her bangs to serve as the focal point of the style.
05 of 17
Bouncy Bombshell
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Jessica Alba has totally nailed the bombshell ponytail. While you can curl your hair and then slick it back into a high pony, we suggest saving yourself some time and doing the reverse—pony first, curling second.
06 of 17
Curly Low Ponytail
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If you can’t remember the last time you wore a low ponytail, consider this a sign to give it another go. We specifically love how it looks with Zeze Millz’s curly locks—the juxtaposition between the sleek crown and the voluminous curls just does something for us.
07 of 17
Y2K-Inspired
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We love everything Selena Gomez does with her hair, and this Y2K-inspired ponytail is no exception. Pull out a few face-framing pieces before slicking your hair into a high ponytail. Use a flat iron to add curl to your face-framing pieces and bump the ends of the ponytail.
08 of 17
Wrapped Ponytail
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Get your extensions out, because this longer-than-life pony (as seen on Erika Jayne) will require them. Clip-ins or a ponytail extension piece will do the job: Just use a curling iron to add some body and you're ready to go.
09 of 17
Messy Ponytail
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Camila Cabello proves that sometimes, messy ponytails are the best option. (After all, you're doing your scalp a favor by not slicking back your hair.) Loosely gather your hair into the center of your head and secure it with a hair tie. Then you're out the door!
10 of 17
Half-Up Ponytail
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Half-up ponytails are a fab idea if your hair is a bit dirty; they can help hide the grease and grit. (Plus, dirty hair famously has more body.) To get Marina Ruy Barbosa’s style, divide your hair, pulling the top section into a high pony before securing it with a bow. For the waves, we suggest using a large barrel curling iron and pulling each piece as you take it off the heat.
11 of 17
Slicked-Back Curls
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We love this bum-grazing length on Arya Starr—but regardless of how long your hair is, a slicked-back curly ponytail at the crown will always be an elegant look.
12 of 17
Split Pony
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When we saw this split pony on Emma Chamberlain, we knew we needed to try it ourselves. Keep a small section of face-framing pieces out before pulling the rest of the hair into a tight, high ponytail. Then, take those remaining pieces, split them down the middle, and slick them back, joining them with the ponytail. Put a large bow around the band and another about halfway down the ponytail.
13 of 17
Braided Pony
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Salma Hayek looks breathtaking with a braided ponytail. (Of course, when doesn’t she?). For a similar look, loosely gather your hair into a mid-to-high ponytail. Braid and secure it with a rubber band. Then, loosen up the braid to give it some texture.
14 of 17
Braided-Front Ponytail
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Another fun braid option: Braids in the front paired with a loose, textured ponytail in the back, as seen here on Issa Rae.
15 of 17
'70s Glam
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Either Blake Lively has the thickest hair in existence, or she used some fabulous extensions (our guess is the latter). Either way, you'll probably want to get your hands on some for this '70s glam look.
16 of 17
Braided and Face-Framing
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If you have small, medium, or smedium box braids, consider leaving a few pieces out of your ponytail for a face-framing moment, just like Any Gabrielly has done here.
17 of 17
No-Fuss Pony
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Sometimes, a slick-back truly is the only call—especially if you're dealing with day three hair. Victoria Pedretti slicked her locks back into a ponytail at the middle of her head, and we love the result. Be sure to use some hairspray or gel for a flyaway-free style.
