From sleek styles to casual looks.
While people with super long hair can wear a ponytail about every way imaginable, those with shorter hair styles often need to get a bit more inventive. That said, with a little creativity and the right styling tricks, you can sport everything from casual low ponies to sleek styles to decorated ponytails. Whether you’re growing out a bob or just want to switch things up, these short-hair ponytail ideas prove you’ve got plenty of options.
1. Low-Key Low Pony
This simple ponytail for short hair is a true classic, and Emilie Joseph is totally giving fashion-forward vibes pairing it with an oversize blazer, knitted crop top, and tiny gold hoops.
“You don’t always need to go in with a ton of gel, especially if you have fine hair,” says hairstylist Jeremy Pugh. “When I’m backstage at Fashion Week, we do this look all the time, What we’ll usually do is use a medium-hold hairspray with a brush while hitting it with the blow dryer to smooth everything down. That gives us that shiny slick look that’s still easy to brush out.”
2. Matrix Pony
Forget minimalism. Sometimes more really is more. Here, Heart Evangelista wears a super slicked back ponytail that’s been decked out with leather ribbons and bows that match her hair color. Some high-hold pomade is your bestie for this short-hair ponytail look, and don’t be afraid to use barrettes to secure shorter pieces.
3. Half-up Princess Pony
We love a half-up pony, and Helena Bordon nails the look perfectly with a Y2K-inspired look with flipped ends. “Instead of going in with a strong-hold hair gel—which can break your hair off when you take it down—one of my favorite hacks is to use a thick hair mask to slick everything back especially if you have fine hair,” Pugh says. “And for those signature flipped-out ends, just take your straightener and flip the ends last.”
4. Braided High Pony
Caroline Takrarit looks calm, cool, and gorgeous in this sculptural braided high ponytail. The trickiest part of this short-hair ponytail style is pulling all the hair up high enough. Pugh says you’ll probably need a little gel to help out, and you can also use some barrettes and bobby pins to help. Once the ponytail is in place, braid and secure.
“One of my favorite tricks is using your blow dryer on low heat after applying the gel to help freeze everything in place. That way the gel sets and your hair doesn’t droop while you wait for it to dry,” Pugh says. “Boar bristles make a huge difference in getting that clean finish, too.”
5. Clean Girl Pony
The clean girl aesthetic remains strong, and we can see why: it’s easy and always looks good. To mimic Natalie Portman’s short ponytail, straighten your hair and then pull it all back with a bristle boar brush at about mid-height. Use medium to high hold hairspray to tame any flyaways.
6. Silk Wrapped Pony
A scarf, which is a fun alternative to a bow, does a lot of heavy lifting on this style (worn by Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh) by adding a pop of color and texture. “This is actually a great style if your hair is a little frizzy or you don’t feel like doing a full blowout,” Pugh says. “I’d use a little mousse for control and brush it through with a blow-dry brush just to smooth it down without making it look too perfect.
To make this even easier, he says to just grab a scrunchie that already has a scarf attached to it. There are tons of cute options that instantly pull the look together without much effort.
7. Vintage Half-Up Ponytail
This half-up ponytail seen on Florence Pugh has all the makings of a bodacious babe. There’s volume, a deep side part, and soft waves that read effortless versus beachy or overdone.
8. Power Pony
A confident power pony, seen here on Nataly Osmann, is a versatile pick that works for modern professional girlies, workout queens, and those embracing the clean girl aesthetic.
“Use a thick edge control or styling wax at the hairline to shape everything, then grab a firm-hold hairspray and spray it section by section as you smooth your hair down with a boar bristle brush,” Pugh says. “The hairspray helps lock everything in without adding extra weight or moisture.”
