60 Best Braided Ponytail Hairstyles for 2023

 

The ponytail is one of the simplest updos for women. It is effortless to create and can be adapted to suit all hair textures, thicknesses, and lengths. For a modern and exciting approach to the ponytail, you can combine it with a braid. There are many ways to create your braided ponytails, letting you experiment with your desired finish. Whether you want something quick and easy, or prefer a more intricate braided pattern that is symbolic and meaningful. Braided ponytails can look sleek and polished, or be created to be deliberately messy and unstructured for a soft, romantic finish. There is nothing to not like about these hairstyles and they look good on women of all ages and can complement most face shapes. As a bonus, braided ponytails are also practical! Keep reading to find out everything you need to know to become inspired.

 

RELATED: 40 Classy Ponytail Hairstyles for Women

RELATED: 60 Best Braided Hairstyles for Women

 

1. African Ponytail Braids

The appeal of braided ponytails is their versatility. There are many looks to try with different hair textures, making it easy to find the look that best suits your preference. You can also experiment with the length of your ponytail and how you want the hair on the top of the head to look, for example, with cornrows or tribal braids, which will create an interesting pattern on the scalp. To personalize your look, you can also add accessories like beads and cuffs which are symbolic and beautiful.

 

 

 

2. Cornrow Braided Ponytail

Cornrow braids are one of the most popular braided styles because they are low-maintenance and long-lasting. The braids are created close to the scalp and appear in raised rows, this is done by using the underhand braiding technique. Cornrows can be created on long or short hair and are an incredibly versatile protective style that can be adapted to suit your preference. Wearing them in a ponytail is an excellent way to draw attention to the hair. It is also practical and effortlessly chic.

 

 

 

3. Sleek Braided Ponytail

A braided ponytail can be created with the braids of your choosing depending on your preference and the effect you wish to create. There are several options, but for a sleek ponytail look, you want to choose something simple, like a three-stranded braid, and create it to look neat and polished. This is best suited to straight hair textures so that the hair does not appear messy and is kept firmly in place. You also want to slick back the hair on the top and pull it away from your face.

 

 

 

4. Two Ponytail Braids

Ponytail braids are a broad term used to describe braided hairstyles that are worn in a ponytail. There are many variations of the style, allowing you to find the perfect look for you. For fun and youthful finish, you can try two braids, which can be created in different ways, including pigtails for a cute and girly finish, or Dutch Braids for a more sophisticated and versatile approach. You can experiment with different patterns on the hairline and try out various lengths to find the look that appeals to you most.

 

 

 

5. Feed In Braids Ponytail

Your natural hair does not have to be long to be able to try different braided hairstyles. A great way to ensure you get the desired thickness and length while also reducing the time you spend in the salon is with feed-in braids. Feed-in braids are hair extensions that are added to your natural hair seamlessly. They are quick to install and can be easily styled to suit your preference. In addition, feed-in braids have no knots, which are gentler on your scalp and will reduce tension and friction.

 

 

 

6. French Braid Ponytail

The French braid is a gorgeous style for those who want a simple but pretty look. The French braid is a three-strand plait using the overhand braiding technique. It can be adapted to suit all hair textures and is a great temporary option for braided hair. The hairstyle is excellent for those who want to achieve a youthful appearance and can be easily personalized with accessories, making it an ideal look for formal occasions and special events.

 

 

 

7. Long Braided Ponytail

Your braided ponytail can be created using the braids of your choice but you can also experiment with thickness and length. A long braided ponytail will have a big impact and will be full of movement. This is an excellent choice for drawing attention to your hair and you have more versatility with styling. You can choose a low ponytail for a romantic and laidback aesthetic or a high ponytail for a sleek, glamorous finish.

 

 

 

8. Braided Up Ponytail

Braids are a protective style that can aid natural hair growth while also reducing daily styling time. Most braided styles are long-lasting and an excellent way to give your hair a break from heat styling. The braid you choose will depend on your hair texture and preference, and tying the hair up into a ponytail will show them off while also keeping them away from your face and off your neck. This is a great look for everyday or formal occasions.

 

 

 

9. Ponytail Lemonade Braids

The ponytail is one of the simplest but most effective updos you can try. It can be created in various thicknesses and lengths and is a practical but chic look for every day. Lemonade braids look gorgeous when styled in a ponytail and can make a statement. The look has been inspired by Beyonce and her look on her hit 2016 album, Lemonade. These long, thin braids are created using cornrows as a foundation with the pattern on the hairline going from left to right to create a side-swept finish.

