How to Make a Curly Ponytail

Co-authored by Christine George

Last Updated: July 29, 2024

A curly ponytail is a fun twist on a classic hairstyle. Curls cascading from your ponytail can give your look a bit of whimsy while keeping your hair out of your face. If you already have curly locks, this look will be easy to achieve. Those with straighter hair can get this look with some styling tools and a little bit of effort. With some basic hairstyling products and tools, you can achieve this classic look!

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Working with Naturally Curly Hair

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You will want to start by getting the hair wet, conditioning it to soften the hair, and then rinsing.
Dispense a small amount of product into your hand. Apply it over your hair with your fingers. This will help provide definition to your curls before you dry it.

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3
Blow dry your hair. Use a diffuser attachment with your blow dryer to emphasize your curls.
- Attach the diffuser to your hair dryer.
- Turn the hair dryer on and use medium or low heat.
- Hold the diffuser up to your roots until they are dry, working your way down to the ends of your hair.
4
Put your hair into a ponytail. Use a hair tie to secure your hair into a ponytail. Put on a headband or use a barrette to add something fun and different to your style.
- A high ponytail, closer to the crown of your head, can look fun and flirty.
- A low ponytail, near the base of your head, looks more professional and serious. Try it with a middle or side part down your head.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Crafting Curls with an Overnight Bun

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Use a moisturizing or glossing shampoo, followed by conditioner. This will ensure that the curls are smooth and soft. Rinse with cold water, which will make your hair shiny and healthy by sealing the cuticle. ^{[1]
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Use a wide-tooth comb to gently comb out any tangles. Brushing wet hair can cause more damage than brushing it while it is dry; a wide-tooth comb will help you untangle your wet hair without causing too much damage. ^{[2]
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You can try blow drying your hair with a round brush to give the roots more volume. Make sure that you leave your hair slightly damp so that the curls can set as the hair dries.
4
Pull your hair into a ponytail and wrap hair around the base of your ponytail. Secure it with an elastic. Enjoy this look for the rest of the day or night!
- Medium to high ponytails generally look the best if you are going for a fun look.
- A low bun typically looks more professional. ^{[3]
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- For tighter, more defined curls, make several smaller buns. Part your hair into 4 or more sections and make each section its own bun.
5
Leave the bun overnight. You will want the hair to dry completely while it is in the bun so that the curls will remain after you have removed it. Leaving the hair overnight will ensure that they can have ample time to dry.
- Remove the bun in the morning. Carefully undo the bun, leaving it in the ponytail. Your hair should be cute, curly, and ready to go with minimal effort!

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Using a Curling Iron

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1
Start with dry hair. You can wash your hair and then blow dry it completely or let it air dry and then style after a few hours. Pour a dime-sized amount of mousse into your palm and rub it between your hands for about 5 seconds. Run it through your hair and then use a brush to distribute the product more evenly.
- Mousse will give your hair texture and will help set the curls with the curling iron. ^{[4]
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- Some mousse products contain heat protectants that will prevent the curling iron from damaging your hair. If your mousse doesn't have this, spray a separate heat protectant product on your hair.
Curling it while it is in a ponytail will allow you to style the hair while it is already secured in place. Secure the ponytail at the crown of your head.
3
Curl your hair. Use a large-barrel curling iron between one and two inches in diameter to curl the ends of your hair. A larger curling iron will give you loose waves and a smaller curling iron will give you tighter curls.
- Plug in the curling iron and allow it to heat up.
- Once the iron is hot, wrap a section of your hair around the barrel.
- Hold for ten to fifteen seconds.
- Release the section of hair.
- Comb through the curls with your fingers. This will loosen the curls and make them look a bit more natural. Wait until the hair has cooled before doing this so that you don’t ruin the curl. The curl will need a minute or two to set after the heat has been applied.
- Curl your hair again if necessary for extra curls.
Spray the curls with some hairspray to ensure that the curls last throughout the day. Add anti-frizz serum or shine spray to give your curls a bit of shine! Be sure to use these products lightly so that you do not weigh down your curls with too much product.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Using Sponge Rollers

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The night before styling your hair, wash and dry your tresses with shampoo as you normally do but spray with a leave-in conditioner while it is damp instead of conditioning. Conditioning can prevent the hair from holding a curl but the leave-in conditioner will keep hair soft and smooth without weighing it down too much. ^{[5]
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Gently comb your hair while it is wet. This is important because you will not be able to brush your hair later without potentially ruining the curls.
You should do this while your hair is still wet. Secure with an elastic at the crown of your head. If you want, add hairspray or gel to your hair to help the curls stay in place.
4
Use the rollers. Roll hair into the smallest sponge rollers you can find. The small rollers will give you tight curls.
- Unclip the roller.
- Gather a section of the ponytail and place the roller behind the section of hair.
- Slide the roller from the roots of the section of hair to the tips.
- Tuck the ends under the roller and twist both the roller and your section of hair towards the scalp.
- Secure the roller with the clip.
- If you prefer looser curls or waves, use rollers that are larger in diameter.
- Place a bun net over the rollers. This protects them from getting caught on things and can protect the curls. Bun nets can be purchased from any drug store.
- Keep rollers in overnight. This will give the curl ample time to set so that they will last longer the next day.
In the morning, remove the rollers and the bun net. The curls should have had plenty of time to set. Gently use your finger to separate and loosen the curls. Coat with hairspray to keep the curls in place.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How can I get a stronger ponytail?

Christine George
Master Hair Stylist & Colorist
Christine George is a Master Hairstylist, Colorist, and Owner of Luxe Parlour, a premier boutique salon based in the Los Angeles, California area. Christine has over 23 years of hair styling and coloring experience. She specializes in customized haircuts, premium color services, balayage expertise, classic highlights, and color correction. She received her cosmetology degree from the Newberry School of Beauty.

Christine George

Master Hair Stylist & Colorist

Expert Answer

Try doubling up on your elastics. A fiber-wrapped elastic is the tightest ponytail you can get, but I wouldn't suggest a tight ponytail every day. To avoid potential breakage in your hair, I suggest using a scrunchie for every day wear.

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Barrettes look great with this hairstyle and gives it a unique touch.

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Wrap your hair around your fingers when blow drying your hair to get extra waves.

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The tighter your wrap your hair around your ponytail and the messier it is, the curlier your hair is. Ballerina buns will only give you waves.

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Warnings

Brushing your hair while wet can break and damage your hair. Be sure to use a wide-tooth comb, as this is the safest option.

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When using heat on your hair, a heat protectant or heat protecting spray may help minimize some of the damage.

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Doing this may not be as good for your hair, it may damage it if you do this procedure very often.

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How to Make a Curly Ponytail

Steps

Working with Naturally Curly Hair

Crafting Curls with an Overnight Bun

Using a Curling Iron

Using Sponge Rollers

Expert Q&A

Video

Tips

Warnings

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