Looking at your hair in the mirror and wishing your ponytail had more life to it? You’re not alone. Many women struggle with flat, lifeless ponytails that seem to lose volume within minutes of styling. A voluminous ponytail can transform your entire look, taking you from casual to polished or from day to night effortlessly. The good news is that creating a full, bouncy ponytail doesn’t require professional skills or expensive salon treatments.
Your hair type and texture play a role in how much volume you can achieve, but there are tricks that work for everyone. From teasing techniques to strategic placement, these methods help you build height and fullness that lasts throughout the day. Some approaches focus on creating the illusion of thickness, while others actually add physical volume to your style. You might be surprised at how simple adjustments can make such a dramatic difference.
See here 10 proven methods that will help you achieve that coveted voluminous ponytail. Each technique brings something different to the table, whether you’re working with fine hair that needs a boost or thick hair that requires better distribution. You’ll find options for every occasion, from quick everyday styles to more elaborate looks for special events.
- High Ponytail with Teasing
- Double Ponytail Technique
- Bubble Ponytail
- Low Ponytail with Volume Boost
- Side Swept Voluminous Ponytail
- Braided Base Ponytail
- Wrapped Ponytail with Height
- Half-Up Voluminous Ponytail
- Textured Ponytail with Dry Shampoo
- Sleek Top with Voluminous Ends
- Making Volume Last All Day
- Frequently Asked Questions
High Ponytail with Teasing
This classic approach never goes out of style because it delivers instant volume exactly where you want it. Start by sectioning off the crown area of your hair, roughly from ear to ear across the top of your head. Backcomb this section using a fine-tooth comb, working in small subsections from the mid-lengths toward the roots. The key is building a solid foundation of volume that won’t collapse.
Creating the Perfect Base
Spray the teased section lightly with hairspray to hold the volume in place. Smooth the very top layer gently with a brush to hide the teasing while keeping the height underneath. Pull all your hair up to your desired height, securing it with a hair elastic. The teased section should create a noticeable lift at the crown.
Securing and Finishing
Wrap a small section of hair around the elastic to conceal it and pin underneath. This adds a polished touch while maintaining the voluminous effect. Your ponytail should stand tall and proud, with visible height from every angle.
How much teasing is too much? You want enough to create structure without damaging your hair. Focus on the underside of each section rather than the surface. This protects your hair while building the volume you need. Give the ponytail a gentle tug at the crown to add extra height, then set everything with a final mist of hairspray.
Double Ponytail Technique
Here’s a clever trick that creates the illusion of incredibly thick, full hair. You’ll create two separate ponytails stacked on top of each other, making your hair appear twice as voluminous. This method works particularly well for women with fine or medium-density hair.
Building the Foundation
Part your hair horizontally from ear to ear, creating a top and bottom section. Secure the bottom section first into a ponytail at mid-head level. Then gather the top section and create a second ponytail directly above the first one, positioned where you want your final ponytail to sit.
The magic happens when both ponytails blend together, creating one unified look with double the volume. Nobody will know you’re using two elastics unless you tell them. Gently tug on the top ponytail to adjust the height and coverage.
Blending and Styling
Take small sections from the top ponytail and gently pull them forward to cover any gaps or visible elastics from the bottom ponytail. Use your fingers to blend the two sections together naturally. A light texturizing spray helps create separation and movement, making the style look fuller.
Below are some key benefits of this technique:
Instant Fullness: The double layer creates immediate thickness without extensions or padding.
All-Day Hold: Two anchor points mean your style stays put longer than traditional single ponytails.
Versatile Styling: Works beautifully for both sleek and textured ponytail looks.
Bubble Ponytail
This playful style adds dimension and visual interest while creating the appearance of major volume. Each “bubble” section puffs out, making your ponytail look fuller and more substantial. It’s surprisingly easy to create and holds up well throughout active days.
Start with a regular ponytail at your desired height. Place elastics down the length of your ponytail at even intervals, about two to three inches apart. The number of elastics depends on your hair length.
Creating the Bubbles
Once all elastics are in place, gently pull on each section between the elastics to create rounded, puffy bubbles. Work your fingers around each bubble, pulling outward from all sides to make them even and symmetrical. This fluffing technique is what creates the voluminous effect.
