Remember when a ponytail was just a quick, simple way to get your hair out of your face? Those days are long gone. The humble ponytail has undergone a glamorous transformation, emerging as a versatile and chic hairstyle that can take you from the boardroom to a black-tie event. And if you have layered hair, you’re in luck. Layers add texture, volume, and movement, making your ponytail anything but basic.
Gone are the days of fighting with those shorter front pieces. Today, we’re celebrating them. This guide is your ultimate resource for styling a layered ponytail. We’ve curated 11 modern, stunning, and surprisingly easy ways to wear your ponytail, ensuring you have the perfect look for every event on your calendar. Get ready to fall in love with your layers all over again.
1. The Textured Bubble Ponytail
Playful, modern, and incredibly fun, the bubble ponytail is a fantastic way to add instant drama to your look. This style works by sectioning your ponytail and tying small elastics at even intervals, then gently pulling apart the hair between each tie to create plump “bubbles.” For layered hair, this technique is a dream. The varying lengths create a beautifully irregular, textured effect within each bubble, making the style look effortlessly cool and intentionally undone.
How to achieve it: Start with a high, mid, or low ponytail. Take a small, clear elastic and tie it a few inches down from the first tie. Continue this process down the length of your hair. The key is to gently tug and pull at the sections between the elastics to puff them out. Don’t be afraid to pull some layers loose for a softer, more romantic feel.
2. The Elegant Twisted Ponytail
For an occasion that calls for sophistication without the fuss, the twisted ponytail is your go-to. This style elevates a simple ponytail by incorporating strategic twists that add detail and polish. It’s perfect for taming and showcasing your layers in an elegant way.
How to achieve it: Create a low ponytail, but before you secure it with the final elastic, pull the hair halfway through on the last loop to create a loose loop. Then, take a small section of hair from underneath the ponytail and wrap it around the base to conceal the elastic, securing it with a bobby pin. For a more intricate version, you can twist two sections of hair from the front of your head and join them at the back before gathering all hair into the ponytail.
3. The Voluminous Flip-Through Ponytail
This is the ultimate secret weapon for massive volume. The flip-through technique creates a high-impact look that is surprisingly simple to execute. It gives the illusion of a thick, luxurious ponytail, even if your hair is fine or thin. Layers add to the overall fullness and body of this style.
How to achieve it: Flip your head over and gather all your hair into a high ponytail, securing it with an elastic. Then, create a small hole in the hair above the elastic. Gently flip the tail of your ponytail up and through this hole, pulling it through completely. Flip your head back up, and fluff the crown section for added volume. The layers will create a beautiful, feathered effect at the top.
4. The Boho Braided Ponytail
Incorporate a touch of bohemian flair by adding a braid to your ponytail. This style is perfect for festivals, casual outings, or even adding a romantic touch to your everyday look. The layers will naturally loosen from the braid throughout the day, creating a soft, lived-in texture that is quintessentially boho.
How to achieve it: Start by creating a side part. On the heavier side, French braid a section of hair from your hairline back towards your crown. Once you’ve incorporated enough hair, continue with a simple three-strand braid. Gather all of your hair, including the braid, into a mid or low ponytail. Gently pull apart the sections of the braid to make it look wider and softer.
5. The Sleek and Slicked-Back Ponytail
This is power dressing for your hair. The sleek, slicked-back ponytail is the epitome of modern elegance and sophistication. It’s a red-carpet favorite for a reason—it highlights your facial features and exudes confidence. While it looks super polished, it beautifully incorporates shorter layers by slicking them down with the rest of your hair.
How to achieve it: Apply a strong-hold gel or pomade to damp or dry hair. Using a fine-tooth comb, brush your hair back tightly, ensuring there are no bumps. Secure it with a hair tie at your desired height. For a flawless finish, take a small section of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the base to hide the elastic. A spritz of high-hold hairspray will keep every layer in place.
6. The Messy Textured Ponytail
Sometimes, the best looks are the ones that appear effortless. The messy textured ponytail is the perfect “I woke up like this” style that is actually carefully crafted. This look celebrates the natural texture of layered hair, making it ideal for second-day hair or when you want a relaxed, cool-girl vibe.
How to achieve it: Start by adding texture with a texturizing spray or dry shampoo. Don’t brush your hair too thoroughly—a little imperfection is key. Gather your hair into a mid or high ponytail, but use your fingers instead of a brush. After securing it, gently pull out a few face-framing layers and loosen the hair around the crown to create soft volume. The goal is controlled chaos.
7. The Layered Ponytail with a Scarf
Instantly elevate a simple ponytail with a pop of color and pattern by incorporating a silk or satin scarf. This accessory is having a major moment and is a brilliant way to add a personal touch to your hairstyle. It also helps to keep shorter layers neatly tucked in or styled as face-framing pieces.
How to achieve it: Fold a square scarf into a long strip. Create a low or high ponytail, but leave a small section of hair out at the top. Tie the scarf around the base of the ponytail, over the elastic, into a secure knot or a chic bow. You can also braid the scarf into a small section of hair before tying it into the ponytail for extra detail.
8. The Half-Up, Half-Down Layered Ponytail
Why choose between up and down when you can have both? The half-up, half-down ponytail is the perfect compromise. It keeps the hair out of your face while still showing off the length and texture of your layers. It’s youthful, flattering, and works for almost any hair type.
How to achieve it: Take the top section of your hair, from about the temples back, and gather it as if you’re creating a small ponytail at the crown of your head. Secure it with an elastic. For a modern twist, you can do a flip-through with this small ponytail for instant volume. Let the rest of your layered hair flow freely down your back.
9. The Low Wrapped Ponytail
Understated and incredibly chic, the low wrapped ponytail is a timeless classic. It’s an excellent choice for formal events, work, or when you want to look put-together with minimal effort. The wrap technique adds a touch of luxury and hides the mundane hair elastic.
How to achieve it: Brush your hair into a low, neat ponytail at the nape of your neck and secure it. Take a small, thin section of hair from underneath the ponytail and wrap it around the base, covering the elastic. Secure the end of the wrap with a bobby pin hidden underneath. This style looks particularly elegant on layered hair as the ends blend seamlessly.
10. The Space Buns Ponytail Hybrid
Embrace your inner trendsetter with this playful and edgy hybrid style. By dividing your ponytail into two sections and creating mini buns, you get a fun, futuristic look that’s perfect for concerts, parties, or just making a statement. Layers add fantastic texture to the buns, preventing them from looking too perfect.
How to achieve it: Create a very high ponytail. Split the tail into two equal sections. Twist each section and wrap it into a bun, securing it with bobby pins and an elastic if needed. Don’t worry about making them too neat—the messier, the better. Pull out a few layers around your face to soften the look.
11. The Cascading Curls Ponytail
Showcase the beautiful movement of your layers with a ponytail full of cascading curls. This is a gorgeous, feminine style that works wonderfully for proms, weddings, or any event where you want to feel like a princess. The layers ensure the curls are not one uniform length, creating a dynamic and visually interesting silhouette.
How to achieve it: Use a curling wand or iron to create loose, bouncy waves throughout your hair. Then, gently gather your hair into a mid or low ponytail, being careful not to disrupt the curls too much. Secure it loosely. Gently pull the ponytail over your shoulder to let the curls cascade down. Tease the crown slightly for extra volume before gathering the hair.
Embrace Your Layers
The journey to mastering your layered ponytail is all about experimentation. Each of these 11 styles offers a unique way to highlight the texture, volume, and movement that your layers provide. No longer a hairstyle of last resort, the modern layered ponytail is a deliberate, fashionable choice. So, grab your hair ties, your texturizing spray, and a few bobby pins, and get ready to turn this classic style into your signature look for any and every occasion.
