21 Winter Ponytail Hairstyles for Women

The ponytail is winter’s most versatile style, dress it up or down in minutes, and these winter ponytail hairstyles for women will show you how. A ponytail is not one look, it is a dozen looks in one style, sleek one day, bubble the next, braided for work, and sparkling for a party. It is fast, it is practical, and it looks polished, even on the coldest, busiest winter morning.

In this guide you will find 21 winter ponytail hairstyles for women, each with step-by-step how-to, a product tip, and the occasion it suits best. We start with sleek high ponytails, low polished ponytails, bubble ponytails, braided ponytails, ponytails with scarves and accessories, and party ponytails with volume, before the full list of looks. Save your favourites, try one a day, and wear a ponytail every day this week.

Sleek High Ponytails

A sleek high ponytail is pure polish, smooth, shiny, and perfectly in place. It is the ponytail at its most elegant, and it suits work, weddings, and any day you want to look like you mean business. The secret is a little smoothing cream on damp hair, a brush, and a dryer on a low heat, working the hair up and back into a high ponytail. Finish with a drop of shine serum smoothed over the surface, and wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to hide it.

Sleek high ponytails suit every face shape, because the clean lines show off your features, and they look especially good with bold lipstick and simple earrings. In winter, a sleek ponytail is a gift, because it does not tangle under a scarf and it stays in place under a hat. If your hair is fine, a little volumising mousse at the roots will stop the sleek finish from looking flat. If your hair is thick, a little texturising cream will keep the shape without stiffness.

Low Polished Ponytails

A low polished ponytail is the opposite of a high ponytail, soft, relaxed, and a little bit undone, in the best way. It is the easiest ponytail to style, because it is meant to look lived-in, not perfect. Gather the hair at the nape, secure it loosely, and pull a few soft pieces out at the front. The more imperfect it looks, the better it works, which is a relief on busy winter mornings.

Low ponytails suit every face shape, and they are wonderful for adding softness to a strong jaw, because the loose pieces frame the face. In winter, a low ponytail is forgiving under a hat, because it does not get crushed, and a quick shake of the roots brings it back to life. Add a little dry shampoo at the roots on day two, and the style will hold even longer. This is the ponytail for work, weekends, and days when you want to look great without trying.

Bubble Ponytails

Bubble ponytails are the fun one, a high ponytail divided into sections with small elastics, then pulled apart gently to make each section look like a bubble. They are playful, modern, and surprisingly easy, and they look wonderful on long hair, because the bubbles show off the length. Start with a high ponytail, add elastics every few inches down the length, and pull each section outward gently to make it look full and round.

Bubble ponytails suit every face shape, and they are wonderful for a party, a festival, or any day you want to look fun and confident. In winter, a bubble ponytail is practical, because it keeps the hair out of the way under a coat and a scarf, and it does not tangle as much as loose hair does. Add a ribbon or a sparkly elastic to each bubble, and the simple ponytail becomes a party style in minutes.

Braided Ponytails

Braided ponytails are a beautiful thing, because the braid adds texture and interest, and a ponytail is the easiest style to make look intentional. Start with a braid, a Dutch braid, a fishtail, or a simple three-strand braid, then gather the rest of the hair into a ponytail, and wrap the braid around the base. Pull the braid apart gently to make it look fuller, and secure it with bobby pins. The result is a ponytail that looks much more special than a plain one.

Braided ponytails suit every face shape, and they are wonderful in winter, because they keep the hair out of the way under a hat and a scarf, and they do not tangle as much as loose hair does. For a party, add a ribbon or a sparkly clip to the braid, and it becomes a party style. For a workout, a tight braided ponytail will stay put through anything. A braided ponytail is not just a style, it is a texture trick, and it is one of the best things a ponytail can do.

