20 Prom Ponytail Hairstyles You Must Try in 2025

As you gear up for one of the most memorable nights of your high school journey, why not elevate your look with a hairstyle that combines elegance, flair, and a touch of modernity?

In this article, we’ve curated 20 stunning prom ponytail hairstyles that are a must-try this season.

From sleek, high ponytails adorned with chic accessories to soft, romantic braids intertwined within a low pony, each style is designed to inspire and enhance your prom ensemble.

20 Prom Ponytail Hairstyles

1. Sleek High Ponytail

Achieve a chic, sophisticated look with a sleek high ponytail, perfect for prom night. Start by straightening your hair to ensure it’s perfectly smooth.

Pull it tightly into a high ponytail at the crown of your head.

Secure with a sturdy elastic, then take a small section of hair from the underside of the ponytail and wrap it around the base to cover the elastic.

2. Braided Crown with Ponytail

Create a regal and elegant hairstyle by combining a braided crown with a ponytail.

Begin by creating two French braids at the front of your hairline, moving towards the crown.

As you reach the back of your head, merge the braids into a single ponytail. Secure the ponytail with an elastic band.

3. Bubble Ponytail

For a playful and trendy prom look, opt for the bubble ponytail. Pull your hair back into a high or mid-height ponytail and secure it with an elastic.

Add additional elastics every two to three inches down the length of the ponytail, depending on the length of your hair.

This style works well with both straight and textured hair, adding volume and a fun twist to a classic ponytail.

4. Curly Messy Ponytail

Opt for a soft and romantic look with a curly messy ponytail. Curl your hair with a curling iron or wand, creating loose, flowing curls.

Lightly tease the crown for volume, then gather your hair into a mid-height ponytail, allowing some curls to naturally fall out around your face and nape for a relaxed vibe.

5. Ponytail with Side Swept Bangs

This hairstyle mixes elegance with a touch of old-Hollywood glam.

Start by styling your bangs; if you have long bangs, sweep them to the side, curling them slightly with a round brush for volume.

Pull the rest of your hair back into a smooth, low ponytail. Ensure the top is sleek and the ponytail is tightly secured.

6. Fishtail Braided Ponytail

Elevate a basic ponytail into a sophisticated style with a fishtail braid. Pull your hair back into a high or low ponytail and secure it. Split the ponytail into two sections.

To create the fishtail, alternately pull small strands from the outside of each section over to the inside of the opposite section.

Continue braiding down to the ends and secure with an elastic. This intricate braid adds a textured and visually appealing element to your look.

7. Low Ponytail with Pearl Accessories

For a refined and elegant hairstyle, choose a low ponytail enhanced with pearl accessories.

Smooth your hair back into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, securing it neatly with an elastic.

Wrap a pearl bead string around the base of the ponytail or use pearl-studded clips to decorate along its length.

8. Twisted Ponytail

Add interest to your ponytail with elegant twists. Start by sectioning your hair into two or more parts horizontally.

Twist each section individually before pulling it back into the base of the ponytail.

This method adds a dynamic texture and pattern to your hair while keeping it secure and stylish throughout the evening.

9. Half-Up Ponytail

Combine the elegance of a ponytail with the flattering qualities of half-up hair.

Take the top third of your hair and pull it back into a ponytail, securing it at the crown of your head for added volume.

This style offers a glamorous yet understated look, allowing for both movement and a showcase of your hair’s length and texture.

10. Ponytail with Flower Accents

Integrate the beauty of floral accents into your prom hairstyle with a ponytail adorned with flowers.

Choose either fresh or high-quality faux flowers that complement your dress.

Secure your hair into a ponytail and attach the flowers around the base or scatter them down the tail, pinning them in place with small bobby pins.

Here are the next 10 ponytail hairstyle ideas with detailed descriptions:

11. Double Dutch Braids into Ponytail

Begin with creating two Dutch braids starting from the front of your hairline and work towards the back.

Once you reach the crown, merge the two braids into a single ponytail.

This style not only provides a sporty and chic look but also ensures your hair stays in place throughout the prom night.

12. Ponytail with Criss-Cross Elements

Add a unique twist to your ponytail with criss-cross elements. Start by sectioning off the top half of your hair and secure it temporarily.

Take small sections from each side below the temporary hold, cross them over the center, and pin them before they reach the other side.

Repeat this until you reach the nape of your neck, then gather all your hair into a ponytail.

13. High Ponytail with Spiral Curls

For a glamorous and voluminous look, opt for a high ponytail with tight spiral curls. Pull your hair into a high ponytail, ensuring it is secure.

Use a curling iron to curl small sections of the ponytail to create spirals. This hairstyle adds bounce and drama to your overall prom night look.

14. Layered Ponytail

Create a multi-dimensional look with a layered ponytail.

Start by separating your hair into two or three horizontal sections from the crown to the nape, securing each into a small ponytail.

Then, combine these into one main ponytail. This method adds volume and depth, making your hair look fuller and more intricate.

15. Ponytail with a Bow

Incorporate a sweet and stylish element into your prom hairstyle by adding a bow to your ponytail.

Secure your hair into either a high or low ponytail and tie a large satin or velvet bow around the base.

Choose a color that matches or contrasts nicely with your outfit to make this simple yet elegant accessory pop.

16. Slicked-Back Ponytail with a Wet Look

Achieve a sleek and modern look with a slicked-back ponytail featuring a wet finish.

Use gel to comb your hair back into a tight ponytail at the crown or nape of your neck.

The gel will give your hair a shiny, wet appearance that’s both edgy and sophisticated.

17. Ponytail with a Braided Base

Add a twist to a traditional ponytail by incorporating a braid at its base.

Braid a small section of hair at the nape of your neck before gathering all your hair into a ponytail.

This braid can act as a natural hair tie, enhancing the ponytail with a touch of boho chic.

18. Ponytail with Feathered Accessories

For a unique and playful prom look, add feathered accessories to your ponytail.

Secure your hair into a ponytail and attach feather clips or a feathered band around the base.

This can add a soft, ethereal quality to your hairstyle, perfect for a standout prom appearance.

19. Rope Twist Ponytail

This hairstyle involves twisting two large sections of your ponytail around each other to create a rope effect.

Secure your hair into a high or low ponytail, split it into two sections, and twist each section before twisting them around each other.

Secure the end with an elastic. This style adds a sophisticated twist to a classic ponytail.

20. Ponytail with Vintage Curls

Opt for a timeless look with a ponytail styled with vintage curls.

Pull your hair back into a low ponytail, and use a curling iron to curl the ends into soft, flowing curls.

Brush out the curls slightly to give them a softer, more romantic feel, reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour.