Styling your hair in summer should be easy, and ponytails are a great way to keep things simple. A basic ponytail with a scrunchie works fine, but there are plenty of more stylish options to try. You could go for retro pigtails like Elle Fanning, tousle your hair like Nicole Kidman, or try floaty, boho knotless braids if you have textured hair like Chase Infiniti.

How to style a ponytail that lasts all day

Texture and hold are key. “I always recommend prepping the hair with a texture spray, like Larry King’s Ride or Die,” says Andreas Wild, hairstylist at Larry King Notting Hill, in an interview with Vogue. “Spritz it through your roots and ends, then flip your hair back up for natural grip and hold,” he explains. “The biggest game-changer is using a hair tie with hooks at either end, which creates tension and keeps the ponytail firmly in place.”

How to nail your ponytail placement

Placement is everything when styling the perfect ponytail. It “completely changes the feel of a ponytail, so it’s important to decide before you begin,” Wild adds. “A high ponytail feels youthful and lifted, a mid-height ponytail is effortless and versatile, and a low ponytail often feels quite fashion-forward,” he says.

The best textures and lengths for ponytail hairstyles

Ponytail hairstyles work well with every texture and length. “Styling should always complement the hair type,” Wild says. “Finer hair often looks best with added texture, as it creates fullness and movement,” he adds, noting that sleeker finishes usually suit thicker hair and longer lengths. “Braided ponytails are especially on-trend right now.”

Best tools and products for ponytail hairstyles

Before you start styling, keep in mind that second or third-day hair is often ideal for ponytails, as you’ll get better grip and texture.

Texture sprays for volume and hair ties for security

– Larry King Ride or Die Texture Spray, $35
– Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, $26
– Hotop Elastic Hook Hair Ties, $6
– Goody Ouchless Hair Elastics, $3

Pomades for a polished finish and straighteners for glossy results

– R+Co Dart Pomade Stick, $25
– Charlotte Mensah Manketti Oil Pomade, $60
– Dyson Corrale Styler Straightener, $539
– BabylissPro Nano Titanium Prima Ionic Hair Straightener, $210

Are ponytails wedding-friendly?

Ponytails can be adapted for almost any occasion, including a wedding. “A power ponytail can feel incredibly elegant and modern for bridal or guest styling, while a wispy ponytail creates a more relaxed, romantic finish,” Wild explains.

Below, find 13 ponytails that are ideal for summer.

Tousled ponytail

A tousled ponytail is especially good in the heat. To perfect the look, tease your hair with a comb to add texture. Next, separate any bangs or face-framing strands you want to leave out at the front, then gather the rest of your hair into a bouncy mid-height ponytail.

Boho knotless ponytail

Boho knotless braids are a very versatile summer style for those with textured hair. Gently sweep your braids backward and secure them with a satin-wrapped elastic scrunchie. To hide the hair tie, wrap two to four braids around it. Finish by pulling out a few face-framing curls at the front.

Power ponytail

A power ponytail is perfect for the office or an evening event. To style, start by detangling your hair and add a hydration treatment if it feels dry. Either straighten or curl your hair, then sweep it all up into a ponytail and wrap it around extensions for extra volume.

Half ponytailA ponytail is a great way to keep your hair out of your face without sacrificing length. This style was especially popular at this year’s Met Gala, as seen on Charli XCX. It can also be adapted to suit any face shape and dressed up or down depending on your vibe.

Braided Ponytail
Photo: Andreas Rentz/Getty Images
To master this look like Dakota Johnson, start by brushing your hair to remove any knots and tangles. Then, braid it to one side without creating a defined part. Secure the end with a hair tie. If your hair is on the thinner side, you can add a small amount of hair powder for extra volume. Finally, set everything in place with hairspray.

Curly Ponytail
Photo: Steve Granitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images
For a sleek ponytail that shows off voluminous curls at the ends, begin by carefully detangling your hair. For a secure hold, gently apply a small amount of styling gel in layers, separating each section with a fine-tooth comb. You can also tie the hair fairly tightly—just make sure it feels comfortable and doesn’t pull on your scalp. Finish with a styling cream or pomade of your choice and add shine with a mist.

Bubble Ponytail
Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for ELLE
Experiment with shape by creating a bubble ponytail. You’ll need about three to five hair ties, depending on your hair length. This style works with any placement, just make sure to create even sections and gently pull each one to form that rounded bubble shape.

Twin Ponytails
Photo: Steve Granitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images
What’s better than one ponytail? Two, as shown by Elle Fanning, who wore hers with bouncy retro bangs and jeweled hair ties. To copy her look, separate your hair into two sections on the lower half of your scalp—creating a natural part in whichever direction you like—and secure each ponytail just below your earlobes on either side.

Wispy Ponytail
Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images
There’s an art to perfecting the wispy low ponytail, which Ayo Edebiri nailed at this year’s Met Gala. Keep the style loose and airy by placing your hair tie at the nape of your neck, leaving some face-framing strands loose. This look needs very little product—just a bit of curl cream and a spritz of finishing mist will do.

Polished Low Ponytail
Photo: Monica Schipper/FilmMagic/Getty Images
Another low-tension style, the polished low ponytail is a bit less bohemian and more structured than the wispy version. Follow Daisy Edgar-Jones’ lead by combing your hair smooth before sweeping it back into a low ponytail that sits just above the nape of your neck. Secure your hair tie twice for a slight bump effect, and leave out a couple of strands at the front and just above your ears.

Barrette Ponytail
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
The barrette ponytail works best with high placement and lots of volume, so you’ll need a few tools and products for this one. Run a comb through your hair and add a small amount of pomade (or gel for longer hold), then secure it with a smaller hair tie. Gently fan out your hair by pulling the ponytail outward on both sides—don’t tug too hard. If you have thin hair, you can add extensions for a more dramatic look. To finish, clip your barrette in the center of the ponytail.

Mini Ponytail
Photo: Earl Gibson III/Deadline via Getty Images
Photo: Lyvans Boolaky/Getty Images
Shorter hair doesn’t mean you can’t rock this style. Natalie Portman wore her bouncy ponytail with a backcombed center part and a simple black hair tie at last year’s Cannes Film Festival.

Midi Ponytail
Photo: Dave Benett/WireImage/Getty Images
The key to making this mid-height ponytail look chic is making sure both the front and back strands are neatly tucked away. A little pomade or a wax stick will tame any flyaways.

Have a beauty or wellness trend you’re curious about? We want to know! Send Vogue’s senior beauty & wellness editor an email at beauty@vogue.com.

Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about the 13 best ponytail hairstyles that will define 2026

Beginner General Questions

1 What makes a ponytail hairstyle look 2026 instead of just a regular ponytail
The 2026 trend focuses on texture volume and intentional messiness Think less slickedback ballerina and more effortless livedin glam Key features include lowslung styles exaggerated volume at the crown and accessories like sculptural clips or silk ribbons

2 I have thin hair Can I still pull off these trendy ponytails
Absolutely Many 2026 styles are designed to create volume Look for styles that use teasing crimping or a hidden bump it pad The Bubble Ponytail and Textured Low Pony are especially great for adding instant fullness without needing extensions

3 What kind of hair accessories are trending for ponytails in 2026
Think big sculptural and architectural Youll see a lot of oversized claw clips sleek metal cuffs and fabriccovered elastics Also expect to see soft wide silk or velvet ribbons tied in bows at the base of the ponytail

4 How long does it usually take to style one of these ponytails
It varies A simple Sleek Low Ponytail takes about 5 minutes A more intricate Braided High Ponytail or Twisted Rope Pony might take 1520 minutes The Effortless Messy Pony is actually very quickjust 23 minutes of strategic fluffing

5 Do I need to wash my hair before trying these styles
Not always In fact dayold hair is often better for most of these styles It has more grip and texture making it easier to hold volume and keep braids or twists in place Very clean slippery hair is best for the Sleek WetLook Pony

Advanced Styling Questions

6 What is the Sculptural Low Ponytail and how is it different from a normal low pony
A normal low pony is just hair pulled back at the nape The