35 Effortless Messy Ponytail Hairstyles

Messy ponytails have become a go-to hairstyle for many, and for good reason. Pulling your hair back into a messy ponytail is incredibly simple and requires minimal effort while still looking stylish. This effortless style is also highly versatile, making it suitable for various occasions, hair types, and lengths. Below, we present 35 creative ways to style a messy ponytail that will keep your hair looking chic and fashionable.

 The Showiest Messy Ponytail Hairstyles

From casual outings to formal events, messy ponytails can be adapted to fit any scenario. Here are our top picks for standout messy ponytail styles.

1. Messy and Teased Gray Pony

For a bold and sexy look, tease your hair to create volume. Gather your locks into a high ponytail and secure with an elastic band. To soften the look, let a few strands fall around your face. This style works beautifully with gray hair, giving it a youthful edge.

2. Low Loose Pony with Side Bangs

This hairstyle is perfect for those with layered haircuts. The low ponytail, combined with side bangs that frame the face, adds a touch of elegance. Light teasing at the back provides volume, making this style effortlessly chic.

3. Poofy Pony with Face-Framing Strands

If you’re aiming for a carefree look, this style is a winner. Gather your hair high on the crown and tease it for added bounce. Let a few loose strands hang in front to enhance the relaxed vibe.

4. Romantically Messy Ponytail

For a feminine touch, twist sections of hair and gather them into a loose ponytail at the nape of your neck. Allow some strands to drape over the base for a romantic finish.

5. Fabulous Formal Ponytail

Heading to a formal event? This hairstyle is sure to impress. Keep the sides slicked back while gathering curls on top. The result is a sophisticated yet stylish look that stands out.

6. Side-Swept Curly Ponytail

Shift your pony to one side for a unique twist. Allow your curls to gather at the corner of the nape for a voluminous effect. Embrace the messiness for an effortlessly chic appearance.

7. Pumped-Up Messy Ponytail

Create a bouncy look by wearing your ponytail high on your head. Tease the front sections, pull them back, and wrap the base with a strand of hair for added flair. The resulting style is lively and full of energy.

8. Elegant and Voluminous Side Ponytail

Get ready to shine with this glamorous side ponytail! Divide your hair from ear to ear, tease and twist the top section into playful knots near your ear, and secure it to gather the hair to one side. For an extra touch, add a stylish headband. Perfect for turning heads at any event!

9. Curled-Up Messy Ponytail

This classic hairstyle involves curling the ends of your hair and backcombing the crown for added volume. Gather your curls into a ponytail just under the crown for a polished yet relaxed look.

10. Textured Ponytail

Achieve a trendy, bed-head appearance by using sea salt spray before styling. This technique adds grip and natural texture, making your messy ponytail look effortlessly chic.

11. Mohawk Braid and Ponytail

Combine punk elements with elegance by creating a thick braid along the center of your head while leaving the sides loose. Secure everything into one complete ponytail for a bold look.

12. Retro Glam Ponytail

Embrace a vintage vibe with a rolled pompadour on top and cascading curls at the back. This hairstyle strikes a balance between elegant and fun, making it perfect for a night out.

13. Low-Hanging Ponytail

Low ponies are a timeless choice. A simple twist and a few bobby pins are all you need. A spritz of flexible-hold hairspray keeps everything in place.

14. Messy Ponytail with a Dutch Braid

Incorporate a Dutch braid into your messy ponytail for an interesting twist. This style is great for second- or third-day hair, adding texture and dimension.

15. Braided and Knotted Ponytail

For a unique take on the classic ponytail, continue a braid down into the ponytail itself. This approach creates a stunning effect that can be enhanced with hair wax to keep it from unraveling.

16. Princess Ponytail

Side-swept curls create a look fit for royalty. Loose curls add softness, and you can braid a section of hair for an extra touch of elegance.

17. Pony with Wrap Around Braid for Short Hair

Short hair can still benefit from braids. Start with a thick section from the front and loosely braid it, incorporating smaller strands as you go. Gather the rest into a wavy ponytail for a lovely finish.

18. Simple Side Messy Ponytail

Sometimes, simplicity is key. A quick pull into a side ponytail is perfect for when you’re in a hurry, and it looks adorable with long side-swept bangs.

19. Lively and Lovely Low Ponytail

Low tousled ponies are all about showcasing your hair’s color and dimension. This textured look enhances lighter shades, making them pop.

20. Mid-Length Wavy Messy Ponytail

A mid-length ponytail is an excellent compromise between high and low. Wrap it at the base for a stylish look that keeps thicker hair manageable.

21. Wrapped-Up Ponytail

Upgrade a low ponytail by wrapping two front sections around the base. This simple twist adds sophistication without much effort.

22. Messy Ponytail with Side Dutch Braid

Adding a braid to your messy ponytail gives it an instant edge. Texturizing powder can add volume and fullness, making your ponytail truly stand out.

23. Twisted and Tousled Ponytail

Embrace a slightly undone look by creating a French twist that extends into a ponytail. Pull gently on the twisted sections for a fuller appearance.

24. Messy Pony for Medium Hair with Bangs

This style is all about achieving a natural look. Heavy backcombing is recommended, especially if you have blunt bangs to frame your face.

25. Half-Up Curly Look

The half-up style is a lovely way to combine curls with an easy updo. Twist sections from the front and let the rest flow freely down your back.

26. Stylish Low Pony with Bump

This elegant messy ponytail is perfect for special occasions. Start by curling the lower half of your hair and teasing the front for volume. Finish with a low ponytail wrapped with a section of hair.

27. Low Twisted Pony for Ombre Hair

A low twisted ponytail is stunning, especially with ombre color. Create a central part, twist a section around the ponybase, and let the remaining strands flow freely.

28. Fancy Side Ponytail

To achieve a sophisticated side ponytail, gather your hair on one side and incorporate a fishtail braid. This style is an elegant alternative to more intricate updos.

29. Pretty Messy Pony with Braided Section

If you’re familiar with braiding, add a Dutch braid starting at the hairline. This adds depth and interest to your messy ponytail, especially if your hair is colored.

30. Simple Blonde Pony with a Bouffant

This hairstyle is perfect for showcasing an undercut or darker roots. Backcomb the crown section and tie the rest into a low ponytail, wrapping a strand around the base.

31. Easy High Pony for Curly Hair

This style works wonders for naturally curly hair. Gather your curls loosely, leaving some flyaways for a bohemian look. Twist a larger section of hair to hide the elastic for a polished finish.

32. Braided Mohawk with Tight Cornrows

If you’re feeling adventurous, try this complex style. Tightly braided cornrows frame a fauxhawk at the top, leading into a loose ponytail for a bold statement.

33. Curly Pony for Ultra Long Hair

For those with long hair, pulling it back while leaving two front strands free creates a stunning look. Twist these sections around the base of your ponytail for a polished finish.

34. Side Ponytail with Braid

If you know how to create a fishtail braid, this style is easy to achieve. Braid tightly on one side and gather the rest into a ponytail for a cohesive look.

35. Curly Blonde Ponytail with Weave

This formal style incorporates twists and pinned sections for a sophisticated finish. It’s ideal for events where you want to make a lasting impression.

With these 35 messy ponytail styles, you’re sure to find inspiration for your next hairstyle. Whether you prefer a casual look or something more polished, the messy ponytail can easily adapt to suit your needs. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations to discover your favorites! For more hairstyles Click here.