The high ponytail is one of the most iconic and versatile hairstyles, favored by women (and men) around the world for its chic, polished look. From runway models to pop stars, athletes, and everyday fashionistas, the high ponytail is a go-to hairstyle that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Whether you’re heading to the gym, a formal event, or a casual day out, the high ponytail is the perfect choice to keep your hair neat, stylish, and comfortable.
In this article, we’ll delve into the many reasons the high ponytail is so beloved, explore different ways to wear it, and offer tips on how to achieve and maintain the perfect high ponytail.
What is a High Ponytail?
A high ponytail is a hairstyle where all of your hair is gathered and tied at the crown or the top of your head with an elastic band, creating a sleek, elongated look. The ponytail itself can be styled in various ways—smooth and polished, voluminous, or textured—making it suitable for virtually any occasion. The high ponytail accentuates your facial features and adds height and elegance, giving the illusion of a longer neck and an overall lifted appearance.
Why the High Ponytail is So Popular
There are many reasons the high ponytail has remained a classic and trendy hairstyle for decades. Here are some of the key benefits that contribute to its enduring popularity:
1. Instant Lift and Volume
A high ponytail naturally lifts your hair away from the face, giving you an instant facelift. It elongates the neck, defines the jawline, and enhances your facial features. This “lifted” look is flattering for almost every face shape, which is one of the reasons it’s a go-to choice for so many people.
2. Versatility
The high ponytail can be styled in countless ways. It can be sleek and sophisticated, bouncy and voluminous, or messy and casual. Whether you want a smooth, office-ready style or something a bit more relaxed and playful, the high ponytail works for both formal and casual events. It pairs well with all types of outfits, whether you’re wearing a little black dress, a cozy sweater, or gym gear.
3. Practical and Comfortable
A high ponytail keeps your hair out of your face, making it ideal for both busy days and athletic activities. It’s a great hairstyle for when you need to focus on work, exercise, or any task that requires you to keep your hair secured. Additionally, because the hair is tied up, it reduces tangling and damage, especially if you’re trying to grow your hair out or want to avoid excessive heat styling.
4. Quick and Easy
One of the best things about the high ponytail is that it’s a low-maintenance hairstyle that you can achieve in just a few minutes. All you need is an elastic band, some hairspray (if needed), and a brush or comb to smooth your hair. Whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair, a high ponytail can be pulled off effortlessly without requiring a lot of time or effort.
5. Suitable for All Hair Types
The high ponytail is incredibly versatile and can be worn with different hair types and textures. Whether your hair is straight, curly, wavy, or textured, a high ponytail can still look amazing. For curly hair, the ponytail might have more volume and movement, while for straight hair, it can look sleek and sophisticated. Additionally, you can incorporate braids, twists, or hair accessories to personalize your ponytail.
Different Ways to Style a High Ponytail
While the classic high ponytail is simple and timeless, there are several variations and ways to elevate this look to match your personal style and the occasion. Below are a few of the most popular high ponytail styles to try:
1. Sleek and Polished High Ponytail
The sleek high ponytail is elegant and sophisticated, often seen on red carpets and at formal events. To achieve this look, start by straightening your hair with a flat iron to ensure it’s smooth and shiny. Then, gather all your hair at the crown of your head and secure it with a strong elastic band. For extra polish, you can wrap a small section of hair around the base of the ponytail to hide the elastic.
- Ideal For: Formal events, professional settings, or a polished everyday look.
- How to Achieve: Use a smoothing serum or gel to keep flyaways in check and ensure the ponytail looks sleek.
2. Voluminous High Ponytail
A voluminous high ponytail adds body and fullness, making your hair look thick and luxurious. To achieve this look, start by curling your hair with a curling iron or adding some texture with sea salt spray or a volumizing mousse. Then, gather your hair into a high ponytail and tease it gently at the roots to add lift and fullness before securing it with an elastic.
- Ideal For: A glamorous night out, parties, or when you want to make a bold statement.
- How to Achieve: Tease the roots for volume, or use hair extensions to add extra length and fullness.
