Hair length and how much effort you’ll give it each morning decide which of the 5 ponytails is yours: the plain High Ponytail with a smooth crown takes the least, the Braided Ponytail needs enough length to plait, and Curled Ends call for an iron.
Hiding the elastic under a wrapped strand is the small step that makes any of them look finished.
1. High Ponytail
Height does the work here. Place the elastic right at the crown, well above ear level, because that height pulls the face up; set any lower and it reads as an ordinary ponytail.
Brush the hair smooth toward that point before you secure it, and check the profile in a hand mirror, since a bump at the back shows from the side.
Long, dark hair like this looks best with a clean part or no part at all.
2. Braided Ponytail
A braid turns a plain ponytail into something with texture, and a thick one holds up better than a skinny plait.
Slick the hair back first, tie it high, then braid the length from the elastic down and secure the end.
Pull the braid slightly looser for width, but keep the hair at the roots flat. This is the one I’d pick when your hair is long enough to braid and you want it to look styled without much extra work.
For those with natural textured hair, Giannetos recommends "using the method of wearing your ponytail more to the front of the head, as your natural curls will add the volume it needs to support the higher pony."
3. Slicked-Back Ponytail
Smoothness is the whole look, and it starts with brushing the hair back flat from the hairline before the tie goes in. A paddle brush works for the top, and a fine-tooth comb catches stray pieces.
This version keeps every strand off the face, so it pairs well with sunglasses, collars and a jacket.
Take a thin strand from the ponytail, wrap it around the elastic until it’s covered, and pin the end underneath; hiding the band is what makes the whole look finished.
4. High Ponytail with Styled Edges
Edges are what separate this from a basic sleek pony. Leave out the fine baby hairs along the hairline when you pull the hair up, then shape them into small curves with a soft brush or an edge brush.
Use a light gel, not a heavy one, so the edges stay neat without a crunchy look. Do the ponytail first and the edges last, because tying the hair afterward can pull them out of place.
5. Ponytail with Curled Ends
Curled ends give a smooth high ponytail some movement, and I like that it softens the severity of the style.
Curl the ponytail after tying it, wrapping small sections of the length around a curling iron and turning the ends outward for a flipped finish.
Keep the crown smooth and save all the bounce for the tips. Let the curls cool before touching them, or they relax fast.
Tips for Maintaining Sleekness
Start with a blow-dry. Smooth, dry hair gives you a flat base, and a boar-bristle brush pulled through as you dry spreads natural oils down the length for shine.
A styling cream or gel does the most to get the almost-wet finish.
Choose one that grips without leaving flakes or a stiff, crunchy feel once it dries, warm a small amount between your palms, and smooth it over the roots, along the hairline, and across the crown.
Mousse also gives hold if you prefer it to gel. A fine veil of hairspray over the finished pony adds shine and keeps it in place for hours.
If you want a more polished finish, tie a silk scarf around the elastic so it covers the band.
Avoiding Hair Damage
A tight ponytail is a great choice for a special occasion, but wearing one daily is a bad habit.
Rotate your styles, and let your hair rest between very tight ones. On easy days a loose, messy bun is enough, and a bouncy blowout fits when you want to dress up a little.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to do a perfect slick back pony?
Start at the hairline and brush everything back flat, then secure it with an elastic at the crown, roughly even with the tops of your ears.
Warm a pea-sized bit of gel or styling cream between your palms for that nearly wet look, and run a fine-tooth comb over any flyaways.
What to wear with a high pony?
A slicked-back high pony keeps every strand off the face, so it pairs well with sunglasses, collars and a jacket.
The clean line shows off necklines and structured pieces. To hide the band, wrap a thin section of your own hair around it or tie a silk scarf over it; the pony looks far more finished.
Is a high ponytail good for hair?
Not if you wear it tight every day. Swap in looser styles on easy days, like a messy bun or a bouncy blowout, so your hair gets a break from the tight ones.
