Summer calls, and with it, the quest for the perfect ponytail that not only beats the heat but also keeps you looking chic. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or conquering your daily errands, a ponytail can be your best ally. But, how do you elevate this simple hairstyle into a statement piece for the season?
Let’s explore some trendy and practical ponytail hairstyles that promise to add that extra zing to your summer vibe.
Sleek and Chic Ponytail
This first style captures a sleek, high ponytail with a twist—literally. The hair is smoothly pulled back, highlighting the model’s sharp features, and secured at a high point on the head. A small section of hair is then twisted around the base to hide the hairband, creating a polished look. This style works brilliantly for those with medium to long hair, offering a canvas for showcasing healthy, shiny locks.
Ideal for medium to long hair, this ponytail best suits those with straight or slightly wavy hair. Its sleekness complements an oval or heart-shaped face by elongating the appearance and highlighting the cheekbones. However, if you have very curly hair, you might need to straighten your hair to achieve the smooth finish this ponytail demands.
To achieve the glossy finish that makes this style pop, use a smoothing serum or a light hair oil. A product like MoroccanOil Treatment can be applied to damp hair before styling to control frizz and add shine. Remember to regularly trim your ends to maintain the sleek look of your ponytail.
Sleek Ponytail with a Curly Twist
This style offers a blend of sleek sophistication and playful curls, making it a versatile option for both daytime and evening looks. The hair is tightly pulled back and secured at the nape, flowing into loose, luxurious curls.
This hairstyle is particularly flattering for those with naturally curly or wavy hair, as it allows the texture to shine through the length of the ponytail. It’s a great choice for women with diamond or pear-shaped faces, as the volume at the bottom adds balance.
To keep your curls defined and frizz-free, use a curl-enhancing cream like Shea Moisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie. Apply it to damp hair before drying with a diffuser to protect your natural texture.
Braided Top with Flowy Ponytail
This look in our lineup features a creative mix of braiding and loose hair. The hair is intricately braided from the forehead back, seamlessly transitioning into a flowy ponytail that speaks of effortless elegance.
This style is a fantastic choice for those with at least medium-length hair, as it requires enough length to create both the braids and the ponytail. It’s particularly flattering for women with oval and rectangular face shapes.
To ensure your braids hold beautifully and your ponytail stays smooth, use a light hold gel like Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel at the roots during braiding. Finish with a spray of light hold hairspray to keep the ponytail flowing and natural.
Elegant Evening Ponytail
This style showcases a glamorous evening look with a sleek, high ponytail that transitions into a free-flowing, wavy mane. The ponytail is meticulously polished, offering a sharp contrast to the soft waves that cascade down the back.
This ponytail is perfect for those with long, thick hair, aiming to combine sophistication with a touch of playfulness. It suits oval and rectangular face shapes exceptionally well, as it draws the eye upwards, enhancing facial symmetry.
To achieve this look, use a straightening iron to achieve the sleekness on top and a curling wand for the waves below. Apply a heat protectant like TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray before styling to prevent damage. A light mist of Schwarzkopf Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Spray will ensure your ponytail holds its shape throughout the evening.
Curly High Ponytail with Volume
This ponytail bursts with personality, featuring a high-set base allowing the curls to explode in volume and texture. It’s an exuberant style that captures the essence of summer fun.
Ideal for women with naturally curly hair, this look embraces natural texture and volume. It’s particularly flattering for those with round or heart-shaped faces as it elongates the face and balances facial features.
To keep your curls defined and frizz at bay, use DevaCurl SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler. Applying a curl-refreshing spray like Ouidad Botanical Boost Curl Energizing & Refreshing Spray in the morning will help maintain the vitality of the curls throughout the day.
Sleek Ponytail with Curved Ends
This ponytail offers a chic minimalist style with its sleek, straight appearance and subtly curved ends. It’s a modern take on the classic ponytail, perfect for both daytime and evening wear.
This style works well for those with medium to long straight hair. It’s especially suitable for women with angular face shapes, as the smooth lines help soften the jawline and cheekbones.
For achieving the sleek look, use a smoothing brush and L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray while straightening your hair. Finish with a dab of Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum to keep everything ultra-smooth and shiny.
Casual Curly Ponytail with Playful Edges
This relaxed ponytail style combines casual flair with playful edges, where the hair is pulled back loosely at the crown and explodes into a cascade of curls. This look is perfect for a laid-back summer day or a casual outing.
This hairstyle is great for those with naturally curly or textured hair. It works wonders on oval and longer face shapes, adding volume and softness around the face.
