9 Last-minute Ponytail Ideas For Any Occasion

These ponytail ideas will make any party outfit look on-point.

When it comes to party hairstyles, you really can’t beat a good old ponytail! They’re last-minute hair saviours that can help tie together your entire party look, no matter the festive occasion (be it a office Christmas party or NYE). And, if you’re looking for dazzling ponytail ideas to try out for your next bash, your fave celebrities have got you covered.

So, keep scrolling to see the 9 ponytail looks guaranteed to get you all the likes. Did we also forget to mention they’re all super easy to recreate? Party-perfect strands, here we come…

High Ponytail

Kim Kardashian West with her long black hair styled into a high ponytail with a crystal hair cuff, wearing silver party dress and smiling
Who doesn’t love hair jewellery? Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

You can’t talk about party-ready ponytail ideas without mentioning a Kardashian sister. Here, Kim Kardashian West channels ’90s party vibes with her super high ponytail, secured with a glitzy crystal hair accessory.

If you plan on showing off our moves on the dance floor this New Year’s, you’ll shine bright like a diamond if you style your hair like this.

Tousled Ponytail

Barbara Palvin on the red carpet with a chestnut textured high ponytail, wearing sparkly jacket and drop earrings
Because second day hair is the best to work on. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

One of the best things about working on second day tresses? You can quickly fashion them into this effortless, tousled ponytail, which we spotted on Barbara Palvin. And, if you really want to dress it up even more, team it with a pair of statement earrings.

Sleek Ponytail

Woman with sleek ponytail hairstyle
Credit: Rupert Laycock

The en vogue hair trend that’s already huge this festive season is  — you guessed it — glossy, glass-like strands. So, you really can’t go wrong with trying out this sleek and sophisticated ponytail hairstyle.

Editor’s tip: The TONI&GUY Picture Perfect Hair Gloss is the handbag must-have you need to help you nail Jasmine Tookes’ ponytail. It can be used on dry hair to create a flawless, frizz-free finish with brilliant shine.

Glitter Ponytail

Dascha Polanco on the red carpet with her dark brown hair styled into a long, sleek ponytail, with a golden glitter hair parting, wearing a red dress
This is the subtle way to wear glitter for party season. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Who doesn’t love a bit of glitter at this time of year? Whether you’re still looking for your Christmas party hairstyle, or want to know how to subtly wear glitter with your go-to pony, take #hairinspo from Dascha Polanco’s ‘do.

There’s no need to wait: you can join the glitterati and get this easy night out look for yourself with our glitter parting hair tutorial.

Voluminous Ponytail

Ponytail ideas: Side shot of Britt Robertson with long dark blonde hair styled into a low, wavy ponytail, wearing a black sequin top and posing on the red carpet
Hands down the best wavy ponytail we’ve ever seen. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

If there’s one beauty lesson we’ve learnt from the red carpet, it’s that beachy waves can be worn year-round.

This sexy, voluminous updo teams perfectly with sequins, and is exactly what you need to convince everyone you’ve been on holiday (when honestly, you’ve been eating mince pies and watching Xmas films on repeat). Guess it’s all time for us to add a sea salt spray to our winter party-circuit routine!

Editor’s tip: Want your ponytail to look as full as Britt Robertson’s? Try using the TRESemmé Collagen+ Fullness Thickening Balm! Apply a small amount of it into your damp hair before blow drying, to achieve visibly thicker and fuller strands that are ready to be styled.

Natural Ponytail

Gabrielle Union on the red carpet with her dark long brown curly hair styled into low ponytail, wearing a red dress and silver hoop dress
Looking for curly ponytail ideas? Try this. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Ponytails are some of the easiest and most accessible styles to whip up in a pinch, regardless of your hair texture! Keep your strands slick at the front and super curly at ends, like this, to really make a mane statement.

Up next: 12 glam ways to style natural curls for Christmas and beyond.

Ponytail With Bows

Poppy Delevingne on the red carpet with her medium bleach blonde hair styled into a low sleek ponytail with hair bows at the base and the end of it, wearing a duck blue dress
If it’s good enough for the runway, it’s good enough for you. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Forget the rule that suggests your party hairstyle should only have one statement component — how cool does Poppy Delevingne’s ponytail look with two velvet hair bows ( a look inspired by Emilia Wickstead’s recent runway show)?

From cosmic jewels to pearly barrettes, tis’ the season to go all out with festive hair accessories.

Wrapped Ponytail

Jasmine Sanders on the red carpet with her long golden blonde hair styled into a sleek ponytail with a velvet hair wrap on it, wearing a velvet black dress
Now that’s a wrap! Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Just ask Jasmine Sanders, an elegant hair wrap is all you need to make your ponytail look extra snazzy. Whether it’s a winter dinner date or drinks at a festive-themed cocktail bar, you’ll be the queen of party tressing with this stunning number in your hair portfolio.

Editor’s tip: You may have noticed that all these ponytail ideas are ultra glossy! If you want to make your tresses gleam, you’ll need to get your hands on a shine spray like the VO5 Tame & Shine Spray.

The best thing about this spray is that it also comes with heat protection, which will help guard your strands against the damage caused by heat-styling tools.

Bubble Ponytail

Jessica Serfaty with her long dark blonde hair styled into a low bubble ponytail, wearing a black Bardot dress on the red carpet
Looking for ponytail ideas that’ll keep them guessing? You’ll love this. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Not one to shy away from new hairstyles? Then say hello to the bubble ponytail! This updo makes for a fun and quirky way to jazz up your classic ponytail in a matter of seconds – just make sure to have plenty of hairbands at hand.

And if this ponytail still isn’t interesting enough for you, why not try using sparkly hairbands to give your look a festive flair?

 

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