9 Easy Steps in Creating a Half Ponytail at Home

Learn how to make a half ponytail with these easy steps. Putting your hair in one won't take long, we promise.

All Things Hair Team | March 24, 2020

You Will Need

Cream Silk

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Cream Silk Treatment Keratin Rebond Straight

Can’t decide whether to put your hair up or down? Half updos are the answer. They let you showcase your long locks while also keeping strands away from your face. There are half updos for special events, and there are those you can wear every day. If you want a simple half up hairstyle that’s chic yet casual, learn how to make the half ponytail. Get your brushes and styling tools ready. Here we go.

Create a Half Ponytail in 9 Easy Steps

Start with healthy hair

Frequent styling can damage your hair. It is important use a shampoo and conditioner that can help repair your cuticles, like DOVE Straight & Silky Shampoo and DOVE Straight & Silky Conditioner. These products can also fight frizz and tame unruly hair.

Protect from heat

After washing, spray TONI&GUY Heat Protection Mist on damp hair. This step is a must before you blow dry or curl your hair to prevent heat damage.

Half ponytail: Closeup shot of an Asian woman spraying heat protectant on her black hair

Dry hair

Blow dry your hair while finger-combing it so the warm air reaches even the inner sections of your hair.

Half ponytail: Asian woman blow drying her black hair against a light gray background

Start curling

Get your barrel curler and make waves on the bottom part of your hair. Curl your hair one small section at a time. Wrap each section of hair around the curler for about three seconds, then release. Repeat until all sections of your hair have been curled.

Half ponytail: Asian woman curling sections of her black hair against a light gray background

Finger-comb

After making waves, finger-comb your hair to make sure all strands are in place.

Gather hair on top

Divide your hair into two horizontal sections. Gather hair from your forehead and temples and tie it in a high ponytail using an elastic.

Half ponytail: Closeup shot of an Asian woman gathering a section of hair on top of her head

Hide your hair tie

Wrap a small section of hair from your ponytail around your elastic. This will make your hairstyle look more chic and polished. Secure with a bobby pin.

Half ponytail: Closeup shot of an Asian woman tying her black her into a half ponytail

Make it high

Put one or two bobby pins at the back of your ponytail to make it higher. The bobby pins will act as additional support for your ponytail

Half ponytail: Back shot of an Asian woman putting a bobby pin on her half ponytail

Let the fun begin

Let your bubbly and personality show. Wear this hairstyle to school as a break from your usual messy buns or low ponytails. When you and your friends decide to go out after school, your hair isn’t stuck in a boring ‘do. You can also make the half ponytail your go-to weekend hairstyle when you want to watch a movie or shop at the mall.

Half ponytail: Asian woman with shoulder-length black hair in a half ponytail wearing a floral dress against a pink and white wall

Other Half Updos to Try

1. Half up top knot

Half ponytail: Asian woman with medium length black hair in half up top knot — This half up hairstyle adds character to your look.

From a basic half ponytail, you can easily create a half up top knot. Simply wrap your half ponytail around its base to form a bun, secure and pins, and you’re done. You can go for this hairstyle even if you have short or medium hair. And don’t worry about creating the perfect bun–imperfections add texture, which can make your hairstyle even more chic and interesting.

Editor’s tip: Coat your top knot with TRESemmé Salon Finish Extra Hold Hairspray so it’ll stay in place all day long.

2. Half up half down with braid

Half ponytail: Asian woman with long dark hair in braided half updo wearing a dress and sitting on a picnic mat — This braided updo is perfect for garden parties, picnics, and boho-themed celebrations.

Thinking of an appropriate hairstyle for Sunday brunches? Try this braided half updo. Pair it with a light, flowy dress to create a feminine daytime look.

3. Half up criss cross

Half ponytail: Back shot of an Asian woman with long dark hair in half up criss cross hairstyle — Style your hair this way to look smashin’ on your dinner date.

If you don’t have an elastic or a hair tie, you can still create a stylish half updo. To put your hair in a half up criss cross hairstyle, you only need several bobby pins to keep twisted sections of your hair in place. Nail this look by keeping your hair sleek and frizz-free.

Editor’s tip: When leaving your hair down, make sure they have the softness and bounce to show off to the crowd. Apply Cream Silk Standout Straight Leave-On Cream before heading out!

4. Half Up Twin Buns

Buns for short hair: Half bun up — Half updos are more interesting when buns are involved. Credit: Shutterstock

Want something more quirky than the half ponytail? Try creating twin buns for a change! It’s great for casual, laid-back days or a fun day out with friends.

5. Loop braid half updo

Asian woman with long black hair in a loop braid wearing a yellow sweater outdoors — This delicate hairstyle makes for a unique half updo.

To really stand out, you need to go for experimental looks like this loop braid half updo. We know it’s quite far from your basic half ponytail, but for us, that’s what makes it exciting!

Editor’s tip: Spritz TONI&GUY High Definition Spray Wax on your hair before creating the loop braid so it’s easier to weave.

There you have it—another hairstyle to add to your growing list of hair ideas. Creating the half ponytail is more fun if you do it with your friends. Then, you can all go out with matching ‘dos for the ultimate #BFFgoals.