Embrace your natural texture with Miss Jessie’s Quick Curls cream, which enhances the curl pattern without weighing the hair down. For added hydration and frizz control, spritz with Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancing Hair Spray throughout the day.
Here are the descriptions for the next set of summer ponytail hairstyles, each with specific hair care recommendations:
Voluminous Ponytail with Soft Curls
This look features a voluminous ponytail with cascading soft curls that add a touch of glamour suitable for any summer outing. The subtle highlights enhance the hairstyle’s dimension, making it vibrant and full of life.
This hairstyle is ideal for those with thick, wavy or curly hair, providing ample volume to showcase the curls effectively. It’s particularly flattering for square and heart-shaped faces as it softens the jawline and adds balance to the face.
For maintaining this style, use Bumble and Bumble Curl Defining Cream to enhance the curls and add volume without frizz. To protect the hair from humidity and keep the curls intact, finish with Oribe Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray, ensuring your style stays flawless regardless of the weather.
Relaxed Beachy Ponytail
This style is perfect for a relaxed beach day, featuring a loose ponytail with natural waves that evoke a laid-back, effortless vibe. The subtle blonde highlights mimic the sun’s natural lightening effects, enhancing the beach-ready look.
Best suited for those with naturally wavy or curly hair, this look is easy to manage and ideal for anyone wanting a low-maintenance yet stylish summer hairstyle. It works great for oval and round faces, as it elongates the face while providing volume.
Keep your waves looking natural and defined with the MoroccanOil Beach Wave Mousse, which provides flexible hold without dehydrating the hair. For added protection against the sun, apply Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil before heading outdoors.
High Ponytail with Textured Waves
This high ponytail mixes smooth hair at the base with textured waves flowing down, creating a dynamic and stylish appearance. The mix of textures provides a modern twist on the classic ponytail.
This style is versatile and can be adapted for most hair types but is especially effective for medium to long hair. It’s a great choice for those with round or diamond-shaped faces as it draws attention upwards and highlights the cheekbones.
Achieve the textured waves using TIGI Bed Head Wave Artist Deep Waver for long-lasting waves. To keep the hair smooth at the crown, apply Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream before pulling it back into the ponytail.
Sleek Ponytail with Braided Detail
This sleek ponytail is elevated with a braided detail along the scalp, adding an element of sophistication and intricacy to the look. It’s a perfect blend of elegance and edginess.
Suitable for those with straight or slightly wavy hair, this hairstyle complements all face shapes due to its sleek, pulled-back nature which highlights facial features.
For sleekness and frizz control, use Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum which smooths and conditions the hair, making it easier to manage. The braid can be defined and kept in place using Schwarzkopf Osis+ Flexwax, a strong but flexible wax that won’t weigh down your hair.
Elegant Waves with Side-Swept Bangs Ponytail
This style features elegant waves cascading from a high ponytail, complemented by beautifully sculpted bangs that add a touch of classic glamour. The smooth finish on the top contrasts perfectly with the voluminous waves, making it an ideal choice for evening events.
Perfect for those with medium to long hair who enjoy a blend of classic and contemporary styles. It’s particularly flattering for round and oval face shapes as the side-swept bangs help frame the face beautifully.
To achieve these lustrous waves, use ghd Curve Soft Curl Tong which provides snag-free styling and even heat distribution. Maintain the sleek look at the roots with John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum to control flyaways and add shine.
Messy Blonde Ponytail with Volume
This look captures the essence of a carefree summer with its high, messy ponytail and voluminous, tousled waves. The golden blonde highlights offer a sun-kissed effect, ideal for daytime outings or casual evenings.
This style works best for those with naturally wavy or curly hair, providing the texture necessary to achieve the messy, voluminous look. It suits all face shapes due to its height and fullness which balances facial features.
Use Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Texture Spray to enhance volume and give your hair that irresistible tousled look. For added texture and hold, scrunch in some TIGI Bed Head Manipulator Matte Wax to keep the ponytail playful and in place all day.
Sleek Ponytail with Intricate Braid Detail
This sophisticated hairstyle showcases a sleek ponytail with an intricate braid detail along the sides, offering a polished yet stylish look. The smoothness of the ponytail is perfect for showcasing healthy, shiny hair.
Ideal for those with straight or slightly wavy hair types, this ponytail is great for any face shape, providing a sleek, elongating effect.
Achieve the super sleek look with L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Treatment, applied before styling to smooth hair and add shine. Keep the braid neat and tidy with a small amount of Schwarzkopf Osis+ Session Label Crystal Gel, which provides strong hold without stickiness.