Maximizing the Look
For extra drama, use a tail comb to carefully tease each bubble section before securing the next elastic. This adds even more fullness to each segment. The contrast between the gathered elastic areas and the puffy bubble sections creates an eye-catching style.
What makes this work so well? The strategic placement of elastics forces your hair to spread out rather than hang straight down. Each bubble acts like a mini volume booster, and when you add them all together, you get a ponytail that looks incredibly full. Finish by adjusting any uneven spots and securing with light hairspray.
Low Ponytail with Volume Boost
Don’t assume low ponytails have to be flat and boring. This sophisticated style combines elegance with impressive volume, perfect for both professional settings and evening events. The trick lies in how you prep and position everything.
Preparation Steps
Start with dry hair that has some texture. If your hair is freshly washed and slippery, add some dry shampoo or texturizing powder to the roots. Flip your head upside down and gather your hair as if creating a high ponytail, but stop when you reach the nape of your neck. This upside-down gathering naturally creates volume at the crown.
Secure the ponytail at the nape while still upside down, then flip your head back up. You’ll notice immediate lift at the roots that wouldn’t happen if you gathered your hair normally. Use your fingers to adjust the top sections, pulling gently to maintain height without disturbing the ponytail.
Take a one-inch section from underneath the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic, pinning it securely underneath. This hides the elastic while adding a refined finish. Gently pancake the crown area by pulling on small sections to create width and fullness.
Final Touches
Spray the roots with volumizing spray and use your fingers to lift sections slightly away from your scalp. This creates breathing room and prevents the style from falling flat. The combination of the upside-down gathering method and strategic lifting gives you a low ponytail with high impact. Your hair should have movement and body from roots to ends.
Side Swept Voluminous Ponytail
This asymmetrical style brings Hollywood glamour to your everyday routine. By positioning your ponytail off to one side, you create natural volume through the angled gathering of your hair. It’s romantic and eye-catching without being overly complicated.
Part your hair deeply to one side, creating a dramatic side part. This already starts building visual interest and volume on the heavier side. Sweep all your hair over to the side where you want your ponytail, gathering it just behind and below your ear.
Building Side Volume
Before securing the elastic, take the section closest to your face and twist it loosely backward toward the ponytail. This creates a soft rope effect that adds texture and prevents flatness around your face. Secure everything together with your elastic.
Here are the essential elements for this style:
Deep Side Part: Creates automatic volume and drama on one side.
Face-Framing Pieces: Leave a few wisps out for a softer, more romantic effect.
Strategic Placement: Position slightly back from the ear rather than directly at it for better proportion.
The angle of this ponytail naturally creates lift as your hair swoops across your head. Take sections from the crown and gently pull them up and out to enhance this effect. You can also add a few loose curls or waves to the ponytail itself for extra body. This style works beautifully for special occasions or when you want something different from your usual centered ponytail.
Braided Base Ponytail
Adding a braid at the base of your ponytail creates unexpected volume and texture. This technique uses the braid as a foundation that lifts the entire ponytail, giving it more presence and structure. It’s a creative twist that elevates a basic style into something special.
Creating the Braided Foundation
Before pulling your hair into a ponytail, take a section from the crown and create a simple three-strand braid. Keep it somewhat loose and stop braiding when you reach the point where you want your ponytail to sit. The braid should sit flat against your head but not be pulled tight.
Gather the rest of your hair along with the end of your braid and secure everything together into a ponytail. The braid creates a raised base that props up the entire style. You’ll notice how the ponytail sits higher and has more dimension compared to a regular gathered ponytail.
Enhancing the Effect
Gently pull on the edges of the braid to make it wider and more visible. This pancaking technique adds extra volume to the braid itself, which translates to more lift for your ponytail. You can create multiple small braids for even more texture and height.
For a bohemian vibe, leave the braids slightly messy and textured. For a cleaner look, smooth the surface while keeping the volume intact. The versatility of this technique means you can adapt it to match your personal style. Wrap a section of hair around the elastic to hide it, and your voluminous braided base ponytail is complete.
