30 Fresh Ways to Amp Up Your Ponytail

 

"Next day hair" has never looked better.

Take a cue from these celeb red carpet moments to upgrade your ponytail from a gym staple to an actual "lewk."

•  Side Hair Packing

Beyoncé's high blonde ponytail is fast becoming a red carpet staple for her, which she keeps pulled slightly to the side and curled to a tee. 

• Super Section 

The ponytail version of a braid, Maria Menounos sections off her ponytail with individual elastics to get this rope-like effect.

• Wrap a Length of Hair Around the Base 

 

The classic, as seen on Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, is the result of a section of hair being wrapped and pinned around a hair tie. So subtle, so chic.

• Boost Volume at the Tail

 

 We love the Duchess' amped-up ponytail, from the sleek strands to the Bumpit-worthy volume at the top of her head and the base of the ponytail. 

• Go Dramatic

Nicole Kidman sweeps back her hair straight back from her forehead and secures over her other strands. 

• Play With Texture

If you're blessed with amazing natural texture like J.Lo's, work with natural bedhead volume and wear it messy at the top of your head.

• Leave Loose Strands Framing Your Face

Leave it purposely undone like Cameron Diaz's low-key version.

• Wave It Up

Though sleek ponytails are the red carpet norm, some beachy waves pulled back into a low ponytail can look just as elegant.

• Get Creative with Your Scrunchie

 

When not just any scrunchie will do, look to ribbons and creative hair clips to embellish your pony. 

• Get Some Pouf Action Going

The result of some seriously innovative twisting, America Ferrara's poufy ponytail is one way to mix it up. Twist bangs or strands from the front section of your hair and pin them to the top of your head, then puff out hair—instead of pulling it taut—before securing hair with a band. 

• Create Glam Curls

Amy Adams opts for a sleek and bouncy pony over lush waves, the typical glam go-to.

 

• Secure It Sky High

Tired of wearing you hair down? We love Ariana Grande's super straight—and long—high pony.

• Go Super Sleek

  

Emma Stone looks red hot with a severe side part and sleek low pony.

 

• Play With Proportions

The queen of ponytails, Gwen Stefani loves to tease her hair at the crown before pulling her hair into a high style.

• Add Volume On Top

Pump up the volume at the crown and let a few side pieces free, like Felicity Jone's chic style.

• Create A Perfect Curve

Gabrielle Union's ultra slick pony is stunning.

• Center Part

Look polished like Gwyneth Paltrow with a severe side part paired with a super straight low pony.

• Go Straight Back

J. Lo goes for a classic pulled back pony that creates a casual yet sophisticated effect.

• Section Off Strands

Try Jessica Chastain's new take on the half up, half down (and sectioned out) style.

• Flip The Ends

 

Bouncy and fun, Kate Beckinsale gives a flirty flip to her high pony.

• Go Low

A unique combination of a severe side part with loose pieces and a low pony lends to Kate Hudson's signature style.

 

• Leave the Length Bouncy

A sleek blowout pulled backed into full, bouncy cascade of curls keeps Kate Middleton's pony royally chic.

• Let it Be Crazy Long

Katie Holmes goes to great lengths.

• Try it with Super Smooth Strands

Katy Perry rocks a super high full pony that is perfectly in place.

• Add Wave Enhancements

Curl shorter layers around your face to keep your style causal yet chic, like Keira Knightley.

• Go for Super Low and Sleek

 

Scandal star, Kerry Washington, stuns with her slicked-back style.

• Go For Glam Curls

 

Help make your highlights stand out by loosely brushing hair into a pony like Reese's low, bouncy style.

 

• Try An Extreme Side Sweep

Try Rihanna's dressed up version—a smooth pony and severe side sweep.

• Try An Extreme Side Sweep

 

Try Rihanna's dressed up version—a smooth pony and severe side sweep.

• Opt for a Severe Side Part

  

Selena Gomez shows off an extreme side part with a low pony.