Ponytails with Scarves and Accessories

Accessories are a ponytail’s best friend, because a ponytail shows them off beautifully. A scarf tied at the base, a ribbon woven through the length, a clip, or a pair of statement earrings can change the whole mood of a ponytail in seconds. A silk scarf looks chic and retro, a velvet ribbon looks rich and wintry, and a simple gold clip looks polished and modern. The rule is simple, one statement piece at a time, so the accessory and the ponytail do not fight each other.

In winter, accessories also solve practical problems. A scarf protects the ponytail from a wool coat collar, a clip holds the sides back under a hat, and a ribbon adds colour to a simple outfit. Choose accessories that pick up a colour in your outfit, and the whole look will feel intentional. A ponytail with the right accessory is a complete outfit, even with the simplest clothes.

Party Ponytails with Volume

Party ponytails are all about volume, shine, and a little bit of drama. A high ponytail with extra lift at the crown, a bubble ponytail with sparkly elastics, or a braided ponytail with a ribbon, each one is made for holiday parties and winter weddings. The secret is to start with a good base, a sleek or textured ponytail, then add one party element, a sparkly accessory, a bold lip, or a little shine spray, and let it do the talking.

For a party, style the ponytail with a little extra volume at the crown, using a volumising mousse and a round brush, then add your sparkle. A touch of glitter spray on the parting, a rhinestone clip at the side, or a bold red lip will turn a daytime ponytail into a party ponytail in minutes. The best part is that a ponytail photographs beautifully, because the high style shows off your face, your earrings, and your smile. Go bold, have fun, and let the ponytail shine.

Winter Ponytail Hairstyles 1 to 4

1. The Sleek High Ponytail. A high, smooth ponytail, with a glossy finish and a wrapped elastic. It suits work and weddings, and it looks wonderful with bold lipstick. Style it with smoothing cream and a brush, working the hair up and back.

2. The Low Polished Ponytail. A low, loose ponytail at the nape, with soft pieces out at the front. It suits every face shape, and it is the most elegant ponytail style. Gather the hair loosely, secure it, and pull a few pieces out for softness.

3. The Bubble Ponytail. A high ponytail divided into sections with small elastics, pulled apart to make bubbles. It suits long hair best, and it is perfect for a party or a fun day out. Add elastics every few inches, and pull each section outward gently.

4. The Braided Ponytail. A braid woven into a ponytail, pulled apart gently for fullness. It suits wavy and straight hair, and it is a beautiful winter weekend look. Braid a section, gather the rest into a ponytail, and wrap the braid around the base.

Winter Ponytail Hairstyles 5 to 8

5. The Ponytail with a Silk Scarf. Tie a silk scarf at the base of a ponytail, and the style looks chic and retro. It suits everyone, protects the hair from a wool coat collar, and adds colour to a simple outfit. Choose a scarf that picks up a colour in your outfit.

6. The Ponytail with a Ribbon. A velvet ribbon tied at the base of a ponytail looks rich and wintry, and it turns a simple style into a party style. It suits every face shape, and it is the fastest way to dress up a ponytail. Choose a ribbon in a colour that picks up your coat.

7. The Half-Up Ponytail. A half-up ponytail lifts the crown and creates height, while the rest falls loose. It suits work and weddings, and it takes two minutes. Backcomb the crown lightly first, for extra lift, and wrap a small section around the elastic.

8. The Wavy Ponytail. A ponytail with soft waves, teased at the crown and pulled apart gently, looks much fuller than a straight ponytail. It suits everyone, and it is perfect for a party or a date night. Curl the lengths with a large-barrel wand, then gather them up.

Winter Ponytail Hairstyles 9 to 12

9. The High Bubble Ponytail. A high ponytail divided into bubbles, pulled apart gently for fullness. It suits long hair best, and it is perfect for a party or a fun day out. Add elastics every few inches, and pull each section outward gently.

10. The Low Bubble Ponytail. A low ponytail with bubbles down the length, softer and more relaxed than a high bubble. It suits every face shape, and it is a beautiful winter weekend look. Gather the hair at the nape, add elastics, and pull each section outward.