Wrapped Ponytail with Height
This technique focuses on creating vertical volume that makes your ponytail appear longer and fuller. By wrapping sections around the base and adding strategic height, you transform a standard ponytail into a statement style. The wrapped element adds polish while the height brings drama.
Gather your hair into a ponytail at your desired height, but before securing it, clip the top section out of the way. Secure just the bottom portion of your hair with an elastic. Release the top section and smooth it over the elastic you just created, then secure both sections together with a second elastic positioned slightly above the first one.
Adding the Wrap
This double-elastic method creates built-in height and prevents sagging. Take a section from the underside of your ponytail and wrap it tightly around both elastics, circling multiple times to fully conceal them. Pin the end underneath securely. The wrapped section should look smooth and intentional.
Use a fine-tooth comb to gently tease the hair at the base of the ponytail where it meets your head. This creates a cushion effect that props up the entire style. Smooth the surface layer to hide any visible teasing while maintaining the height underneath.
Maintaining the Structure
The key to making this last is using the right products. A light mousse applied before styling gives grip, while hairspray at the end locks everything in place. Pull the ponytail gently upward to check that the height holds. If you notice any sagging throughout the day, simply retighten the wrapped section and add a touch more spray to the roots.
Half-Up Voluminous Ponytail
Combining the best of both worlds, this style keeps half your hair down while creating a voluminous ponytail on top. It’s perfect for adding height without committing to a full updo. The contrast between the loose bottom section and the lifted top section creates beautiful dimension.
Sectioning and Lifting
Part your hair horizontally from the top of one ear to the other, creating a clean division. Clip the bottom section out of the way. Focus on the top section, backcombing at the roots to build a strong foundation of volume. Gather this teased section into a ponytail at the crown of your head.
The placement is crucial. Position it high enough to create lift but not so high that it looks out of proportion. Secure with a strong elastic that can hold the weight. Give the ponytail a gentle tug upward to maximize height, then smooth the surface layer with a brush to clean up any frizz from teasing.
Release the bottom section and finger-comb it to blend naturally with the ponytail. You can leave it straight, add waves, or curl it depending on your preference. The loose hair provides balance to the voluminous top section.
What about face shape? This style flatters most face shapes because you can adjust the height and width of the top section. Pull out a few face-framing pieces if you want a softer look. The half-up style also works well with bangs or shorter layers around your face. Set everything with a flexible hold hairspray that allows movement while maintaining volume.
Textured Ponytail with Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo isn’t just for extending time between washes. It’s a powerful tool for creating volume and texture in your ponytail. This technique uses dry shampoo strategically to build fullness and grip, resulting in a ponytail that looks effortlessly thick and lived-in.
Start with day-old hair or clean hair that you’ve prepped with some texturizing product. Shake your dry shampoo can well and hold it six to eight inches away from your head. Spray generously at the roots, focusing on the crown and the areas around your hairline.
Working the Product In
Massage the dry shampoo into your scalp with your fingertips, really working it through the roots. This activates the product and distributes it evenly. You’ll feel your hair gaining texture and grip immediately. Flip your head upside down and spray more dry shampoo throughout the mid-lengths and ends.
While still upside down, scrunch and tousle your hair with your hands to build natural volume. The dry shampoo creates friction between hair strands, making them separate and appear fuller. Flip back up and gather your hair into a ponytail at your chosen height.
The beauty of this method is how the dry shampoo continues working even after you’ve secured the ponytail. It prevents that slippery, flat look that can happen with clean hair. Pull small sections of the ponytail to add more texture and separation. Below are the advantages:
Added Grip: Hair holds the style better and doesn’t slip or fall flat.
Matte Texture: Creates a more casual, undone aesthetic that still looks polished.
Instant Volume: The product physically lifts hair away from the scalp and adds body throughout.
Sleek Top with Voluminous Ends
This modern approach creates an interesting contrast between a smooth, polished top and big, voluminous ends. It’s sophisticated and playful at the same time, perfect for women who want a put-together look with personality.
Achieving the Sleek Top
Apply a smoothing serum or gel to your roots and the top section of your hair. Use a fine-tooth comb or boar bristle brush to slick everything back, ensuring no bumps or flyaways. The goal is a glossy, tight finish from your hairline to where you’ll place the elastic. This sleekness creates a beautiful contrast with the volume to come.
