The ponytail has long been a well-loved staple and versatile hairstyle. Likewise, a curly ponytail is simple and easy to create and gives you boundless looks right at your fingertips.
This article will provide step-by-step styling details on everything you'll need to create a variety of curly ponytail looks simply, cheaply, and from the comfort of your own home.
Let's dive in.
What Is a Ponytail?
The simple ponytail has been a go-to hairstyle across time, cultures, and genders.
It involves collecting the hair into a single or dual bundle and securing it together with a tie, scrunchie, or another hair accessory.
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Today, the ponytail is a popular go-to hairstyle for everything from those rushed mornings to relaxed days at home and for keeping your hair out of the way during your favorite workout routine.
The curly ponytail can also be used to hide a failed hairstyle or to allow you to leave your detangling for another day.
Its versatility also extends from casual occasions to formal events, meaning you can dress it up with accessories or keep it simple for a more casual look.
No matter the occasion, a ponytail is your go-to for a hairstyle that is: simple, versatile, and affordable.
Hair Accessories for Curly Ponytails
A simple curly ponytail requires only a tie or a clip to secure the hair in place. To take the best care of your hair, try to use hair accessories designed specifically for naturally curly hair.
Unfortunately, some hair ties cause damage to your hair by pulling, snagging, and breaking the hair strands as you place and remove them.
This list provides examples of several hair accessories that have been specifically designed to avoid damaging your hair. They have also been designed with curly hair in mind.
Elastic hair ties without metal fastenings: Using elastic hair ties without metal fastenings (like some bobby pins) means no snagging and breaking of your hair.
Silk scrunchies and hair ties: Silk scrunchies are gentle on hair and don't absorb moisture like cotton ties, leaving your hair more hydrated.
Silk head scarves: Silk head scarves are versatile and can be used as a ponytail tie. Tie the silk head scarf into a knot or a bow to secure your ponytail.
Traceless or coil-style hair ties and rings: Traceless or coil-style hair ties and rings claim not to dent your hair, enabling you to wear your hair up and then out without too much refreshing of your curls. They can hold your hair securely while still being loose enough to sleep in and secure enough to wear with any hair texture.
Thick, no break hair ties such as 'Gimme Bands No Break Thick Hair Ties': Thick, no break hair ties are specifically designed for naturally coily, kinky hair. They're durable, flexible, and gentle on your hair strands.
Snapee No Crease Snap-Off Hair Ties: These hair ties are designed for natural hair and also great for dreadlocks or braids. Soft texture for reduced frizz and adjustable tension.
Satin-lined caps: Satin-lined caps are great when you're heading out on a cold day, keeping your head warm while the satin or silk lining works to prevent frizz and protect your hair. A ponytail easily fits through the cap, so you can still sport a ponytail.
How Much Do These Accessories Cost?
The cost of these products varies depending on the product and where it's purchased.
Generally, accessories such as a multipack of simple elastic hair ties can be purchased from discount stores, drugstores, or online retailers for around $4 to $8.
A silk tie or scrunchie multipack can be purchased from online retailers for between $8 to $15. A pack of 6 'Gimme Bands No Break Thick Hair Ties' can be purchased from online retailers for around $15.
| Product | Average Price Range* |
| Elastic Hair Ties | $4 to $8 |
| Silk Scrunchies and Hair Ties | $8 to $15 |
| Silk Head Scarves | $10 to $15 |
| Traceless or Coil-style Hair Ties and Rings | $5 to $9 |
| Thick, No Break Hair Ties | $10 to $14 |
| Snapee No Crease Snap-Off Hair Ties | $15 to $25 |
| Satin-lined Caps | $13 to $22 |
How to Create a Curly Ponytail
Whether you're creating a curly ponytail on your own hair or someone else's hair, the following steps will be helpful to create the perfect ponytail.
The following sections will provide step-by-step instructions for everything you need to create your ponytail.
Properly preparing your hair for a ponytail will help your look last all day. Start with cleansed, deep-conditioned hair to provide maximum hydration.
No matter whether it's wash day or not, your hair can be easily prepared for a ponytail with these three tips:
- Use your favorite leave-in cream, conditioner, or hair custard for an excellent hydrating base.
- Once styled, you can use some flexible holding hairspray to keep your curls in place.
- A serum or a shine-creating product adds a nice finishing touch for extra shine and less frizz and is also great for refreshing non-wash day hair!
Now, let's get started styling the perfect curly ponytail.
Different Styles of Ponytail
Classic Curly Ponytail Hairstyle
As its name suggests, the classic curly ponytail hairstyle is a simple style requiring a hair tie or clasp and any products you wish to use on your hair.
You can also create a classic curly ponytail with weave bundles on short natural hair using Brazilian curly hair extensions, eco styler gel, a Denman brush, gorilla snot, and evolve essentials head wrap.
Watch the video tutorial above if you're using weave bundles; otherwise, the steps to create the classic curly ponytail without weave are as follows:
- Loosely gather your hair in the center of the back of your head at the height where you want to position your ponytail. Positioning your hair higher on the head creates a fun and sporty look; a lower ponytail provides a classic look.
