15 Braided Ponytail Hairstyles for Every Height, From Sky-High to Low and Sleek

The braided ponytail is my secret weapon on busy mornings. It takes a basic ponytail, the hairstyle we all fall back on when we’re tired or running late, and makes it look like you planned it. I wear one to the gym, to work, to weddings and, more often than I’d like to admit, to the grocery store.

What I love most is how much the height changes the mood. A high braided ponytail feels sporty and confident. A low one feels soft and elegant. A side ponytail feels romantic and a little playful.

So I’ve organized these 15 braided ponytail hairstyles by where the ponytail sits: high, mid-height, low and to the side. Each style comes with simple steps, so you can try it in front of the mirror today. Grab a brush, a few elastics and some bobby pins, and let’s get started.

Why a Braided Ponytail Works So Well

A plain ponytail can look a little flat. Adding a braid, either leading into the ponytail or braided through the ponytail itself, adds texture, shape and staying power. Braids also hold slippery hair in place and hide flyaways, which means your ponytail still looks neat hours later.

The best part is that you only need a couple of basic braiding techniques to create every style below.

High Braided Ponytails

High ponytails sit at or just below the crown of your head. They’re lifting, energetic and keep your hair completely off your neck.

1. The Upside-Down Dutch Braid Ponytail

This style looks impressive from behind, but it’s easier than it looks.

1. Flip your head upside down and brush your hair forward.
2. Starting at the nape of your neck, Dutch braid upward toward your crown, crossing each strand under the middle section.
3. When you reach the crown, flip your head back up and gather the braid and the rest of your hair into a high ponytail.
4. Gently tug the edges of the braid to make it look fuller.

It’s perfect for workouts, because there are no loose strands at the back of your neck.

2. The Sleek Braided High Ponytail

Here, the ponytail itself is braided, giving you a long, polished braid that swings when you walk.

1. Brush your hair into a smooth, high ponytail and secure it with an elastic.
2. Braid the ponytail in a classic three-strand braid.
3. Take a thin piece of hair from underneath the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic to hide it, pinning it underneath.

A little smoothing cream on top keeps the look sleek all day.

3. Double Dutch Braids Into a High Ponytail

Two braids meeting in one ponytail make a strong, sporty statement.

1. Part your hair down the middle from your forehead to your crown.
2. Dutch braid each side toward the crown.
3. When both braids reach the crown, gather them together with the rest of your hair into a high ponytail.

This style holds beautifully on long days and is great for keeping layers in place.

4. The Braid-Wrapped High Ponytail

A small braid wrapped around the base of your ponytail is an easy way to dress up a basic look.

1. Make a high ponytail, leaving out a small section of hair from underneath.
2. Braid that small section into a thin three-strand braid.
3. Wrap the braid around the elastic and pin the end underneath.

It looks especially pretty on straight or wavy hair.

Mid-Height Braided Ponytails

Mid-height ponytails sit at the back of your head, roughly level with the tops of your ears. They’re comfortable, practical and easy to wear all day.

5. The Four-Strand Braided Ponytail

A four-strand braid looks woven and intricate, almost like a basket.

1. Make a mid-height ponytail.
2. Divide it into four equal sections.
3. Take the far-right section under the section next to it and over the next one. Then take the far-left section under the section next to it and over the next one.
4. Repeat to the end and secure.

It takes some practice, but once you learn it, it’s one of the prettiest ponytail braids there is.

6. The Lace Braid Ponytail

A lace braid is a French braid that adds hair from only one side. It creates a delicate braid along the top of your head.

1. Starting at your part, take a small section of hair and begin a three-strand braid.
2. Add new hair only from the hairline side as you braid toward the back of your head.
3. When you reach the back, gather the braid and the rest of your hair into a mid-height ponytail.

It’s lovely for weddings and special events.

7. The Pearl-Pinned Braided Ponytail

This style adds a touch of elegance to a simple braid.

1. Make a mid-height ponytail and braid it in a loose three-strand braid.
2. Gently pull the edges of the braid to widen it.
3. Tuck small pearl pins into the braid at intervals down its length.

It’s a beautiful choice for dinners, holiday parties and weddings.

8. The Five-Strand Braided Ponytail

This is the showstopper of the mid-height styles, and well worth practicing.

1. Make a mid-height ponytail.
2. Divide it into five equal sections.
3. Take the far-left section over the next section and under the middle section. Then take the far-right section over the next section and under the middle section.
4. Repeat to the end and secure.