Playful Ponytail with Fluffy Texture
This hairstyle is all about fun and playfulness, featuring a fluffy, textured ponytail that’s perfect for a relaxed summer day. The light lift at the roots adds an airy feel, while the loose waves bring movement and life to the style.
Great for those with fine to medium hair, this ponytail adds volume and texture, making it a good choice for those who want to enhance body in their hair. It’s particularly flattering for heart and diamond face shapes as it balances the proportions.
To achieve this voluminous texture, use Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast, which provides instant lift and volume without weighing down the hair. For maintaining the waves, spritz with Ouai Wave Spray for a touch of texture and a light, breezy hold.
Braided Crown with Wavy Ponytail
This hairstyle combines a neatly braided crown that transitions into a voluminous wavy ponytail, offering a regal yet relaxed look. The contrast between the tight braid and the soft waves provides a visually appealing texture.
Ideal for those with long hair looking to add a touch of elegance to their usual ponytail. It works beautifully on round and oval face shapes, accentuating the cheekbones and elongating the face.
Prep your hair with Redken Frizz Dismiss Rebel Tame Leave-In Cream to ensure smooth braiding and frizz control. Enhance the waves with the GHD Curve Wand, which creates lasting curls without damaging the hair. Finish with a light mist of Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray for a flexible hold that maintains the bounce in your waves.
High Voluminous Ponytail for Textured Hair
This style features a high ponytail that makes a bold statement with its sheer volume and rich texture. The sleek base juxtaposed with the explosive curls creates a dramatic and stylish look.
Perfect for individuals with textured or curly hair, this ponytail emphasizes natural volume and can be particularly flattering for square and diamond-shaped faces by softening strong facial angles.
Maintain the definition and volume of your curls with Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie. To control frizz and add shine, apply a small amount of Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel while styling.
Sleek Ponytail with Side Braids
This look offers a sleek, polished appearance with side braids adding an intricate detail to the classic ponytail. The style combines simplicity with sophistication, suitable for both casual and formal settings.
Ideal for those with straight or slightly wavy hair, this ponytail suits all face shapes due to its versatile and flattering design.
Achieve sleekness with Aveda Smooth Infusion Style-Prep Smoother, which protects against heat styling and humidity. Secure the braids and the ponytail with TRESemmé Tres Two Extra Hold Hair Spray to ensure your style stays immaculate throughout the day.
Soft Curls with Detailed Front
This glamorous hairstyle elevates the traditional ponytail with soft curls and a beautifully styled front that adds a touch of sophistication. The smooth and shiny finish on the curls enhances the overall luxurious feel.
Great for those with medium to long hair who desire a hairstyle that combines elegance with a hint of playfulness. It is particularly flattering for heart and oval face shapes, as the curls add volume and the styled front draws attention to the eyes and cheekbones.
To create these soft curls, use the BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Curling Iron for gentle styling that preserves hair health. Maintain the shine and hold of the curls with Biolage Styling Thermal Active Spray, which also provides heat protection during styling.
Classic Waves with High Ponytail
This hairstyle flaunts beautifully defined waves flowing from a sleek, high ponytail. The smooth finish at the top highlights the lush, voluminous curls, making it perfect for both day and evening occasions.
Ideal for those with medium to long hair, this style is particularly flattering for those with round or heart-shaped faces, as it draws attention upwards and elongates the face.
Prep your hair with TIGI Catwalk Curls Rock Amplifier to enhance the texture and definition of the waves. Use a ceramic curling iron to achieve smooth, lasting curls and finish with a spritz of Kenra Volume Spray 25 to ensure the waves hold their bounce and shape throughout the day.
Sleek Ponytail with Luxurious Shine
This look presents a sleek, ultra-shiny ponytail that extends into soft, flowing waves at the end, providing an air of sophistication and polish. The impeccable smoothness of the ponytail makes it a standout style for formal events.
Perfect for individuals with long, straight hair or those who are adept at using straightening tools to achieve a sleek look. It works well for all face shapes due to its classic and clean styling.
To achieve this super sleek look, apply Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum before straightening to smooth hair and control frizz. Maintain the shine and hold with Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil, which adds a luxurious sheen and nourishing treatment to the hair.
Elegant Ponytail with Side Detail
This hairstyle features a low ponytail with an intricate side detail that adds a touch of elegance. The gentle waves at the ends provide a soft and romantic finish, ideal for weddings or other special occasions.
Ideal for those with medium to long hair, this style suits oval and square face shapes beautifully by softening angles and adding a feminine touch.
