Prom night is the perfect opportunity to express your style—and nothing blends simplicity with glam quite like a ponytail.
Whether you’re looking for something sleek, voluminous, curly, braided, or adorned with accessories, prom ponytail hairstyles offer versatility for every hair type and personality. With the right styling techniques and products, these styles can elevate your entire look, making you feel confident and camera-ready all evening long.
Ponytails aren’t just for casual wear. When dressed up with waves, curls, braids, or accessories, they become red carpet-ready.
From low and textured to high and glossy, you’ll find a ponytail style below to suit your gown, your vibe, and your hair type. Whether you’re working with long locks, medium-length strands, or incorporating extensions, these ideas are easy to do and absolutely prom-perfect.
1. Wavy Textured Ponytail
This modern ponytail takes the classic look and gives it a youthful twist with loose waves. Use a heat protectant before curling one-inch sections of hair, then gather it low at the nape for a soft finish.
Complete the look with a flexible-hold hairspray to maintain movement without stiffness. Tuck the ends under or leave them flowing for a more natural vibe.
2. Prom Braided Low Ponytail
A low ponytail braided into a single plait creates an elegant silhouette that works on any texture. Start with dry, textured strands and use pomade to fluff out the braid for a fuller effect.
It’s the perfect solution for an effortless, romantic style. Finish with a shine serum for a polished look.
3. Perky Pony with Face-Framing Strands
Add drama with a high ponytail paired with soft, curled pieces left loose around the face. Use a curling iron for added bounce, then gather hair up and secure it tightly at the crown.
Brush out waves for a soft, chic vibe and lock in your look with anti-frizz spray to hold shape and volume.
4. Prom Pony with Textured Waves
If sleek isn’t your thing, a textured ponytail with volume is your go-to. Start with mousse or styling foam and use a curling wand to define waves before gathering hair into a mid to high ponytail.
The final effect is glamorous yet touchable, perfect for dancing the night away.
5. Soft Glam Style on a Wavy Ponytail
This ultra-glam ponytail begins with big, loose waves styled with a mousse. Pull hair into a low ponytail at the base of your neck and use a light mist of hairspray for hold.
Add some sparkle with decorative pins or clips around the ponytail base for an extra dose of prom-night glam.
6. Mid-Length Overlap Low Pony
For medium-length hair, this overlapping ponytail is a chic solution. After blow drying with a smoothing serum, section out two face-framing pieces and pull the rest into a low ponytail.
Wrap the front pieces around the base of the pony to hide the elastic, then pin underneath for a seamless finish.
7. High Pony with Copper Voluminous Waves
A high, voluminous ponytail gives major red-carpet vibes. Crimp the lower section of your hair for lift, then secure the ponytail high up on your crown.
Use volume spray and secure with bobby pins or stylish barrettes. Set with flexible hold spray for an all-night bounce.
8. Sleek Waves on Black Ponytail Hair
Sleek waves are a timeless look that exude elegance. Curl hair with a large barrel iron, gather into a mid-height pony, and finish with shine spray for added gloss.
This style pairs beautifully with gowns that need a sophisticated but understated hairstyle.
9. Tousled Ponytail with Wispy Bangs
Soft bangs and messy texture create an effortlessly romantic vibe. Add light curls to the ponytail and tousle with matte texture spray.
This style gives volume without feeling overdone and flatters any face shape.
10. Smooth Hollywood Wave Ponytail
Create Old Hollywood glamour with structured waves gathered into a smooth ponytail. Wrap a section of hair around the base to hide elastics and secure with a discreet pin.
Consider extensions if your natural hair lacks volume or length for the full Hollywood effect.
11. Bubble Braid Ponytail
A bubble braid ponytail adds playfulness and dimension to your prom look. Start with a high ponytail and place small elastic bands every two inches, gently tugging each section for a rounded effect.
Use a texturizing spray to enhance grip and volume. This style works beautifully with bold or minimal gowns and keeps hair off your face all night long.
12. Wrapped Ponytail with Loose Ends
Create a polished look by wrapping a strand of hair around your ponytail’s base. Begin with a sleek high ponytail and secure with a strong elastic, then conceal the band with a small section from the ponytail.
Straighten the ends for a sharp finish or curl them for softness. It’s a sophisticated yet simple option for any prom aesthetic.
13. Side-Swept Ponytail with a Twist
Sweep your hair to one side and add a twist or braid before tying it into a low ponytail. This asymmetrical style flatters most face shapes and adds a romantic, vintage feel.
Pair with a strapless or one-shoulder dress to show off the detail, and finish with a setting spray for hold.
14. Messy Curly Ponytail with Volume
For curly-haired girls, a high, messy ponytail is both easy and stylish. Use curl cream and diffuser to enhance texture before gathering hair loosely on top of the head.
Pull out a few curls for framing and volume. The natural bounce gives the look personality and charm.
15. High Pony with Side Bangs and Curls
Combine glam curls with side-swept bangs for a dramatic finish. Curl your lengths with a medium barrel iron and pin bangs softly to the side or let them graze your cheek.
This style complements round and heart-shaped faces while offering a timeless prom-ready aesthetic.
16. Low Twisted Ponytail with Accessories
A low ponytail styled with multiple twists is effortlessly chic. Twist small sections from each side before securing them into a single ponytail at the nape.
Adorn with pearl pins or crystal clips for extra sparkle. It’s perfect for minimalist dresses with bold jewelry.
17. Fishtail Wrapped Ponytail
Start with a mid-ponytail, then wrap a small fishtail braid around the base for texture. This combo style looks intricate but is surprisingly easy with a bit of practice.
Finish with flexible hold hairspray and a light mist of shine spray. Great for prom themes with boho or garden vibes.
18. Sleek Ponytail with Hair Cuff
Elevate your sleek ponytail instantly with a metallic or jeweled hair cuff. Apply smoothing serum and gather your hair tightly into a high ponytail.
Slide on the cuff and you’re ready to turn heads. This look is bold, elegant, and pairs beautifully with a dramatic gown.
19. Crimped Textured Ponytail
Give your ponytail a bold texture by crimping your strands before styling. Use a crimping iron in sections, then brush gently and gather into a mid or high ponytail.
The result is edgy yet prom-appropriate. Add a touch of gloss spray for dimension and shine.
20. Braided Crown into Ponytail
Start with a braid on either side of your head and wrap them around to meet at the back, creating a crown effect. From there, gather the rest of your hair into a soft ponytail.
This regal style is ideal for romantic dresses and outdoor proms. Secure with floral pins for a fairy-tale finish.