40 Fresh Ways to Amp Up Your Ponytail

When you want your hair to pancake at the sides of your head and flow rather than hanging in a tapered ponytail, pull the hair down below the hair tie as much as you can so that all the lengths of your hair fan out. It helps to have super long, thick hair, too, but extensions can help you create the same look. 

Rihanna's hair looks like a flowing waterfall of waves, and it's all thanks to the fact that she tied up only the top half, tugged at the crown for more volume, and waved the ends. 

For a dressy look that's less structured than your average ponytail (on purpose), very loosely wrap up your hair into a messy ponytail, pull the hair band down halfway, separate the strands into two sections, and flip the end of your hair into the space between them. And for some hair pizazz, disguise the tie with a silky ribbon. 

When you don't have bangs but want the same face-framing effect, center part the front half of your hair, leave out two thick tendrils of hair, and wave them with a curling iron. 

Ever the princess of the pony tail, Ariana Grande's signature look is pulled back and worn super high on her head. It's the perfect way to show off an ombre style, too. 

The side ponytail doesn't get enough love these days, but Jessica Alba's showing how to make it look super sleek and grown up. Super, super long hair adds to the drama. 

No one plays with color like Katy Perry, and here she's making the case for wearing a brighter dye job that starts at your temples. All the better to pull off a unicorn tail style like this one, right? 

We haven't touched a crimping iron since the '90s TBH, but when it adds cool dimension to the top of your ponytail, it's worth another whirl. 

So pretty, so glamorous. Round brush the ends of your hair when blow-drying, then after you have your ponytail, pull out a section underneath, smooth and hairspray it, then wrap it around the hair tie. Secure it in place with a clear rubber band.  

Beckinsale imitates the '50s puffy bang ponytail by pinning back her bangs at the top of her head and curling the ends of her ponytail. 

Yes, even short-haired girls can wear a black-tie ponytail, but you have to be okay with the spiky, fishtail ends. 

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

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

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.

We're loving 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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Gabrielle Union's ultra slick pony is stunning.

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

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

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

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

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

Katie Holmes goes to great lengths.

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

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

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

Help make your highlights stand out by loosely pulling hair to the side (instead of straight back) like Witherspoon's low, bouncy style. It's also the easiest way to style a pony tail. 

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

Sarah Hyland matches the tousled texture of her pony with some casual face-framing pieces.

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