Introduction
As a curly girl, I know the struggle of trying to tame those luscious ringlets into a stylish, long-lasting updo. From frizz to lack of volume, our curly manes can be as beautifully unpredictable as they are maddening. But fear not, my fellow curl queens! Curly Ponytail Hairstyle. Yes, I’ve cracked the code on effortless, gorgeous curly ponytail hairstyles that will keep your locks looking flawless from day to night.
Whether you’re rocking waves, coils, or a gorgeous ‘fro, there’s a curly pony in here for you. We’re talking everything from sleek and sophisticated to fun and flirty looks that celebrate your hair’s incredible texture and movement. The best part? These styles are shockingly easy to achieve and will save you so much time and hassle on those inevitable bad hair days.
As someone with thick, dense curls, I’ve tried every updo under the sun in search of styles that keep my mane frizz-free and full of life. Through tons of trial and error (and many a hair disaster!), I’ve finally nailed down my tried-and-true formulas for curly ponytail perfection. From protective styles that preserve your curls to glam looks made for special occasions, this guide covers it all.
So get ready to put down the flat iron and start embracing those gorgeous spirals! With a few curl-enhancing products and some tips from the pros, you’ll be turning heads with a stunning curly pony in no time. Let’s get started!
Prepare your Curls
Before we move on to the best curly ponytail hairstyle, let’s see how to prepare your curls for the ponytail-
1. Start with clean, damp hair:
Wash and condition your hair, then gently remove excess water with a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt. This will help your curls form better.
2. Use a curl-enhancing product:
Apply a curl cream, mousse, or gel to your damp hair. This will help define and enhance your natural curl pattern.
3. Scrunch and air-dry:
Gently scrunch your hair with your hands or a microfiber towel to encourage curl formation. Allow your hair to air-dry or diffuse it with a blow dryer on a low, cool setting.
4. Smooth the front:
Once your curls are dry, use a boar bristle brush or your fingers to smooth the front sections of your hair. This will help create a sleek look around your face.
5. Gather your curls:
Gather all of your curls at the desired height for your ponytail. Use a soft, seamless hair tie or a coated elastic band to secure the ponytail.
6. Wrap a curl around the base:
Take a small section of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the base to conceal the hair tie. Secure it with a bobby pin or another hair tie.
Curly Ponytail Hairstyle
1. Side Parting Curly Ponytail–
“A side part instantly elevates any curly style and gives it a sleek, sophisticated vibe,” says celebrity hairstylist Lacy Redway. This look is perfect for loose waves or looser curl patterns.
Why it works: Parting your hair to the side creates a flattering frame for your face while allowing your curls to cascade freely.
How to make it-
- Dampen your hair and apply hair gel properly.
- Part your hair into any of the side parting you like.
- Comb your hair properly.
- Grab all your hair at the back and tie them up with a scrunchie.
- For the baby hair, apply the curl gel on the front.
- Leave the back hair curly.
Pro tip: If you struggle with frizz, lightly mist your finished pony with an anti-humidity hairspray.
2. Pineapple Hairstyle-
A perfect hairstyle to keep your hair away from frizz and dryness. You can have this hairstyle at night while sleeping, to keep your hair away from friction and also during any beach party.
Why it works: Piling your curls on top of your head minimizes friction against pillowcases or harsh sun exposure, preventing dryness and frizz.
How to make it:
- Detangle your hair.
- Grab all your hair with your hand.
- Bring the hair at the crown of your head
- Tie all your hair with a scrunchie.
Pro tip: I rock a pineapple every night to refresh my curls in the morning. It’s a total game-changer!
3. Tall and Texturized Curly Ponytail–
If you have super thick curly hair, then this hairstyle will be a good choice for you. You won’t need any hair products to make this curly ponytail.
Why it works: Pulling all those luscious curls up and away from your face really allows their beautiful texture to shine.
How to make:
- Detangle hair with your fingers.
- Apply hair gel on your hair and comb the hair.
- Grab all your hair and tie them at back.
- Let your back hair be curls.
- Tie your hair with a satin scrunchie.
Frizz-fighting tip: Lightly spritz with a curl-refreshing mist to reactivate your products and smooth any frizzy pieces.
4. Cornrow Curly Ponytail
“Cornrows are the perfect protective style for type 4 curls,” advises celebrity stylist Felicia Leatherwood. “They get your hair up and out of the way while still letting your gorgeous texture shine.”
Why it works: The cornrow braids keep your delicate curls from rubbing and snagging, preventing frizz and breakage when pulled into an updo.
How to make it:
- Detangle your hair
- Make some section in your hair.
- Braid each section and then bring the rest of the hair at the back.
- Tie the hair with satin scrunchie.
- Spray the hair to settle any baby hair.
5. Afro Curly Hairstyle-
If you have long afro type curly hair, then it is necessary to tie them up in different sections, to keep your hair defined and sorted.
Why it works: Separating your hair into sections prevents your tight curls from meshing and tangling when gathered into a pony.