The flat, wide braid looks almost like a woven ribbon.

Low Braided Ponytails

Low ponytails sit at the nape of your neck. They’re soft, elegant and very easy to wear.

9. The Sleek Low Ponytail With a Braided Wrap

Polished and minimal, this is a style for work and smart occasions.

1. Brush your hair back into a smooth, low ponytail.
2. Leave out a small section of hair and braid it.
3. Wrap the braid around the elastic and pin it underneath.

A side part or middle part both work beautifully with this look.

10. The Chunky Low Braided Ponytail

A soft, oversized braid has a relaxed, romantic feel.

1. Make a low ponytail and braid it loosely.
2. Starting at the top, gently pull out the edges of each section of the braid to make it look wider.
3. Pull out a few face-framing pieces at the front.

This technique, sometimes called pancaking, makes even fine hair look thicker.

11. Low Ponytail With French Braided Sides

Two French braids meeting at the back create a pretty, structured look.

1. Part your hair down the middle.
2. French braid a section on each side, starting near your temples and braiding back toward the nape of your neck.
3. Gather both braids and the rest of your hair into a low ponytail.

It keeps hair neatly away from your face and looks great with earrings.

12. The Textured Dutch Braid Low Ponytail

This style works beautifully on curly and textured hair.

1. Apply a little leave-in conditioner or curl cream.
2. Dutch braid down the center of your head toward the nape of your neck.
3. Gather the braid and the rest of your hair into a low ponytail, letting your natural curls fall freely.

It keeps your curls defined while showing off their natural texture.

Side Braided Ponytails

Side ponytails sit just behind one ear and fall over your shoulder. They’re romantic, soft and slightly playful.

13. The Side Dutch Braid Ponytail

1. Part your hair deeply on one side.
2. Dutch braid along the side of your head from the part toward the opposite ear.
3. Gather the braid and the rest of your hair into a ponytail just behind that ear.

Let the ponytail fall over your shoulder for a soft, feminine finish.

14. Side Ponytail With Braided Bangs

This is a great option if you’re growing out your bangs.

1. French braid your bangs or front section along your hairline toward one side.
2. Gather the braid and the rest of your hair into a side ponytail behind your ear.
3. Curl the ponytail lightly for a romantic look.

15. The Scarf-Tied Braided Side Ponytail

A silk scarf adds color and personality to a simple braid.

1. Make a side ponytail and braid it in a loose three-strand braid.
2. Tie a small silk scarf around the elastic, letting the ends hang down.
3. Gently pull at the braid to make it look fuller.

Choose a scarf in a seasonal color, like rust, burgundy or forest green.

Finding Your Ideal Ponytail Height

If you’re not sure where your ponytail should sit, try this simple trick. Imagine a line running from your chin, past your cheekbone, up to the back of your head. A ponytail placed where that line meets your head usually sits at a lifting, flattering height.

You can also choose based on the occasion:

• High ponytails are best for workouts, busy days and keeping hair completely off your neck.
• Mid-height ponytails are comfortable for everyday wear.
• Low ponytails look polished for work, dinners and formal events.
• Side ponytails feel romantic and are lovely for dates and weddings.

Making a Braided Ponytail Look Fuller

If your hair is fine or thin, these tricks can help your braided ponytail look thicker:

• Stack two ponytails. Make one ponytail at the crown and a second just below it. The top ponytail covers the second, making your hair look longer and fuller.
• Pancake the braid. Gently pull out the edges of each section after braiding.
• Add texture first. A little texturizing spray or dry shampoo gives your hair more grip and volume.
• Try a clip-in ponytail extension. It adds instant length and thickness for special occasions.

Keeping It Comfortable

A tight ponytail can cause headaches or put stress on your hair. To stay comfortable:

• Use soft elastics or spiral hair ties without metal pieces.
• Don’t pull your hair too tightly, especially along your hairline.
• Change your ponytail’s position from day to day.
• Take your ponytail down before bed, so your scalp can rest.

Final Thoughts

A braided ponytail is one of the simplest ways to turn an everyday hairstyle into something special. Whether you love a sporty high braid, an elegant low ponytail or a romantic side braid, there’s a style here for every day and every occasion.

Start with one height that suits your routine, practice the steps a few times, and soon you’ll be braiding without even looking in the mirror.

Which braided ponytail are you trying first? Let me know in the comments below.