Ever woken up late, realized you have a mountain of things to do, and still need to look like you put in some effort? Enter the messy ponytail—the savior of every busy morning and impromptu Zoom call.
It’s like you tried but didn’t try too hard, which, let’s be honest, is a vibe. Whether you’re running errands or just need a chic yet effortless look, the messy ponytail is here to make your hair game way easier—and a little more fun!
Now, you might be wondering: “How do I rock a messy ponytail without looking like I got caught in a windstorm?” Good news, I’ve got your back.
A messy ponytail is all about controlled chaos—think strategically placed flyaways, loose strands, and just the right amount of volume. It’s a style that says, “I woke up like this,” but with a touch of finesse.
1. High Messy Ponytail
The high messy ponytail is perfect when you want to add some drama without the effort.
I love this style for a morning when I need to look fresh but don’t have time to fuss.
Simply gather your hair at the crown, secure it with a hair tie, and let a few strands fall loose around your face.
If you’re working with rounder face shapes, check out these haircuts for chubby faces for more flattering ideas.
2. Low Messy Ponytail
Sometimes, the high ponytail is just too much, and you need something more laid-back.
Enter the low messy ponytail, which has a relaxed elegance. I find this style is perfect for casual outings, brunch dates, or just lounging around the house in style.
Just pull your hair into a loose ponytail at the nape of your neck, allowing a few tendrils to escape.
It’s ideal for long hair that you want to keep under control but still show off — especially when you’re styling on the go or need a quick fix for summer days.
3. Side Messy Ponytail
When I want to switch things up but keep it simple, I go for the side messy ponytail.
This look is effortlessly chic, giving you a touch of romance with minimal effort.
It’s perfect for those days when you’re running late but still want to look stylish.
This style is great for oval or heart-shaped faces, as it adds volume to one side, balancing the features beautifully.
4. Textured Messy Ponytail
Textured hair has its own kind of magic, don’t you think?
The textured messy ponytail is one of my favorites because it looks intentionally tousled—like you’ve just walked out of a wind-swept adventure.
Use a sea salt spray or texturizing mousse, and you’re good to go!
This works best for those with naturally wavy or curly hair but can also be achieved with a curling iron or a little braid.
5. Messy Ponytail with Loose Strands
For a little extra romance, I love a messy ponytail with loose strands framing my face.
It adds an effortless, lived-in feel that looks like you’ve just woken up from a perfect nap.
Simply pull your ponytail into place and gently pull out a few wisps around your face.
Want more soft, versatile looks? You’ll love these easy everyday hairstyles for women.
6. Scrunchie Messy Ponytail
If you’re a 90s kid like me, you know the scrunchie is more than just a piece of fabric—it’s a statement.
The scrunchie messy ponytail is making a major comeback, and I couldn’t be happier.
It’s the perfect way to elevate your messy ponytail with a fun pop of color or texture.
Just tie your ponytail with a scrunchie, leaving the messiness around the hairline to peek out.
7. Voluminous Messy Ponytail
I adore the voluminous messy ponytail when I want to add extra oomph to my style.
The bigger, the better, right? I start by teasing my hair at the roots, then pull it back into a loose ponytail.
This style is great for adding drama to your look, whether it’s for a night out or a photoshoot.
8. Messy Ponytail with Braids
Braids and messy ponytails? Yes, please! Combining a messy ponytail with a braid adds a boho flair that’s both chic and unique.
You can opt for a small side braid or even a crown braid before pulling your hair into a ponytail.
This look is great for outdoor events like festivals or casual picnics, where you need a style that’s stylish but won’t get in your way.
9. Wavy Messy Ponytail
I can’t get enough of the wavy messy ponytail.
It’s an effortless, beachy vibe that I can pull off with just a curling iron or a wave spray.
This look works best on medium to long hair and adds just the right amount of texture and volume.
10. Messy Ponytail with Headband
When you want a little more flair with your messy ponytail, try adding a headband.
It’s an easy way to elevate the look and add a touch of sophistication.
I’ve done this for everything from casual Fridays at work to date nights.
11. Half-Up Messy Ponytail
The half-up messy ponytail is one of my go-to looks when I want to keep my hair out of my face but still show off my natural texture.
It’s a quick and simple way to add some fun to your day.
Just gather the top half of your hair and tie it in a messy ponytail, leaving the bottom half free.
12. Curly Messy Ponytail
If you have curly hair, a messy ponytail is your best friend! The curly messy ponytail allows your natural curls to shine while keeping them off your neck.
I love how this look gives you a fresh and bouncy vibe without much effort.
Just gather your curls loosely at the back, and let them do their thing.
13. Messy Ponytail with Ribbon
Looking for a way to add a touch of whimsy to your messy ponytail? Tie it off with a ribbon!
Whether it’s a soft satin or a fun, patterned one, this style is a lovely way to add personality to your hair.
It’s great for romantic events or when you want something more playful.
For more whimsical flair, explore these ribbon hairstyles that can elevate even the simplest looks.
14. Bubble Messy Ponytail
I recently discovered the bubble messy ponytail, and it’s a total game-changer!
It’s the perfect mix of fun and sophisticated, with evenly spaced hair ties down the length of the ponytail, creating a bubble effect.
This one is perfect for adding texture and volume to your look, and it works well for all hair types.
15. Messy Ponytail with Bangs
The messy ponytail with bangs is my secret weapon when I want to add a bit of edge to my style.
The key to this look is to keep the bangs loose and tousled while tying the rest of your hair into a casual ponytail.
It’s perfect for adding a little extra framing around the face and works especially well for those with curtain or side bangs.
16. Twisted Messy Ponytail
Twisting your hair before tying it into a ponytail adds a neat twist (pun intended) to the traditional messy ponytail.
I love this style when I want to add texture but still keep things structured.
It’s great for medium-length hair, and you can add a little volume by pulling on the twists once your ponytail is secured.
17. Messy Ponytail with Clips
Sometimes, a few strategically placed clips are all you need to take your messy ponytail to the next level.
I love using colorful or metallic clips to pin back sections of hair and add interest to my ponytail.
This look works great for creating asymmetry or just for fun embellishments.
18. Loose Tendril Ponytail
The loose tendril ponytail is a soft, delicate style that leaves a few strands of hair around the face while keeping the ponytail itself neat and secure.
It’s great for a more relaxed, romantic vibe, perfect for casual evening outings.
Simply let a few strands frame your face and keep the rest of the ponytail loosely tied.
19. Messy Ponytail with Scarf
If you’re feeling particularly retro, a messy ponytail with a scarf is a fun way to dress up your look.
This style has a bit of a vintage vibe but is still modern enough for everyday wear.
Whether it’s a silky scarf or a fun patterned one, it adds a lovely touch of personality to your ponytail.
20. Choppy Messy Ponytail
Finally, the choppy messy ponytail is perfect for anyone who loves a bit of edge.
I love this style when I’m going for a more “rock-and-roll” look.
It works especially well for textured or layered hair, as the uneven pieces give off an intentionally messy vibe.
