Updated date:

Sep 7, 2016

Ponytail Hairstyles: Keeping It Interesting

Author:: Rose Clearfield

Rose is a full-time freelance writer who frequently writes about education, special education, DIY projects, food, Milwaukee, and more.

Sarah Chalke (Scrubs) rocking a short ponytail.
http://www.hairstylestalk.com/medium/medium4.htm [link no longer active]

If you are like me and love having a hair style that's still long enough to pull back, it can be easy to fall into a trap of throwing your hair up into the same kind of ponytail or simple bun every day. Although there is nothing wrong with that once in a while, it's much more interesting to mix it up. There are a lot of ponytail variations out there that are simple, fun, and quick, which means that you can still be out the door in the same amount of time as you would be normally. So fully embrace your long hair and have fun with different styles every week.

A quick note: I know that many of us are still nostalgic about the 80's. And yep, I'm one of them. I can still watch Ferris Bueller's Day Off or Back to the Future about any day of the week. But that doesn't mean that you should still be embracing the scrunchie. Whatever you do, please do not wear scrunchies!

ponytail-hairstyles-keeping-it-interesting

Different Part

If you normally part your hair in the middle, try parting it on the side instead when you pull your hair back. Also consider pulling it straight back for a sleek ponytail. If your bangs naturally go to one side or the other, work with them for your part. You can also keep your bangs or shorter layers parted and loose, framing your face, and pull the rest of your hair straight back.

Tired of a straight part? Consider a zigzag or messy part.

Primp Tip: How to Find the Perfect Part | Lauren Conrad
Perfect hair parting
Most of us are creatures of habit when it comes to parting our hair. Once parted on the left, the hair is always parted on the left. Get adventurous for a change and try the other side!

Half Up

Wearing your hair half up is an easy way to change your ponytail look with almost no extra work. Again, you can change your part for this or simply pull half your hair back with your hair parted the way it normally is. You'll be surprised how different your hair can look with this simple style.

Bangs

If you have bangs, consider whether or not you want to pull them back when you wear your hair in a ponytail. You can also change the way that you normally wear your bangs by changing your part.

Don't want bangs but looking for a way to change the way your hair frames your face? Consider shorter layers in the front.

Trendy Ideas For Hairstyles With Bangs
Have bangs? Find the perfect hairstyle that looks great with bangs.
25 Celebrity Haircuts That'll Make You Want Bangs, Stat: Lipstick.com
It's official: Bangs are back in a big way this season. Whether you have curly, wavy, or straight hair, there's flattering fringe that will work for you. Check out these celebrity haircuts for inspiration.

Headband

There are many different styles and sizes of headbands. Consider the colors and style of your outfit when you choose a headband. Don't make your outfit overly coordinated by choosing a headband in exactly the same color as your skirt or shirt. Instead think about a color that will compliment it. Have fun choosing different patterns and embellishment details (i.e. sequins, flowers, etc.).

Decorated Bobby Pins

Plain bobby pins are a wonderful way to secure stray locks including bangs and short layers to create a sleeker ponytail. If you're looking for something different, consider decorated bobby pins. There are a number of inexpensive sets out there that are adult appropriate with details such as buttons, fabric, and beads. Looking for a new DIY project? Consider making your own.

YouTube - search bobby pin tutorial
There are a handful of really good ones!
How to Use Bobby Pins to Style Your Hair | eHow.com

Flower

Adding a real or fake flower to your hairstyle can also add a pop of color to your outfit. If you're able to use a seasonal fresh flower, go with it. There are lots of fake flower options for the rest of the year, too. Just like it was important not to overly coordinate with your headband, don't overly coordinate with a flower either.

Make Fabric Flower Hair Accessories: 5 Easy Tutorials

How to Make Cheap & Trendy Hair Flower Accessories

Straightened or Curly

If you normally wear your hair straight or curly, consider doing something different when you wear a ponytail. It will change the look even more. Need assistance straightening or curling your hair? Check out the links below.

Hair Care: How To Straighten Hair Like a Pro
See how to finally straighten your hair with a flat iron like a professional.
How to Curl Your Hair: 10 Best YouTube Tutorials | StyleCaster
Learn how to curl your hair with some of the best YouTube tutorials out there.

How To Use A Curling Wand & How I Curl My Hair!

Hair Sticks

This isn't really an option for a ponytail. However, I thought that I would include it here because if you're reading this, you probably like experimenting with other updos as well. Hair sticks are a perfect addition to a wide variety of updos. Consider the style of the hair sticks for the type of updo so that they coordinate. Check out epstone on Etsy for wooden hair sticks.

Ketylo Hair Sticks and Hair Forks: Top-Quality Hand-Carved Hair Accessories for Healthy Hair

Ribbons or Bows

Adding a ribbon or a bow to a ponytail is a very easy way to dress it up a little. Consider using several ribbons in coordinating colors or different shades of the same color. It's important to make sure that ribbons and especially bows don't make your hairstyle look appropriate for a little girl or like you're ready for a school spirit day in high school. Consider tasteful, classic options. ribbonorama on Etsy is a great resource for purchasing bulk ribbon.