- Take your hair tie or accessory and loop it around your hair near your scalp. Continue to twist around your hair until it holds on its own.
- You may like to gently loosen the hair around the tie for a softer look or keep the hair held firmly for a tighter ponytail.
- Unless you're using products to keep your hair sleek at the top, a looser ponytail can work well for natural hair, allowing your hair's natural texture and curl to add to your style.
Ponytail with Middle Twist
The middle twist adds detail to the front of your ponytail. Create this perfect style with these simple steps:
- Select a small section of your hair at the front and middle of your scalp. This will be used to create your twist.
- Separate this section of hair into two, and using your finger, twist the right half over the left half (or vice versa) and continue until the section of hair is fully twisted.
- Gather up with the rest of your hair and secure it into a ponytail as per the 'Classic Ponytail' steps.
Ponytail With Middle Twist and Accessories
This style is almost identical to the ponytail with a middle twist, except it involves adding in decorative accessories, such as cuffs. Cuffs open and then fix around the hair to dress up any look.
Add one or two gold-silver cuffs to complement your jewelry and other accessories.
Ponytail with Bantu Knots
This style sees two or three bantu knots styled across the top of the head with a pony secured behind.
Create your bantu knots by selecting the section of hair you would like to knot, and either:
Use your finger to twirl the section of hair into the knot, or separate the section of hair into two strands and twist them around each other before then twirling them into a knot (this can help avoid hair tangling).
Taking the rest of your hair, style into a ponytail as per instructions under the 'Classic Ponytail' section.
Double Ponytails with Twists
For a variation on the middle twist ponytail hairstyle mentioned earlier, this style has two ponytails, like pigtails, styled high up on the head. Added to the two ponytails are four twists (i.e., two per ponytail).
To create this style, start by:
- Sectioning your hair into two sections, and part your hair down the center of your head.
- Next, create the twists for one side by (1) Selecting a small section of your hair in the area where you want to create the twists. (2) Separate this section of hair into two sections, and using your finger, twist the right half over the left half (or vice versa) and continue until this section of hair is fully twisted.
- Repeat this process.
- Once you have your two twists, gather the section of hair for your first ponytail (left or right side of your head), and secure it into a ponytail in the desired position.
- Repeat this process on the other side of your head until you have a total of four twists and two ponytails.
Crown Twist Ponytail
This style sees a twist created to run horizontally across the crown of your head. To create the crown twist ponytail:
- Select a small section of your hair on one side of the front of your head. This will be used to create your twist.
- Separate this section of hair into two, and using your fingers, twist the right half over the left half (or vice versa) and continue until the section of hair is fully twisted.
- Gather up the rest of your hair and secure it into a ponytail as per the 'Classic Ponytail' steps. The end of your twist becomes secured into the ponytail.
You can get creative with multiple crown twists working in different directions across your head, or keep it simple with one or two feature crown twists.
Gold String Ponytail
For this style, pick your favorite ponytail style from the above list, and then add in a gold string for decoration. Try a simple golden elastic from your local craft store.
To add the string:
- Create your desired ponytail.
- Tie one end of the string to a bobby-pin using a simple knot.
- Place the bobby pin into your hair where your ponytail starts at your scalp.
- If you don't have a bobby pin, you can also secure the string to your hair accessory (e.g., tie, scrunchie, etc.) and then wrap the string around the length of your ponytail.
- Wrap either part-way or along the entire length of your ponytail, and then secure the end by looping it through the wrapped string and hiding the end in your ponytail.
Benefits of a Curly Ponytail
As mentioned at the start of this article, the curly ponytail has long-been a versatile and popular hairstyle that can be created for home-days, workouts, and dressed up for a formal occasion.
It is simple: With just a few accessories, and your daily styling products, you can create a beautiful curly ponytail for any occasion.
It is versatile: Tired of wearing the same look every day? With a curly ponytail, there are so many ways to add detail and differentiate your hairstyle every day.
It is affordable: To create a curly ponytail, you only need one or two accessories, which are available for a few dollars from most discount stores, drugstores, or online retailers such as Amazon.
As a bonus, if you currently have your hair styled in a particular way or coiffed, a ponytail is also a great way to add extra versatility to your appearance.
For example, a ponytail can add height to your Senegalese twists or help to keep your box braids out of your face while you work.
Drawbacks of a Curly Ponytail
Something to be aware of if you're planning on wearing a ponytail regularly is that frequent wearing of tight ponytails (or other tight hairstyles) has been linked to hair loss (traction alopecia) and tension headaches.
This is due to the prolonged, tight tying of hairs together, which creates pulling on the scalp.
To avoid these potential drawbacks, wear loose ponytails or make sure not to wear a tight ponytail every day.
In conclusion, the curly ponytail is a simple and versatile hairstyle that is suitable for any hair type, including straight, wavy, curly, and kinky hair.
There's no need to visit a professional stylist since this style can be created affordably at home and provides you with a wide variety of options for your look using accessories and simply by changing the position of the ponytail on your head.
While the ideas in this article are fresh in your mind, why not grab a hair tie or bobby-pin and try out a few of these looks today?
