18 Braided Ponytail Hairstyles, Plus How to Do One

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A braided ponytail mixes the ease of a ponytail with the polish of a braid. It can be a simple everyday style on your natural hair, or a long, sleek protective style made with braiding hair.

Here’s how to do a basic braided ponytail, plus 18 braided ponytail ideas to try.

How to Do a Braided Ponytail

1. Brush your hair back and tie it into a ponytail at your preferred height. A little dry shampoo first helps it grip.
2. Take a small section from underneath the ponytail and braid it, then secure the end with a clear elastic.
3. Wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail to hide the hair tie.
4. Pin the end underneath with a bobby pin in your hair color.
5. For extra polish, braid the whole ponytail, then gently loosen the edges for volume.

Braided Ponytail Ideas

1. Wavy Side Fishtail

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Sweep your hair to one side and work it into a loose fishtail. Curling the hair first gives the braid a soft, beachy texture.

2. Bubble Ponytail

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Add clear elastics down a ponytail and gently pull each section out for a bubble effect. It’s quick and looks especially pretty on slightly curled hair.

3. Messy Ponytail with Lace Braid

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A lace braid (a French braid that only adds hair from one side) along the hairline balances a messy, relaxed ponytail for a boho look.

4. Faux Mohawk Braid

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Braid up the center of the head into a high ponytail for a bold faux mohawk. Tease the front roots for extra height. See more mohawk braids.

5. Jumbo Braid into High Ponytail

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A big, loose French braid at the front leading into a high ponytail creates a sculptural, eye-catching look.

6. Side Braids into a Sleek Ponytail

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Braid along both sides of the crown and pull everything into a sleek ponytail, with a little volume in the center. Too hot? Twist it into a bun.

7. Messy Side Braided Ponytail

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Curl your hair, braid it loosely to the side and tease it slightly for a relaxed festival look.

8. Half Braid Ponytail

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Braid only the top half of your ponytail and leave the ends loose to show off length.

9. Loose 3D Dutch Braid Ponytail

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A loose Dutch braid into a ponytail gives volume all over. Tease your hair a little before braiding to make it easier to pancake.

10. Messy Fishtail Ponytail

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A loose fishtail braid looks complex but is easy once you learn the technique. Leave a few face-framing pieces out.

11. Dutch Braids into a Fishtail

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Two Dutch braids that join into a single fishtail ponytail look intricate and elegant.

12. Polished Upside-Down Braid

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Bend forward and braid up from the nape, then gather everything into a sleek high ponytail. A velvet scrunchie finishes it.

13. Rockstar Fishtail

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Fishtail braids on each side pulled into a messy ponytail create an edgy, faux-hawk feel.

14. Hidden Braid Ponytail

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Braid a small section down the middle of your head before pulling your hair back into a ponytail for a subtle detail.

15. Wavy Braided Ponytail

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Add texture before braiding and embrace a few flyaways. It’s a great option if you have bangs.

16. Boho Braided Ponytail

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Loose, relaxed boho braids along the length are comfortable and work for everything from the beach to a wedding. Hidden bobby pins keep it secure.

17. Twisted Crown into High Ponytail

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Twists or braids at the crown lead into a high ponytail. Face-framing bangs soften it.

18. Wispy Fishtail Ponytail

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Turn an everyday ponytail into a fishtail with lots of tiny strands. Keep the front smooth by combing it back before tying.

Braided Ponytails With Extensions

A sleek braided ponytail made with braiding hair, usually over cornrows or a sleek base, is a popular protective style. It takes longer to install, often an hour or more, and with care can last about two to four weeks. Make sure the base isn’t too tight, especially at the edges. Our guide to pre-stretched braiding hair can help you choose hair.

FAQs

How do you sleep with a braided ponytail?

Loosen it into a low position and wrap your hair in a silk scarf or bonnet, or sleep on a silk pillowcase, to reduce frizz and protect your edges.

Do braided ponytails damage hair?

Not when they’re done comfortably. Very tight, heavy ponytails worn often can cause tension at the hairline, so vary your styles and avoid pulling too hard.

Final Thoughts

From messy fishtails to sleek high ponies, a braided ponytail works for almost any occasion. Learn the basics with our French braid guide.