Buying grosgrain ribbon online

Side Ponytail

The side ponytail always reminds me of the 80s. Thankfully its recent comeback has been more tasteful and classic. This is another very easy ponytail variation that can completely change your look. Consider your part and your bangs or layers for your side ponytail.

How To Do A Side Ponytail (hairboutique.com)

More great ponytail resources.

Two of my all-time favorite hair products.

Comments

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on April 20, 2012:

I'm glad that you like it. I have been disappointed with Google searches for hair styles in the past, too. I looked long and hard for the photos that I did use here. I'm glad that it's paid off!

Vespa Woolf from Peru, South America on April 20, 2012:

Well, it's a great format. I had googled hairstyles and was disappointed with the results. Your photos are way better than anything I saw out there!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on April 20, 2012:

I'm so glad that this is helpful for you, vespawoolf! Good luck with your change. HubPages recently launched a new format for Fashion and Beauty hubs.

Vespa Woolf from Peru, South America on April 20, 2012:

A quick question: what format did you use for this hub? I love it!

Vespa Woolf from Peru, South America on April 20, 2012:

I'm so glad I found your hub! I just decided I'm ready for a change of hairstyle, but nothing drastic. This is just what I needed. As always, your writing style is clear, concise and pleasant to read. Thank you!

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 28, 2012:

Thanks, I'm glad!

Beatrice xxx from Co. Cork, Ireland on March 28, 2012:

very useful thx :D

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 27, 2012:

It is fun to mix up the ponytail option sometimes. You're right that many girls do the same trendy style all the time, which gets old. Even one or two new options can make a big difference in the routine. Thanks!

Christina Lornemark from Sweden on March 27, 2012:

Many good tips in this article and it must be so much more fun to be able to vary the ponytail a little. To have a ponytail is very common here and sometimes I feel that all girls look the same so these ideas take the ordinary hairstyle into something new and interesting! Voted up, useful, interested and shared

Tina

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 16, 2012:

Thanks Keri! I know how it goes. I only get my hair cut 4 times a year and it grows really quickly so I'm constantly changing how I wear it. I'm glad that you found some good suggestions here. The language differences like that are always interesting.

Keri Summers from West of England on March 16, 2012:

Some good tips here. I've been wearing pony tails more recently, because I'm holding out to treat myself to an expensive hair cut. So I was really interested to see what you would suggest in this Hub, and I am inspired to be more inventive with my pony tails. I have sticks and hair decorations I'm not making the most of, but will make some effort! Also, I've learnt something about American English. We say "parting" not "part" (and "fringe" not "bangs"). I'm fascinated by our linguistic differences. Up & useful.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on November 04, 2011:

Thanks so much! I hope that your wife finds is useful.

Richard Ricky Hale from West Virginia on November 03, 2011:

voted up and useful RC. I thought about my wife when I clicked on your page. This was a very useful and well written article:) This is a good variety of hairstyles for women. I will make sure the wife takes a look at it. She loves fixing that hair.lol Best wishes.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 03, 2011:

You're welcome! I hope that it helps. Honestly I've never done it myself so I don't have any personal tips.

Kristin Trapp from Illinois on October 03, 2011:

Thanks so much. I'm definitely going to check it out.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 03, 2011:

Check out this link:

http://www.wonderhowto.com/topic/easy-teased-ponyt...

There are several popular techniques for teasing hair to get that look. Good luck!

Kristin Trapp from Illinois on October 03, 2011:

My daughter and I were just looking at pony tail accessories in the store yesterday. Do you have a recommendation of the best way to make the pony tail sort of poof up (technical term, I know) like the way it looks in the headband photo?

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on June 27, 2011:

Thanks ladies!

Sarah Carlsley from Minnesota on June 27, 2011:

These are so cute!! Love your ideas.

Susan Hazelton from Sunny Florida on June 27, 2011:

Great looks. I like the one side3d ponytail. It's soft and feminine.

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on June 24, 2011:

Thanks prasetio! I hope that your sister likes it.

Thanks Carrie! I try and will continue to do my best!

carriethomson from United Kingdom on June 24, 2011:

hey!! u added the side ponytail here!! gr8.. You are truly a fast and a dedicated hubber..keep riting such enjoyable hubs..... :)

prasetio30 from malang-indonesia on June 23, 2011:

Nice information. I love all hair styles above. Very well written. I'll show this hub to my sister. I believe, she'll love this information. Well done, my friend. You got my VOTE. Cheers....

Prasetio

Rose Clearfield (author) from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on June 23, 2011:

Side ponytail, with or without a braid, is a great addition for this hub! I will add that in sometime. Thanks!

carriethomson from United Kingdom on June 23, 2011:

great hair styles listed here.. i think the one side half braided ponytail is a great style.. and it deserves a mention here...those bobby pins r amazing..)thanx for the wonderful hub..