Secure your ponytail at your desired height, making sure the top remains perfectly smooth. The elastic should be tight enough to hold firmly but not so tight that it creates a dent in your hair. Now comes the fun part – creating volume in the ponytail itself.
Volumizing the Ponytail
Flip the ponytail over and tease the underside aggressively from the elastic down to about mid-length. This creates a cushion of volume that will support the outer layer. Flip the ponytail back and smooth the surface layer gently with your brush, leaving all that teased volume underneath intact.
For extra drama, curl the ends of your ponytail with a large-barrel curling iron. These curls add bounce and movement that enhance the voluminous effect. Finger-comb through the curls to break them up slightly, creating soft waves rather than defined ringlets.
The contrast is what makes this style stand out. Your sleek top shows off your face and keeps things polished, while the voluminous ends bring energy and movement. Set the sleek section with strong-hold hairspray and the ends with a flexible spray that allows the volume to move naturally.
Making Volume Last All Day
Creating a voluminous ponytail is one thing, but making it last from morning to night requires some smart strategies. Your ponytail can lose volume throughout the day due to gravity, humidity, and the natural oils from your scalp. Here’s how to keep it looking fresh.
Start with the right foundation products. Apply volumizing mousse to damp hair before blow-drying, concentrating on the roots. This gives you built-in lift that lasts longer than volume created only with styling. Blow-dry your hair upside down to maximize lift at the roots. Once dry, let your hair cool completely before creating your ponytail. Hot hair is more pliable and likely to fall flat.
Choose the right elastic. Thin elastics cut into your hair and can create weak points that sag. Use thicker, spiral elastics or fabric-covered bands that distribute tension more evenly. If your ponytail feels heavy, use two elastics stacked on top of each other for extra support. Carry a small can of dry shampoo or texturizing spray in your bag for touch-ups. A quick spray at the roots followed by gentle lifting with your fingers can revive any lost volume. Don’t be afraid to slightly retighten your ponytail if needed, just avoid doing this too frequently as it can cause breakage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I make my thin hair look fuller in a ponytail?
A: Use the double ponytail technique by creating two stacked ponytails that blend together. This instantly doubles the appearance of thickness. Also try teasing at the roots before gathering your hair, and use texturizing products to create the illusion of more hair.
Q: What products work best for adding volume to ponytails?
A: Volumizing mousse applied to damp hair before drying, dry shampoo for instant root lift, and texturizing spray for added grip and fullness. Hairspray helps lock volume in place. Look for lightweight formulas that won’t weigh your hair down.
Q: Why does my ponytail always fall flat after a few hours?
A: This happens when hair is too clean and slippery, or when you haven’t created enough foundation support. Use dry shampoo or texturizing spray before styling, tease the roots for structure, and make sure your elastic is tight enough to hold without slipping.
Q: Should I curl my hair before or after making a ponytail?
A: Both methods work depending on the look you want. Curling before creates overall volume and texture that carries into the ponytail. Curling after lets you focus volume specifically in the ponytail itself while keeping the top sleek if desired.
Q: How high should I place my ponytail for maximum volume?
A: A high ponytail at the crown naturally creates more lift and volume because gravity works in your favor. However, you can create volume at any height using the right techniques like teasing, double ponytails, or the upside-down gathering method.
Q: Can I create a voluminous ponytail with curly hair?
A: Absolutely. Curly hair often has natural volume already. Focus on positioning and securing the ponytail properly, and gently stretch and fluff the curls after securing to maximize fullness. Avoid brushing curly hair in the ponytail as this can cause frizz.
Q: What’s the best way to hide my elastic in a ponytail?
A: Take a small section of hair from underneath the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic, securing the end with a bobby pin underneath. This creates a polished look while maintaining volume. You can also use decorative accessories like silk scrunchies or hair cuffs.
Q: How often should I redo my ponytail to maintain volume?
A: A well-executed voluminous ponytail should last most of the day. If you notice significant drooping, you can refresh it once by loosening slightly, adding dry shampoo at the roots, and retightening. Avoid constant adjustments as this can damage hair.
