When I don’t know what to do with my hair, I know that I always have low ponytail hairstyles to fall back on.
It’s honestly the most simple and easy thing to reach for in your hair arsenal when you’re not sure what to do.
I even threw my hair up in a ponytail once when I had second day hair, not realizing I’d be getting engaged that afternoon! And honestly, it still worked.
Ponytails can be very chic and practical since they keep your hair out of your face.
When I’m working throughout the day, I usually have my hair back in a subconscious ponytail but if you want to put a little more thought into it, I’ve got some hairstyles you can reach for.
Here are 3 cute, low ponytail hairstyles that I have in my rotation.
3 Cute Low Ponytail Hairstyles To Try
The Classic Sleek Low Ponytail
I think there are few things more chic than a classic sleek ponytail. That smooth and polished look can’t be beat, especially for me as someone with straight hair.
It’s a more elevated take on just throwing your hair back and when done right can make a big impact.
Tools needed: hair brush, hair tie, wax stick or styling wand, hairspray
Step-by-step tutorial
Step 1: Brush through your hair and focus on getting the top as smooth as you can.
Step 2: Start to pull your hair back into a ponytail and wrap it around tight to get the sleek look.
Step 3: For extra smoothing, I like to use either my wax stick or styling wand to go over the top pieces to help them stay in place.
Step 4: Finish off with hairspray and you’re good to go!
Wear this ponytail style for…professional settings, running errands or working out
The Messy Low Ponytail
Is there anything that screams cool girl more than a messy ponytail? It’s giving early seasons Serena van der Woodsen.
I love being able to create volume and soft texture with this style. I feel like it adds a romantic flair to any look, especially if you have a more edgy or modern outfit.
Tools needed: hairbrush, hair tie, texturizing spray, curling iron, hairspray
Step-by-step tutorial
Step 1: Curl your hair with a curling iron and leave the ends out so they have an unfinished feel.
Step 2: Separate out two pieces in the front of your hair to act as face-framing pieces.
Step 3: Pull your hair back into a low ponytail using your hands (skip the brush for a more textured look) and secure with a hair elastic.
Step 4: Finish off with hairspray and you’re good to go!
Wear this ponytail style for…dinner with friends, grabbing drinks, weekend hangs
The Twisted Low Ponytail
One of my favorite hair categories has to be “looks complicated and beautiful but is actually super easy to execute.”
That’s where this simple twisted low ponytail hairstyle falls. Once you do it once you’ll realize how simple it is. And you’ll break it out whenever you need something glam but easy.
Tools needed: hair brush, clear elastic, styling wand, curling iron, hairspray
Step-by-step tutorial
Step 1: Use your brush to start to bring your hair back into a low ponytail.
Step 2: Grab a clear elastic and wrap it around your hair until it feels secure, but leave it a little bit loose and bring it down a bit.
Step 3: Use your fingers to split the hair above the elastic down the middle creating a hole. From there grab the bottom of your ponytail and thread it through the whole.
Step 4: Once the hair is through the hole, gently tug to secure the style. Finish off with some hairspray for extra hold and you’re good to go.
Wear this ponytail style for…date night, weddings, special events
Essential ponytail tips & maintenance
Let your hair breathe after
- If doing a tight style, make sure you give hair time to breathe after. I personally like to sleep with my hair in a loose silk scrunchie to help prevent breakage and keep it out of my face.
How to deal with flyaways
- I personally love the styling wand or wax stick to help with flyaways, but you may prefer to use a hair oil or gel to keep things in place. Truly you can do whatever works for you!
Use hairspray for extra hold
- I love these styles because they’re usually pretty secure and reliable, but if you want some added assurance that they’ll stay put, spray them with hairspray to hold in place.
A low ponytail is so versatile as you can see, whether you’re off to a casual outing or a fancy affair, you can reach for these styles any time.
From a slick back ponytail to a messy undone vibe, you can switch things up depending on the outfit and occasion.
Which style is your favorite? Tell me in the comments!
yours,
Austen