 

 

 

10. Braided Ponytail with Weave

Braided hairstyles can be created with your natural hair or you can add hair extensions, including a weave. Weaves are hair extensions that are added to the natural hair seamlessly and there are several techniques to try, including the sewn-in method, glue, or clipped. A weave is an excellent way to give your hair fullness and volume but will also let you experiment with your length.

 

 

 

11. Low Braided Ponytail

The low braided ponytail is one of the most versatile styles you can choose because you do not need ultra-long or thick hair to pull it off. The style sits low on your head, creating a romantic and laid-back aesthetic. The hair is also not pulled as tightly creating less tension on the scalp. You can choose your preferred braided look and opt for a sleek or deliberately unstructured finish to complement your hair texture.

 

 

 

12. High Braided Ponytail

There are few styles as glamorous and high-impact as the high ponytail. The look is simple to achieve and is styled so that the ponytail sits high on the head, with the hair often slicked back to create a sleek and sophisticated finish. This is a style that works great with long hair and you can also adapt it to complement braids. The high braided ponytail is an excellent way to get your hair noticed.

 

 

 

13. Box Braids Ponytail

Box braids are one of the most popular protective styles because of their versatility. These braids can be created in various thicknesses and lengths and are defined by their box-like shape. This is achieved by creating individual plaits by sectioning the hair into small squares. These braids can be styled in many ways, including with a ponytail. The ponytail is one of the most gorgeous looks because it is simple but chic and complements all hair textures. It is also ideal for women of all ages.

 

 

 

14. Braided Ponytail Hairstyles for Black Hair

Natural hair can be styled in a ponytail. The ponytail is an effortlessly chic look that can be adapted to suit your preference and hair texture. It can be styled in various lengths and thicknesses, looks great with natural hair, and is an excellent way to show off your texture while also keeping the hair away from the face and off the neck. You can slick back the hair on top for a sleek finish, or create a deliberately messy and unstructured finish.

 

 

 

15. Braided Ponytail with Swoop

A swoop refers to the way the hair is styled, swooped from one end of the face to the other. It will cover your brow and draw attention to your face, highlighting your features. It is ideal for creating a sleek and polished appearance, but can also make the hair on top of the head appear fuller and thicker. The style will complement the braided ponytail. You can either transform the whole length of the ponytail into a braid or create a small braid that only covers the hair elastic of your ponytail.

 

 

 

16. Braided Ponytail with Baby Hair

Baby hair is the thin, wisps of hair that are focused around the hairline. They are an excellent way to soften your features and draw attention to your face and can be styled in various ways. One of the most popular looks is to sleek down the hair on the top, including the baby hair, but create it in a simple pattern. Style your braided ponytail high or low depending on your preference.

 

 

 

17. Middle Part Braided Ponytail

There are few styles as eye-catching as the braided ponytail, which is created by braiding the hair first in your desired pattern and length and then pulling it into a ponytail. This simple, effortlessly chic look can be worn high or low. You can experiment with different partings, depending on your hair growth and desired finish. The middle part is an excellent way to draw attention to your face and is flattering on those with symmetrical features. The sharpness of the middle part will often complement the braided style.

 

 

 

18. High Sleek Braided Ponytail

A high ponytail is an excellent choice for those who want a sleek and sophisticated look. Wearing the hair high will make a statement and is ideal for formal occasions and special events. The braids will tame your locks and keep them in place, and for this look, it is best to create a neat and structured finish. The downside to high ponytails is that they cause tension on the scalp so you cannot wear them for extended periods.

 

 

 

19. Ponytail Goddess Braids

Goddess braids are a thicker version of cornrows are created using the underhand braiding technique. They are beautiful, feminine, and incredibly versatile and can be worn in various lengths and thicknesses. These braids are also practical and can be styled in many ways, including in a ponytail. This is an excellent option to show off your braids while also lending itself well to a variety of settings. You can also add accessories including cuffs and beads.

 

 

 

20. Braided Ponytail with Beads

Beads are an excellent addition to your braided ponytail because they allow you to personalize your look. You can experiment with different materials, thicknesses, and sizes of the beads, as well as add a pop of color or stick to metallics or wood. Beads are also symbolic and have been worn by tribes as a way to express marital status, hierarchy, and achievements. This can be a great way to feel connected to your culture and celebrate it.

