16 Crimped Ponytail Styles for Textured Drama
Forget everything you thought you knew about the humble ponytail. That simple, often utilitarian style is undergoing a radical, texture-filled revolution. The secret weapon? Crimping. By adding intentional, zig-zag waves to your hair before pulling it back, you unlock a world of volume, edge, and undeniable drama. A crimped ponytail is more than just a hairstyle; it’s a statement. It says you appreciate nostalgia but with a fiercely modern twist, and you’re not afraid to play with dimension and form.
The Classic High Crimped Pony
Start with the foundation of drama. Crimp all your hair from roots to ends, then gather it tightly at the crown of your head. The crimping process ensures this high pony has immense volume and body, standing away from the head for an instant lift. Secure with a sturdy hair tie, and for a polished finish, take a small section of hair from the ponytail to wrap around the base, concealing the elastic. This style is perfect for showcasing statement earrings and exudes confident, powerful energy.
The Low Textured Ponytail
For a more relaxed, yet equally chic vibe, the low crimped ponytail is a winner. Crimp your hair thoroughly, then gather it at the nape of your neck. The beauty here is in the effortless texture—it’s less severe than its high counterpart but just as interesting. Gently pull a few face-framing pieces loose for a soft effect. This style works beautifully for both professional settings and elegant evenings, offering a sophisticated take on texture.
The Half-Up, Half-Down Crimped Crown
Why choose between up and down when you can have both? Crimp your entire head of hair. Then, take the top section (from the temples back) and secure it into a small, textured ponytail or bun at the back of your crown. This leaves the rest of your crimped hair flowing freely. The result is a beautiful blend of controlled style and wild texture, perfect for adding volume to finer hair and creating a romantic, festival-ready look.
The Bubble Crimped Ponytail
Take your crimped ponytail to the next level of playful drama with the bubble technique. Create a high or mid-height crimped ponytail. Then, at even intervals down the length of the tail, place clear elastics, creating “bubbles” of crimped hair. Gently tug on each section between the elastics to puff them out for maximum effect. This style is fun, youthful, and incredibly eye-catching, playing with shape and the unique texture of crimped hair.
The Crimped Ponytail with Scarf Accent
Incorporate color and pattern by weaving a silk or satin scarf into your crimped ponytail. After crimping and securing your pony, tie a scarf around the base, letting the tails flow down with your hair. Alternatively, you can braid the scarf into a section of the ponytail before tying it off. The combination of the geometric crimp texture and the soft, flowing scarf creates a stunning bohemian-meets-edgy contrast.
The Side-Swept Crimped Pony
Add a touch of old-Hollywood glamour by sweeping your crimped ponytail over one shoulder. Crimp your hair, then gather it loosely to one side, securing it at about jaw-level. The crimped texture prevents the style from looking too sleek or flat, instead giving it body and a modern, undone feel. This is an exceptionally flattering style that draws attention to your neck and collarbone.
The Tousled Crimped Pony with Face Framers
Embrace a perfectly imperfect look. Crimp your hair, but don’t worry about being too neat. Pull it back into a mid or low ponytail, but leave out generous face-framing sections around the front and temples. Use your fingers to tousle the ponytail and the crown of your head for added volume. The goal is a lived-in, cool-girl texture that looks like you just came from the best concert of your life.
The Double Crimped Ponytail
A playful and unexpected take, the double ponytail is amplified by crimping. Part your hair down the middle. Crimp each side separately, then secure each section into its own high or mid-height ponytail. You can style them symmetrically or at slightly different heights. This look is bold, fun, and a guaranteed conversation starter, offering a quirky twist on the textured trend.
The Crimped Ponytail with Braided Detail
Combine two iconic textures for a masterpiece. Crimp your hair first. Before gathering it into your final ponytail, create a Dutch or French braid along your hairline, incorporating the crimped texture. Secure the braid into the base of your ponytail. The smooth, intricate pattern of the braid against the wild, uniform texture of the crimped ponytail creates a stunning visual contrast and adds an element of intricate craftsmanship.
The Sleek Base, Crimped Tail Pony
For a more polished yet dramatic look, keep the front and crown of your hair smooth and straight. Crimp only the hair from your mid-lengths to ends. Then, pull everything back into a tight, sleek ponytail. The contrast between the glossy, smooth base and the explosive, textured tail is ultra-chic and modern. It’s a brilliant way to experiment with crimping without committing to a full head of texture.
The Messy Crimped Bun Pony
Sometimes, a ponytail is just the beginning. Create a high, textured crimped ponytail. Instead of leaving it down, twist or coil the length into a loose, messy bun at the base. Use pins to secure it, but allow crimped pieces to escape intentionally. This style gives you the height and drama of a bun with the detailed texture of crimping, perfect for hot days or when you want your hair up but far from basic.
The Crimped Pony with Wrapped Accessory
Elevate a simple crimped ponytail with a statement hair accessory. After securing your pony, take a decorative chain, a pearl-encrusted cord, or a leather strap and wrap it around the base of the ponytail multiple times. This adds a luxe, editorial edge to the textured look, transforming it from daytime casual to evening elegance in one simple step.
The Voluminous Crimped Pony for Fine Hair
If you have fine or thin hair, crimping is your best friend for creating the illusion of thickness. Crimp your hair thoroughly, focusing on the roots for lift. When gathering your pony, avoid pulling too tight. Instead, gently tease the hair at the crown before securing it. The crimped texture will add grit and body, making your ponytail look twice as thick and full.
The Asymmetric Crimped Ponytail
Make a bold geometric statement. Crimp your hair and part it deeply to one side. Gather all your hair to the opposite side, creating a low ponytail that rests on your shoulder. The deep side part combined with the textured pull creates a strong, fashion-forward silhouette that plays with asymmetry and volume in a very deliberate way.
The Crimped Pigtail Ponytails
Channel playful, retro vibes with crimped pigtails. Part your hair down the middle and crimp each side. Secure each section into a mid or high ponytail—think space buns but as ponytails. This style is irresistibly fun and youthful, and the crimping ensures each pigtail is packed with bounce and personality. Perfect for festivals, themed parties, or just embracing your inner joy.
The Faux Hawk Crimped Pony
For the ultimate in edgy drama, create a faux hawk using crimped texture. Crimp your hair thoroughly. Gather a central section from your forehead to the nape into a series of small, tight ponytails down the center of your head. Leave the hair on the sides down. You can then gather the lengths of the small ponies together at the nape. This creates a textured, mohawk-like effect that is fierce, dramatic, and unforgettable.
How to Crimp Your Hair for the Perfect Ponytail
To achieve these looks, start with day-old hair for better grip, or use a texturizing spray. Use a quality crimping iron, working in small, horizontal sections from the roots for maximum volume. For a more subtle texture, only crimp the mid-lengths to ends. Always apply a heat protectant first! Once crimped, you can lightly break up the waves with your fingers for a softer look before creating your chosen ponytail style. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to maintain the texture without stiffness.
The crimped ponytail is a testament to the power of texture. It transforms a simple style into a complex, dimensional, and deeply fashionable statement. Whether you opt for sleek and chic or wildly bohemian, these 16 styles offer a starting point for endless creativity. So dig out that crimping iron, embrace the drama, and give your ponytail the textured upgrade it deserves.