Use Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream to prep the hair, ensuring it remains smooth and manageable as you create the side detail. Curl the ends with a large barrel iron and set the style with Aveda Air Control Hair Spray for a light, touchable hold that lasts.
Whimsical Ponytail with Floral Accessory
This playful hairstyle elevates a simple ponytail with the addition of a floral accessory, making it perfect for spring or summer garden events. The ponytail itself is styled with a light wave to add texture and movement.
A wonderful choice for anyone with medium to long hair, this look is particularly flattering for those with heart and oval face shapes, as the waves and floral accessory add softness and whimsy.
To achieve the textured waves, use Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray for a beachy feel. Secure the hairstyle and ensure the floral accessory stays in place with a few spritzes of Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Strong, which provides a strong hold without sacrificing the hair’s natural movement.
Sleek Ponytail with Floral Accent
This sleek and smooth ponytail is enhanced with a romantic floral accent, perfectly placed for a touch of elegance. The neat, polished finish of the ponytail provides a sophisticated look suitable for both daytime and evening events.
Ideal for those with medium to long straight hair, this style works well for all face shapes, especially oval and heart-shaped, as it draws attention upward and elongates the face.
For achieving the sleek, smooth texture, apply John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum before styling to control frizz and add shine. To secure the style and ensure the flowers stay in place, use L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray. This provides long-lasting hold without the stiffness, keeping the ponytail elegant and manageable.
Ultra-Sleek Long Ponytail
This hairstyle showcases an ultra-sleek, long ponytail that makes a bold statement with its sheer length and smoothness. The high shine and precise styling reflect a chic, polished look ideal for glamorous events.
Perfect for individuals with long, straight hair or those who are adept at using straightening tools to achieve an ultra-sleek look. It is particularly flattering for square and diamond-shaped faces as it highlights the jawline and elongates the neck.
To achieve this mirror-like shine and smoothness, use Kerastase Elixir Ultime Oil Serum, which nourishes and softens the hair while adding a luminous shine. Secure the ponytail with a strong hold gel like Schwarzkopf Got2b Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Gel to ensure it stays sleek and in place all day.
Romantic Ponytail with Pearl Accents
This style features a softly waved ponytail adorned with delicate pearl accents woven through the waves, offering a whimsical and romantic appeal. The subtle volume and texture provide a dreamy and elegant look.
Ideal for those with medium to long hair seeking a gentle, ethereal style for special occasions. This ponytail is particularly flattering for round and heart-shaped faces, as the waves and pearls add softness around the face.
Create these soft waves with the T3 SinglePass Curl, which provides even heat for a smooth, polished look. Keep the waves in place and enhance their texture with Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray, which adds volume and a touchable texture. Secure the pearls with small hair pins and a light application of Oribe Superfine Hair Spray for a hold that lasts without weighing down the hair.
Textured Half-Up Ponytail
This hairstyle features a half-up ponytail with a beautifully textured finish that adds volume and movement. The slight lift at the crown and flowing waves create a casual yet chic look, ideal for daytime outings or casual social gatherings.
Perfect for those with medium to long hair, this style works especially well for those with naturally wavy or curly hair. It is flattering for all face shapes as the volume at the crown and the loose waves soften and balance facial features.
Prep your hair with Ouai Wave Spray to enhance the natural texture and add volume. Use a curl-enhancing mousse, like Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream, to define and hold the waves. To maintain the volume at the crown, lightly tease the hair at the roots with a fine-tooth comb and set with Aveda Air Control Hair Spray for a flexible, lasting hold.
Sleek Blonde Ponytail
This style showcases a sleek, high ponytail with a smooth and shiny finish. The flawless brushing and light-catching blonde shade make it a glamorous choice for both formal events and high-fashion moments.
Ideal for those with long, straight hair, this ponytail suits individuals looking for a polished, refined hairstyle. It’s particularly flattering for oval and long face shapes, as the high ponytail elongates the face and highlights the cheekbones.
Achieve the sleek look by applying a heat protectant such as TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Shine Spray before straightening. Use a flat iron to get a super sleek finish and apply a small amount of Garnier Fructis Style Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Smoothing Milk to tame any flyaways and add extra shine. Secure the ponytail with a strong-hold elastic and finish with a spritz of L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray for a sleek look that lasts all day.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our exploration of summer ponytail hairstyles, remember that each style can be tweaked to suit your personal taste and hair type. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different textures and accessories to make each look your own.
Have you tried any of these styles yet? What’s your go-to summer ponytail? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!