11. The Ponytail with a Headband. A velvet headband with a ponytail looks rich and wintry, and it keeps the front pieces out of your face on a windy day. It suits every face shape, and it is the fastest way to change the mood of a ponytail. Choose a headband that picks up a colour in your outfit.

12. The Ponytail with Statement Earrings. A ponytail shows off earrings beautifully, so let them do the talking. Big hoops, sparkly studs, or long drops all work, and they turn a simple ponytail into a complete look. It suits every face shape, and it is the easiest party trick of all.

Winter Ponytail Hairstyles 13 to 16

13. The Ponytail with a Beanie. Style the ponytail first, then pull a beanie on loosely, with the ponytail threaded through the back. It suits everyone, keeps you warm, and looks effortlessly cool. When you take the hat off, shake the roots and the ponytail springs back.

14. The Ponytail with a Beret. A beret tilted to one side with a low ponytail turns a simple style into a chic, French look. It suits oval and heart-shaped faces, and it is perfect for a winter walk or a coffee date. Choose a beret in a colour that picks up your coat or scarf.

15. The Ponytail with a Chunky Knit Scarf. A chunky knit scarf frames a ponytail beautifully and keeps you warm, and the texture of the scarf makes the short cut look even more polished. It suits everyone, and it is the most practical cold-weather style. Choose a scarf in a colour that picks up your coat.

16. The Ponytail with a Side Sweep. Sweep the front of the ponytail across your forehead in a deep side part, and the style looks longer, softer, and very glamorous. It suits round and square faces, because the sweep softens the jaw. Style it with a round brush, sweeping the front away from the part.

Winter Ponytail Hairstyles 17 to 21

17. The Party Ponytail with Volume. Our big party look, full volume at the crown, a sleek ponytail, and a sparkly clip. It suits every hair type, and it is made for holiday parties. Backcomb the crown lightly, gather the hair up, and finish with light-hold hairspray.

18. The Ponytail with a Fishtail Braid. A fishtail braid woven into a ponytail looks intricate and full, even on thin hair. It suits wavy and straight hair, and it is a beautiful winter weekend look. Braid a small section, wrap it around the ponytail, and pin it in place.

19. The Ponytail with a Low Twist. Twist the top of the ponytail into a small, low knot at the back, pin it, and leave the front pieces out. It suits work and weddings, keeps hair out of your face, and looks like you spent an hour on it. A little texturising spray will hold the twist all day.

20. The Ponytail with a Wet Look. A wet-look ponytail, slicked back with a little gel, is sleek, modern, and very chic. It suits evening events and parties, and it looks wonderful with a bold lip and simple earrings. Work a pea-sized amount of gel through damp hair, gather it up, and let it dry naturally.

21. The New Year Ponytail Sparkle. Our final look is the party ponytail, full volume, a sparkly clip, a bold lip, and a little shine spray, made for New Year and winter celebrations. It suits everyone, and it is the perfect way to end the year. Style it big, add your sparkle, and dance all night.

Ponytails for Your Face Shape

A ponytail is a face-framing style, so the right height and shape depend on your face. Round faces look longer with a high ponytail and volume at the crown, which draws the eye upward. Oval faces can wear almost any ponytail, so try a bold, high one. Square faces soften with a low ponytail and soft pieces at the temples, while heart-shaped faces suit a ponytail with fullness at the sides and a soft fringe.

Long faces look wider with a low ponytail and volume at the sides, rather than just at the crown. If you are unsure, ask your stylist to look at your face with your hair pulled back and to choose the height for you. A ponytail is easy to change, so if you try a high one and prefer a low one, you can switch in seconds. The key is to choose a ponytail that flatters your features, not just one that looks good in a photo.