3. Messy High Ponytail
For a more relaxed, carefree look, try a messy high ponytail. This style is perfect for casual outings or a day at the beach. To get this look, loosely gather your hair at the crown, leaving a few strands of hair out around your face to frame it. Gently tousle the ponytail with your fingers for added texture and volume.
- Ideal For: Casual days, weekends, or beach days.
- How to Achieve: Avoid over-combing your hair; let natural texture and volume shine through.
4. Curly High Ponytail
For those with curly hair, a curly high ponytail is a fun, voluminous look that celebrates your natural texture. Gather your curls at the top of your head, leaving some curls to frame your face. This hairstyle gives your curls a lift and allows them to bounce freely while still keeping the hair secured.
- Ideal For: Embracing your natural curls, casual days, or events where you want to show off your hair texture.
- How to Achieve: Use a curl cream or mousse to enhance the natural curl pattern before gathering your hair into the ponytail.
5. Braided High Ponytail
A braided high ponytail is a great way to add dimension and texture to a standard ponytail. You can braid the ponytail itself, or add a small braid along the side of your head before pulling the hair into the ponytail. This style is a bit more intricate but still quick to do.
- Ideal For: Festivals, special occasions, or when you want to add a fun twist to a traditional ponytail.
- How to Achieve: Use a three-strand or fishtail braid for extra texture, or try a Dutch braid along the side before gathering the ponytail.
6. High Ponytail with Hair Accessories
Hair accessories are a great way to elevate your high ponytail and make it look unique. You can add ribbons, scrunchies, decorative pins, or even a hair clip at the base of the ponytail to make it pop. A chic accessory can instantly add personality to the look and make it suitable for any occasion.
- Ideal For: Day-to-night transitions, casual chic looks, or when you want to add some flair to your ponytail.
- How to Achieve: Pair a high ponytail with a bold, colorful scrunchie, a velvet ribbon, or a sparkly hairpin for a touch of glamour.
How to Achieve the Perfect High Ponytail
Achieving a flawless high ponytail takes a little bit of technique. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your high ponytail looks picture-perfect:
- Start with Clean, Dry Hair: Wash your hair and dry it thoroughly. You can use a blow dryer to add volume, or leave your hair natural if you want more texture.
- Detangle and Smooth: Use a brush or comb to detangle any knots, ensuring a smooth surface for the ponytail.
- Add Volume (Optional): If you want extra volume, use a volumizing mousse or dry shampoo at the roots. You can also tease the hair at the crown for a bit of lift.
- Gather Your Hair: Hold all of your hair at the top of your head, making sure to keep the ponytail tight but not too harsh. Secure it with a strong elastic band that matches your hair color.
- Smooth the Hair: Use a comb or your fingers to smooth the sides and top of your hair, removing any flyaways. Apply a light hairspray to hold the style in place.
- Polish the Look: If desired, wrap a small section of hair around the base of the ponytail to hide the elastic and give the style a more sophisticated finish.
- Add Finishing Touches: Style the ponytail with curls, waves, or texture, depending on your preference.
Tips for Maintaining a High Ponytail
- Use a Strong Elastic: A sturdy elastic band will keep your ponytail in place all day without slipping.
- Avoid Tightness: Don’t make your ponytail too tight, as this can cause tension and damage to your hair.
- Keep It Loose for Comfort: If you’re wearing a high ponytail for an extended period, make sure it’s not too tight to avoid headaches or discomfort.
- Protect Your Hair: When you take your ponytail out, give your hair a break from the tension. You can use a silk pillowcase to prevent damage while sleeping.
Conclusion
The high ponytail is a hairstyle that transcends trends. It’s classic, versatile, and can be tailored to suit any look or occasion. Whether you prefer a sleek, sophisticated style or a messy, voluminous one, the high ponytail offers endless possibilities. It’s a practical and stylish way to keep your hair out of your face while making a bold statement. With a few simple techniques and creative twists, you can master this timeless hairstyle and wear it with confidence every day!
