Side Ponytail Hairstyles: 23 Braided and Curly Ideas
Side ponytail hairstyles can look sleek, softly curled, playful or intricately braided. These ideas show different ways to place the ponytail, shape the crown and add detail with plaits, ribbons and accessories.
Braided Side Ponytail
A slim braid follows the side of the head before joining the ponytail, while the navy bow marks the tie. Keep the braid visible by placing the bow slightly behind it.
Style note: Keep the bow just behind the braid so it does not cover the woven detail.
High Ponytail with Braid
A raised ponytail keeps the length high while a single braid sweeps diagonally across the crown. Leave the braid slightly loose if you want its woven pattern to remain visible.
Blue Bow Ponytail
Small blue elastics trace the side braid and echo the blue bow at the base. The three views show how the detail looks from the front and side.
Pro tip: Use elastics in one color to make the segmented pattern look connected.
Braided Low Updo
Several narrow braids run across the crown and meet a wider plait that curves into a low side bun. Keep the partings even to make the pattern clear.
Pro tip: Decide the braid direction before starting so the narrow plaits meet cleanly.
Crown Braid Ponytail
A thick braid crosses the side of the head and frames a high ponytail, with a smaller braid adding detail near the base. A soft tie keeps the finish coordinated.
Crossed Braid Ponytail
Two broad braids cross over the back of the head and gather into a low ponytail. A contrasting elastic makes the joining point easy to identify.
Geometric High Ponytail
Clean geometric sections create a striking pattern above a long, sleek ponytail. Keep the partings sharp and the lengths smooth to maintain the graphic shape.
Style note: Use the partings as a guide when placing the high ponytail.
Voluminous Curly Ponytail
A high gathered base lets the curls form a full, rounded puff. A metallic wrap at the elastic adds a small accent without competing with the texture.
Retro Side Ponytail
This throwback look places a high ponytail to one side and lets the length fall beside the face. The loose front pieces keep the shape relaxed.
Segmented Braid Ponytail
The hair is gathered low and shaped into large connected sections that create a long bubble-braid effect. Keep the ties evenly spaced for a consistent outline.
Pro tip: Space the elastics consistently to make each bubble section similar in size.
Voluminous Side Ponytail
A lifted crown and soft fringe balance the long side ponytail, which falls in broad curls over one shoulder. Leave a few face-framing pieces loose around the cheeks.
Half-Up Wavy Ponytail
A small twisted section draws the top hair into a half-up ponytail while the remaining lengths fall in loose waves. The side view shows how the twist meets the tie.
Double Dutch Braid Ponytail
Two Dutch braids follow the crown and meet at the base of a low ponytail, leaving the textured length loose. Keep each braid similar in width for a balanced finish.
Pro tip: Check both braid widths before joining them at the ponytail base.
Wrapped Wavy Ponytail
A section of hair wraps around the ponytail base, while the lengths fall in loose, defined waves. The soft side pieces help connect the swept-back top to the curls.
Sleek Long Side Ponytail
A deep side part and smooth crown lead into a long, full ponytail that rests over one shoulder. Let the natural texture remain visible through the lengths.
Twisted Low Ponytail
This step-by-step collage shows a low ponytail formed with wrapped and twisted sections around the base. Follow the numbered sequence to see how the shape develops.
Good to know: Use the numbered sequence to follow the order of the twists and wraps.
Braided Ponytail with Bow
A narrow braid curves around the back of the head and joins a high ponytail finished with a blue bow. Keep the bow aligned above the tie to frame the braid.
Bubble Braid Ponytails
Long ponytails combine small braids with rounded bubble sections, creating several textures in one style. Repeating the elastic spacing helps the sections look deliberate.
Style note: Repeat the same spacing along each section to keep the bubble pattern consistent.
Soft Curled Ponytail
Swept-back crown volume leads into a low side arrangement of glossy curls. The defined waves add movement, so keep the front smooth to balance the fuller ends.
Dutch Braid Side Ponytail
A thick Dutch braid travels from the hairline toward a side ponytail, with loose waves adding movement below. Keep a few fine strands near the face for softness.
Pro tip: Keep the braid close to the scalp as it travels toward the ponytail.
Crown-Wrapped Ponytail
A broad braid wraps across the back of the head and feeds into a curled ponytail. The braid gives structure while the curled lengths keep the finish soft.
Cornrow Side Ponytail
Curved cornrows and fine accent braids meet at a low side ponytail, creating a detailed pattern around the crown. Use clean sections to keep each braid distinct.
Style note: Map out the curved sections first so the braid pattern stays easy to follow.
Pearl Clip Ponytail
Twisted sections gather the hair into a low side ponytail, while pearl and crystal clips decorate one side. Place the clips above the tie to keep them visible.
Accessory tip: Cluster the clips near the gathered section rather than spreading them along the length.