How to Style a Ponytail at Home in Winter

A ponytail is the fastest style to do, and winter makes it even easier, because the cold air sets the shape quickly. Start with damp hair and a pea-sized amount of smoothing cream. For a sleek ponytail, brush the hair up and back, secure it with a strong elastic, and wrap a small section around the base to hide it. For a textured ponytail, add a little texturising spray first, and pull a few pieces out at the front for softness.

For volume, backcomb the crown lightly before you gather the hair up, and use a volumising mousse at the roots. For a party, add a sparkly clip or a ribbon, and you are done. On second-day hair, dry shampoo at the roots and a quick brush will refresh the ponytail without a full wash. Keep your products light, your hands out of your hair once it is styled, and the ponytail will hold its shape all day.

Best Winter Products for Ponytails

Winter ponytail hair needs hold and light moisture, in equal measure. A good smoothing cream is the most useful product, followed by a strong elastic that does not slip, and a lightweight hair oil for the ends. Use a deep conditioning mask once a week, especially if you colour your hair, and rinse it out thoroughly so the ponytail stays bouncy. A heat protectant is important if you blow-dry, because winter hair is already drier than usual.

Keep dry shampoo in your bag for hat days, and a small bottle of shine spray for evenings out. Avoid heavy waxes on the top of the ponytail, because they flatten the volume you paid for, and save them for smoothing flyaways at the sides instead. Buy the smallest size first, try it for two weeks, and only then commit to the full size, because the right product for your hair type is worth finding.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Ponytails

The most common mistake is pulling the ponytail too tight, which shows the scalp, causes headaches, and can break the hair. Another mistake is using a weak elastic that slips, so the ponytail droops by lunchtime. A third mistake is skipping the trim, because split ends travel up the hair and make the whole style look rough. Use a strong, snag-free elastic, and wrap a small section of hair around the base to hide it and to add polish.

At home, the biggest mistake is over-styling. Too much heat, too much product, and too much brushing all flatten the ponytail and dry out the ends. Style it gently, use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair, and let it air-dry when you can. Do not wash your hair every day in winter unless you need to, because the natural oils protect the hair. And do not cut your own hair at home, however tempting a tutorial looks, because the back of a cut is the hardest part to get right.

Keeping Your Ponytails Fresh Between Appointments

A ponytail needs healthy ends to look good, so a trim every eight to ten weeks keeps the style looking sharp. Between appointments, protect the ends with a little oil, sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce tangles, and wear your hair in a loose braid at night to stop breakage. If the ponytail starts to droop, a little dry shampoo at the roots and a stronger elastic will bring it back in seconds.

If you loved these winter ponytail hairstyles for women, you may also like our guide to winter top knot hairstyles for women, and our round-up of winter hairstyles for women with a round face. Both will help you choose the exact style that suits you best this winter.

Love these winter ponytail hairstyles for women? Save this pin to Pinterest and come back to it whenever you need a fresh idea. You can also use our free Pinterest Caption & Pin Generator to write the perfect caption for your pin in seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a ponytail bad for my hair in winter?

Not if you do it gently. Use a snag-free elastic, do not pull it too tight, and vary the height and position, so the same spot does not take all the strain. A loose, low ponytail is the kindest option, and a silk scrunchie is gentler than a rubber band.

How do I stop my ponytail from drooping?

Use a strong elastic, backcomb the crown lightly for lift, and wrap a small section of hair around the base to hold the shape. A little dry shampoo at the roots adds grip, and two elastics, one on top of the other, will hold a heavy ponytail all day.

Can I wear a ponytail with short hair?

Yes, with a half-up ponytail, which works on much shorter hair than a full ponytail. Gather the top section back, secure it, and let the rest fall loose. It gives you the ponytail look, with height at the crown, without needing long hair.

Save your favourite ponytail styles from this list, try one a day, and wear a ponytail every day this week. A ponytail is a simple, beautiful choice, and once you know the tricks, you will love it. Follow Nova Fashion on Pinterest for more winter hair ideas, and come back soon for our next round of seasonal styles.