A ponytail pulls everything away from the face, which is exactly why bangs make such a good partner: they keep a soft frame in place while the rest of the hair is up. The twenty ideas in this gallery mix heights, textures and fringe types, including a sleek flipped pony with side bangs, a high pony with four stitch braids, half ponies with side-swept and thick framing pieces, a loc ponytail, a tousled bridal low pony with curtain bangs, curly ponies with face-framing tendrils and a polished weave pony with blunt bangs.
Where you place the ponytail changes the effect. A high pony lifts the features and suits oval or heart-shaped faces; a low pony at the nape feels romantic and relaxed. Long side bangs balance square faces, and wispy or curtain bangs soften a high forehead. Thin hair often looks fuller in a teased or curled pony, while thick hair can be smoothed sleek. If you don’t have a fringe, loose face-framing strands or clip-in bangs create a similar look for an evening.
1. Long Voluminous Ponytail
Quick to put together, this messy, voluminous pony takes only a minute or two. Curl the lengths first if your hair is straight, tie them at the nape and let a few fringe pieces fall loose for a soft, dimensional look.
Inspiration: @theresa_theposhbride
2. Sleek Flipped Out Pony
A deep side part with smooth bangs flatters square and heart-shaped faces. Straighten the lengths, flip the ends upward and finish with a light glossy hairspray to keep the sleek flipped pony in shape. A boar-bristle brush keeps the surface smooth.
Inspiration: @beautybytatetaylor
3. Long High Pony with 4 Braids
Split the hair into four sections, braid each with stitch braids toward the crown and gather them into a high ponytail. An elongated, relaxed fringe contrasts nicely with the neat braids for a sporty yet soft look.
Inspiration: @platanina_by_an
4. Half Pony with Side-Swept Bangs
Extra-long hair looks gorgeous in this curled half pony gathered high on the head. Long side-swept bangs at the front give it a timeless, sophisticated charm. Use a wide-barrel wand for loose, polished curls. Secure the base with a strong elastic.
Inspiration: @styloweczesanie
5. Sassy Half Up Ponytail
Thick framing locks and a teased half pony make a bold statement. Subtle platinum highlights add contrast against the hair and skin tone while boosting texture and volume. Backcomb the crown lightly before tying. Pull out a few wisps at the temples.
Inspiration: @beautybytatetaylor
6. Loc Ponytail Style
Locs along the sides lead into a high ponytail, offering a stylish alternative to full cornrows or a simple pony. The neat sides and voluminous tail balance each other well. Moisturize the scalp regularly to keep it comfortable.
Inspiration: @hair_by_akhir
7. Tousled Low Pony with Bangs
Long curtain bangs frame a tousled low pony that suits slightly wavy, effortlessly messy hair. It is a soft choice for brides. Golden jewelry brings out the warm blonde tones in the hair. Tie the pony loosely so it looks relaxed.
Inspiration: @marko_stoppel
8. Highlighted Pony with Fringe Locks
Two thin braids are gathered with the rest of the hair into a high ponytail, and chunky highlights add personality. Loose fringe locks at the front keep the look soft. A great way to show off dimensional color.
Inspiration: @boskiesploty
9. Smooth Blonde Pony for Thick Hair
Straightening both the bangs and the ponytail gives this blonde pony a glossy, silky finish. It looks especially elegant with balayage or ombre. Long thick bangs balance the sleekness of the pulled-back lengths. Wrap a strand around the elastic to finish.
Inspiration: @monika.sidor.missi
10. Boho Ponytail Hairstyle
Delicate boho braids decorate a side-swept low pony with Hollywood glamour, making it a romantic option for brides and bridesmaids. Add soft waves through the tail and pin small flowers along the braids if desired.
Inspiration: @ulokowana
11. Bright Blonde Curly Pony
Though it looks intricate, this bright blonde curly pony is simple to do. Gather curls into a high ponytail, release front pieces to frame the face, then braid a strand and wrap it around the base to hide the elastic.
Inspiration: @teaondemand_
12. Wavy Ponytail with Framing Bangs
Framing bangs styled well can lift a ponytail on days when there is no time for a full wash. This wavy pony needs fairly long hair, though a weave can add length if you want more drama.
Inspiration: @glam.agatabalawender
13. Medium High Pony for Thin Hair
A smooth medium-height pony is one of the easiest casual looks for mid-length or thin hair. Sweeping a front section to one side adds charm and hides the hairline. A little volumizing spray helps add body.
Inspiration: @annasullivanhair
14. Sleek High Pony with Thin Bangs
A sleek high pony with long, wispy bangs works from the office to a cocktail party. The fringe softens the pulled-back shape and draws attention to the eyes. Smooth flyaways with a light serum. Wrap the base with hair to hide the band.
Inspiration: @warkocze_by_katia
15. Dimensional Long Half Pony
Blonde tones through black hair create a striking highlighted effect on this long half pony with bangs. It is a fun way to switch up an everyday look. Curl the lengths loosely to show off the dimension.
Inspiration: @teaondemand_
16. Glam Wavy Locks
Glamorous curls tied into a half pony and finished with a sparkly accessory make this an elegant choice for weddings or special events. Set the curls with hairspray before gathering them so they keep their shape.
Inspiration: @hairstylebyaylinn
17. Half-Up Half-Down Curls
Glossy curls and a thin fringe make this half-up pony feel fresh and current. You can gather everything into a high pony instead, or leave half the hair down as shown. Define the curls with a light cream.
Inspiration: @mrmoody
18. High Messy Pony with Long Bangs
Rough teasing before tying the hair high gives this messy pony its volume. A light mist of hairspray holds the texture, while the long bangs are left natural for an easy, relaxed finish. Pull a few strands loose around the face.
Inspiration: @modernsalon
19. Weaved Polished Pony with Blunt Bangs
A weave allows perfectly sleek edges and curves without stressing your natural hair. Paired with sharp blunt bangs, this polished black ponytail feels dramatic and extraordinary. Wrap your natural hair carefully underneath. Ask a stylist to install it for the neatest result.
Inspiration: @turtle614
20. Minaj Pony with Arched Bangs
Long, sleek black hair works beautifully in this simple ponytail with arched, point-cut bangs. Shorter bangs would work too if they flatter your face shape. Smooth the lengths with a flat iron for maximum shine.
Inspiration: @modernsalon
Building a ponytail that holds all day
- Brush hair toward the base from several directions to avoid bumps, then secure with a snag-free elastic.
- For a fuller pony, tie two ponytails, one above the other, so the top one covers the lower band.
- Wrap a strand from the ponytail around the elastic and pin it underneath for a polished finish.
- Lightly tease the underside of the tail and mist with hairspray to add volume to fine hair.
Styling the fringe so it looks intentional
Bangs can look flat once the rest of the hair is pulled back, so style them separately. Blow-dry the fringe first while it is damp, using a round brush to give it a gentle curve, and leave a few longer pieces around the temples to bridge the fringe and the pony. Curtain bangs look best flicked away from the center; side bangs should be swept in the opposite direction of any parting to stay in place. Avoid pulling the hairline too tightly every day, as repeated tension at the temples can weaken the edges.