13 Easy ponytail Ideas for voluminous Hair You Can Do at Home

Is there any hairstyle more iconic, more versatile, or more universally flattering than the ponytail? It’s the go-to for busy mornings, tough workouts, and days when your hair just won’t cooperate. But if you think a ponytail is just a simple pull-back, you’re missing out on a world of style. For those of us blessed with—or desperately chasing—voluminous hair, the ponytail is our ultimate playground. It’s a chance to showcase that beautiful body and texture, turning a basic ‘do into a statement.

Gone are the days of flat, lifeless ponytails. Today, we’re celebrating height, body, and effortless glamour. Whether your hair is naturally thick or you’ve mastered the art of the volumizing hack, this guide is for you. We’ve curated 13 easy ponytail ideas that are designed specifically to enhance and flatter voluminous hair. The best part? Every single one can be achieved at home with minimal tools and maximum impact. Get ready to fall in love with your hair all over again.

1. The Classic High Ponytail with a Tease

Let’s start with a powerhouse. The classic high ponytail is a timeless look, but for voluminous hair, it’s all about the foundation. The goal is lift at the crown and a full, cascading tail. To achieve this, start by flipping your head over and gathering your hair at the highest point of your crown. Before you secure it with a hair tie, gently backcomb the hair at the roots for that crucial lift. This simple tease adds incredible height and prevents the dreaded “flat top” look. Secure it tightly, and for an extra polished finish, take a small section of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the base to conceal the elastic.

2. The Voluminous Low Ponytail

Don’t underestimate the power of a low ponytail. This style is the epitome of understated elegance, but on voluminous hair, it becomes a serious statement. The key here is texture and body throughout the length. Instead of brushing your hair smooth, use your fingers to gather it at the nape of your neck. This preserves the natural movement and volume. Gently pull a few face-framing pieces loose to soften the look. For a red-carpet-ready finish, use a curling wand to add soft waves to the length of the ponytail, making it look even thicker and more luxurious.

3. The Bubble Ponytail

Playful, modern, and incredibly fun, the bubble ponytail is a fantastic way to showcase thick hair. This style turns your ponytail into a series of delightful “bubbles.” Create a high or mid-height ponytail as your base. Then, at even intervals down the length of the tail, place additional hair ties, spacing them about 3-4 inches apart. Once all the ties are in place, the magic begins: gently tug on each section of hair between the elastics, puffing it out to create a rounded, bubble-like effect. The more you pull, the bigger and more voluminous the bubbles become.

4. The Inverted Ponytail

This is one of the easiest tricks in the book to add instant volume and a touch of intrigue. Start by gathering your hair into a very low ponytail, as if you’re making a half-up style at the nape of your neck. Secure it with a hair tie. Now, here’s the secret: create a small hole in the hair just above the elastic. Gently flip the ponytail up and through this hole, pulling it all the way through. Fluff the top section of hair to cover the hole and admire the beautiful, effortless volume you’ve just created at your crown.

5. The Braided Ponytail

Combine two classic styles for a look that’s both chic and practical. A braided ponytail is perfect for managing voluminous hair while keeping it stylish and off your face. You can opt for a simple three-strand braid on a high or low ponytail for a clean look. Or, for more volume and texture, try a fishtail or a Dutch braid. To make the braid itself look even thicker, gently pull on the outer edges of the plait after it’s secured to loosen it and create a fuller, more bohemian effect.

6. The Puffy Ponytail with a Scrunchy

Scrunchies aren’t just a nostalgic comeback; they’re a volumizing tool! The fabric of a scrunchy provides a wider, gentler hold than a thin elastic, which naturally props up the base of your ponytail for a “puffy” effect. Create a high ponytail and secure it with a coil-free hair tie first for a strong hold. Then, wrap a large, fabric scrunchy over the top. The scrunchy will add height and width to the base of your ponytail, making the entire style look softer and more abundant.

7. The Half-Up, Half-Down Ponytail

Why choose between up and down when you can have the best of both worlds? The half-up ponytail is a quintessential voluminous hair style. It keeps the hair out of your face while letting the length and body of your hair shine. To maximize volume, don’t just gather the top section. Tease the crown lightly before pulling the top half back, creating a seamless blend between the ponytail and the hair left down. This style beautifully frames the face and highlights the thickness of your hair.

8. The Messy Textured Ponytail

Embrace the beautiful chaos! The messy ponytail is a deliberate and stylish look that works perfectly with voluminous hair. The key is to avoid any semblance of perfection. Start by applying a texturizing spray or sea salt spray throughout your hair to build grip and piecey-ness. Gather your hair into a mid-height ponytail, but don’t smooth down the flyaways. Instead, pull out a few strategic pieces around your face and at the nape of your neck. Loosen the ponytail slightly by tugging at the sides, and you’ve achieved that coveted “I woke up like this” glamour.

9. The Wrap-Around Ponytail

This elegant style adds a touch of sophistication and is a clever way to hide your hair tie. Create a low or mid-height ponytail and secure it. Then, take a small section of hair from the underside of the ponytail (or a separate piece if your hair is layered) and wrap it around the base, covering the elastic. Tuck the end of the wrap-underneath the ponytail and secure it with a bobby pin. This technique creates a seamless, polished look and adds a little extra thickness at the base.

10. The Side-Swept Ponytail

Add a dose of drama and old-Hollywood glamour with a side-swept ponytail. This style is incredibly flattering and makes voluminous hair look lush and romantic. Part your hair deeply to one side and gather all your hair to the opposite side, securing it low near your shoulder. You can leave it sleek or add soft waves for extra body. The asymmetrical nature of this style naturally showcases the volume and length of your hair in a dynamic way.

11. The Double Ponytail

Edgy, fun, and perfect for a festival or a bold everyday look, the double ponytail is a surefire way to get noticed. Part your hair down the middle. Gather the top section of one side, from the part to about your ear, and secure it into a high ponytail. Repeat on the other side. You can leave the rest of your hair down or gather the bottom sections into two additional low ponytails. This style breaks up the bulk of voluminous hair into chic, manageable sections.

12. The Twisted Ponytail

For a detail that looks intricate but is deceptively simple, try the twisted ponytail. Before gathering all your hair, take two face-framing sections from the front. Twist each section away from your face and bring them back to your desired ponytail position. Hold them in place as you gather the rest of your hair into a ponytail and secure everything together. The twisted pieces add beautiful texture and a styled detail that elevates the entire look, drawing the eye along the length of your voluminous hair.

13. The Topsy-Turvy Ponytail

This is the inverted ponytail’s more dramatic cousin. It’s a fantastic way to create unbelievable volume and a truly unique silhouette. Create a very high ponytail on the crown of your head. Instead of pulling the hair all the way through the hair tie on the last loop, stop when your hair is only halfway out, creating a loop or a “fold.” You can then fan out the loop and arrange the ends to blend in, or leave them out for a more playful look. This creates a stunning, high-impact shape that is perfect for a night out.

Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Ponytail Volume

Before you dive in, keep these universal tips in mind to ensure every ponytail is as voluminous as possible. First, texturizing spray is your best friend. Spritzing it on before styling adds grit and hold, preventing your hair from slipping flat. Second, always tease the crown. A little backcombing at the roots is the secret to lasting height. Third, use the right tools. Coil-free hair ties provide a secure hold without creating a crease, while a boar bristle brush is perfect for smoothing the surface without flattening the body underneath.