How to make it:
- Make certain section in your hair at the crown.
- Braid the sectioned hair in different style and bring them at the back.
- At the back tie your hair with different hair ties at interval, to create a ponytail.
Pro Tip: This Afro curly ponytail is perfect if you want to go for workout.
6. Half up and Half down Curly Ponytail-
A perfect hairstyle, if you wish to show your curls and wants to embrace them naturally. Also, I believe this is my go-to hairstyle for second or third day curls.
Why it works: The half-up, half-down look is the perfect balance – it gets your curls off your face while still showcasing their beautiful movement and shape.
How to make it:
- Detangle your hair with the help of fingers, to style the hair.
- Take some of your hair from the front and tie them up at the back.
- Leave the rest of your hair open.
7. Flip Ponytail-
A hairstyle for all those, who likes to go a little overboard with their look. Confused for a hairstyle for a brunch date, this is the hairstyle for you.
Why it works: Creating multiple mini ponies within one big pony adds gorgeous lift and body to your curls.
How to make it:
- Detangle your hair properly.
- Take some hair at the crown of your head and tie them up in a ponytail.
- Now, take some more hair from the back and tie them up with a hair tie in the same pony.
- Do this, till you make 2-3 small pony in one pony.
- Loosen up some hair to enhance the pony.
8. Curly Pigtails–
For all those curly haired female, who like to look young and also want to relive your childhood days, this curly pigtail is for you. This hairstyle, keep the hair away from your face, and gives you an amazing look.
Why it works: Pigtails are perfect for curly hair as they showcase your hair’s beautiful volume and movement. The parted style also frames your face nicely
How to make:
- If you wish you can make a parting of your hair.
- Then grab your hair of each side and tie them up in a ponytail.
- Or you can just bring some hair from left side to right
- And right side hair to left.
- Tie them up in a cute curly pigtail.
9. Curly Ponytail with Bangs-
If you feel, you have got a big forehead, then try this hairstyle. It not only will give you a cute look but also hide your forehead.
Why it works: The bangs helps to enhance the look and also give a cute look.
How to make:
- This hairstyle mainly depends on your hairstyle.
- Make a section in your head in the front side, to keep your short hair away from long.
- Grab all your hair at the back and tie them in a loose hair tie.
- The short hair on the forehead makes for the bangs.
10. Wraparound Curly Ponytail–
If the density of your hair is less, then try this hairstyle. It will not only give you a good hairstyle but will also enhance your look.
Why it works: Brushing hair backward before securing the pony gives your curls a lifted, bouncy base to work with. Wrapping pieces around the hair tie adds even more body.
How to make it:
- For this hairstyle, comb your hair in backward direction to gain volume.
- Apply hair gel to tame the baby hair flyaways.
- Grab all your hair at the back and tie them low in a ponytail.
- You can either curl your ponytail hair with fingers or curling iron to gain volume.
- Tie your hair with a satin scrunchie.
11. Bouffant Curly Ponytail–
A curly ponytail hairstyle if you have dense hair. This hairstyle will also be good for any party or dinner date.
Why it works: Securing your dense curls up top creates an elegant, vintage-inspired shape while keeping your length contained.
How to make:
- Detangle your hair with the help of fingers.
- Grab your hair at the crown of your head
- And loosely tie them up in a high ponytail.
- You can pull out few tresses from the ponytail.
Bonus tips for perfect ponytail
Above, you have seen the best curly ponytail hairstyle. Let’s understand some of the bonus tips to keep in mind to achieve this perfect ponytail-
1. Hair Ties-
Use a good satin hair ties to tie your hair, this will reduce the hair breakage and will keep the curls defined and healthy. Using old, cotton hair ties breaks the hair and weakens them.
2. Fluff and shape:
Gently fluff and shape your curly ponytail with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. This will help create a fuller, more voluminous look.
3. Use hairspray (optional):
If you want extra hold and frizz control, lightly mist your curly ponytail with a flexible-hold hairspray.
4. Add accessories (optional):
Dress up your curly ponytail with hair accessories like scrunchies, ribbons, or decorative clips for a fun and stylish touch.
5. Pineapple Technique:
Whenever you feel, your hair is getting dry and frizzy after the wash day, tieing your hair in pineapple technique is the best.
6. The Flip Trick:
For a high ponytail with extra oomph, try the “flip trick.”
- Secure your ponytail as usual, then gently pull a section of hair loose just above the hair tie.
- Holding that section, flip your hair forward over the ponytail holder and tuck it underneath, securing it with a bobby pin.
- This creates a more voluminous and polished look.
Conclusion
So, above are the best curly ponytail hairstyle. Curly ponytails are the ultimate easy, breezy hairstyle for curly girls on-the-go. Not only do they keep your gorgeous texture off your face, but they also prevent frizz, dryness and damage from environmental stressors. Remember to have fun and experiment with different styles to find what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to add your own personal touch with hair accessories and embrace your unique curls!
Which Curly Ponytail Hairstyle do you like the best?