 

 

 

21. Fulani Braids Ponytail

Fulani braids are a braided hairstyle inspired by the Fula people of West Africa. The look has a distinct middle section that features a central braid. The rest of the hair is styled in thin or medium braids which can be of various lengths but will have the most impact when worn long. You can add beads and rings to the hair and style it to suit your preference, including tying it into a ponytail.

 

 

 

22. Side Braids with Ponytail

Side braids with a ponytail are a gorgeous look that will give you a soft and romantic appearance or can be styled to look tough and rebellious when inspired by Viking hairstyles. There are many braids to choose from, depending on your hair texture and preference, including the French braid for those who want a simple but effective finish. The French braid is a three-strand plait created using the overhand braiding technique.

 

 

 

23. Slick Back Braided Ponytail

For a sleek and sophisticated look, it does not get better than the slick back braided ponytail. Brushing the hair backward and securing it with a firm hold gel is an excellent way to open up your face and draw attention to your features. You can experiment with the lengths and thickness but a long ponytail will have more impact. This is also a fantastic look for formal occasions and works best on naturally straight hair, which is easier to style.

 

 

 

24. Braided Ponytail with Curls

An excellent way to benefit from braided hair but also show off your hair texture is to focus the braids on only the top half of the head. The contrast between the structured braids and the curls will create a brilliant balance. It is incredibly flattering and can soften your facial features. The braids can be in various lengths and thicknesses, but styling them in a ponytail is practical and effortlessly chic.

 

 

 

25. Braided Ponytail with Heart

For those who want a fun and expressive hairstyle, the braided ponytail with a heart is the ideal choice. The braid is created in a heart shape on the scalp and the rest of the hair can be styled as you wish. This includes wearing it in a simple updo like the ponytail which will complement the complexity of the design and create balance. This is a great way to show off your playful side and can also be symbolic. It will remind you to celebrate all the things that make you happy.

 

 

 

26. Senegalese Braids Ponytail

The Senegalese twist is an excellent braided style and will help you reduce your daily styling time. You can take a break from heat styling and use these long-lasting braids to facilitate natural hair growth. The appeal of the twists is that they are incredibly versatile and can be created long, short, small, or jumbo, and look gorgeous when styled in updos like a ponytail. Braided ponytails are effortlessly cool and undeniably chic, while also being exceptionally practical.

 

 

 

27. Tribal Braids Ponytail

Tribal braid is a broad term used to describe specific braided patterns that have cultural significance. There are several braided looks to choose from, depending on your heritage, including Fulani braids which can be traced back to the Fula people of West Africa. Or with Ghana braids from Ghana which have a distinct tapered effect, and micro braids. You can also add beads and other accessories which are symbolic and will make a statement.

 

 

 

28. Big Braided Ponytail

The appeal of braids is that they can be created in different sizes and lengths, this allows you to easily find a look to suit your preference. Big or jumbo braids are a great option for highlighting your hair texture. They can also make your hair appear fuller and thicker and are easy to install and low-maintenance. Pulling your big braids into a ponytail is a chic way to style them and they can be easily personalized with hair accessories including beads or string.

 

 

 

29. Small Braided Ponytail

Small braids can make a statement and are ideal for those who want to create a braided style that is full of movement. You can style them long or short, but to be able to complement your ponytail style you want them at least medium length. Small braids are lightweight and look great in various styles. From box braids to lemonade braids, making it easy to find a look that complements your hair texture and suits your preference.

 

 

 

30. Crochet Braids Ponytail

If you do not have naturally long or thick hair, a solution for this would be crochet braids. Crochet braids are great for adding thickness, volume, and length to your natural hair and come pre-styled making installation faster. They are added to the hair by first braiding cornrows on the scalp which serve as the foundation, you then add the hair extensions using a crochet hook to seamlessly blend them, creating a natural finish.

 

 

 

How to do Braided Ponytail

The braided ponytail is one of the most appealing hairstyles because of its versatility. It can be created in various thicknesses and lengths and can be adapted to suit all hair textures. There are also different braiding techniques to use. Whether you want a sleek and sophisticated look or something edgy and expressive, there is a braided ponytail to suit every preference. Your hair can be effortless to style or include intricate braiding patterns. To become inspired to create your very own braided ponytail watch the YouTube video below. It will give you the tips and tricks you need as a beginner and help you learn to master some of the most popular braided looks.