16 Pulled-Through Ponytail Styles for Faux Volume
Is there any hairstyle more universally beloved than the ponytail? It’s the hero of bad hair days, the savior of rushed mornings, and the epitome of chic simplicity. But if you’ve ever looked at a sleek, high ponytail and felt your fine or medium-density hair could never achieve that same voluminous, model-off-duty look, we have the secret for you. Enter the pulled-through ponytail, also known as the topsy tail or looped ponytail.
The Magic of the Pulled-Through Technique
Before we dive into the styles, let’s appreciate the simple genius of the method. Unlike a standard ponytail where all hair is gathered tightly at the base, the pulled-through style creates a loop or a bubble. This breaks up the hair, adding height, width, and visual interest. It disguises the hair tie, creates effortless texture, and can even make your hair appear longer. The best part? It requires minimal skill—often just an extra hair tie and a few seconds of maneuvering. Whether your hair is pin-straight, wavy, or coily, this technique can be adapted to give you that coveted faux volume.
1. The Classic Topsy Tail
This is where it all began. Create a low or mid-height ponytail. Secure it with a hair tie, but on the final loop, don’t pull your hair all the way through—leave it as a loop. Then, with your fingers, create a small hole in the hair above the ponytail base. Gently pull the tail of your ponytail up and through that hole. Tighten and adjust. The result is a charming, inverted look that adds instant polish and a touch of retro flair.
2. The Voluminous Bubble Ponytail
For maximum faux volume, the bubble ponytail is your best friend. Create a high ponytail. Place another hair tie a few inches down the length, then gently tug and pancake the section between the two ties to create a full “bubble.” Repeat this process down the length of your ponytail. Once you have 3-4 bubbles, go back and subtly pull at each bubble to increase its size. This style is playful, modern, and incredible for creating the illusion of thick, abundant hair.
3. The Low Pulled-Through Chignon
Elegance meets ease. Start with a low, loose ponytail. Instead of pulling the tail all the way through the final loop of the hair tie, leave a large loop. Tuck the remaining tail end around the base of the ponytail and pin it discreetly. Gently pull and adjust the loop to create a soft, messy bun-like shape. This creates a sophisticated, voluminous chignon perfect for work or weddings.
4. The Double-Decker Pull-Through
Why stop at one pull-through? Create a mid-height ponytail and execute the classic topsy tail technique. Then, take the new tail and secure it with another hair tie a few inches down. Create a second hole above that second tie and pull the tail through again. This layered look adds incredible dimension and is a surefire conversation starter.
5. The Side-Swept Pull-Through
Add a dose of glamour by incorporating a deep side part. Sweep all your hair to one side and create a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, just over your shoulder. Perform the pulled-through technique. The asymmetrical look is flattering, romantic, and makes the volume appear even more dramatic as it cascades over one shoulder.
6. The Textured Messy Pull-Through
This style is ideal for day-old hair or naturally wavy textures. Apply a texturizing spray for grip. Gather your hair into a mid-high, loose ponytail—avoid making it tight. Perform the pull-through, but keep everything deliberately messy. Pull out face-framing pieces and gently tug at the sides of the loop to loosen it. The goal is effortless, I-just-woke-up-like-this volume.
7. The High & Tight Voluminous Ponytail
For that sleek yet full look, start by teasing the hair at your crown. Gather a very high, tight ponytail (smooth the top surface, but keep the base secure). Do the classic pull-through technique, but then use the tail to wrap around the hair tie base, pinning it underneath. This gives the illusion of a massive, full ponytail base with a sleek finish.
8. The Half-Up, Half-Down Pull-Through
Take your half-up style to the next level. Gather the top section of your hair as if for a half-up ponytail, but instead of a standard tie, create a small pulled-through loop. This adds immediate height and volume at the crown while letting the rest of your hair flow freely. It’s a perfect way to add interest without committing to a full ponytail.
9. The Braided Base Pull-Through
Incorporate a braid for a boho touch. Create a small French or Dutch braid along your hairline, ending at your ponytail gathering point. Incorporate the braid into a mid-height ponytail, then perform the pulled-through technique. The braid adds detail and helps anchor the volume at the front.
10. The Triple-Bubble Ponytail
A more refined take on the bubble ponytail. Create three large, distinct bubbles down the length of your ponytail. The key is to make the bubbles uniform and round by carefully tugging and adjusting. This style is graphic, chic, and wonderfully voluminous, working especially well on blunt-cut hair.
11. The Pulled-Through Pony with Scarf Accent
Use a silk scarf to elevate the basic style. Tie your hair into a low ponytail with the scarf (use it as your hair tie). Then, pull the ponytail through the loop above, allowing the scarf’s ends and pattern to become part of the hairstyle. It’s a beautiful way to add color, pattern, and a luxe touch.
12. The Inverted Low Pony
For a subtle twist, create the hole below the ponytail base instead of above. Secure a low ponytail, make a gap between the tie and your head, and pull the tail down and through. This creates a beautiful, cascading effect that adds volume at the nape of the neck.
13. The Space Buns Pull-Through
Create two high pigtail ponytails. On each, perform the pulled-through technique and then coil the remaining tail around the base to form a small bun, securing with pins. You get the fun, voluminous look of space buns with the added texture and interest of the pull-through detail at the center.
14. The Wrapped Base Pull-Through
After creating your classic pulled-through ponytail, take a small section of the tail and wrap it around the base to conceal the hair tie. Secure it with a bobby pin underneath. This adds a finished, salon-quality look and makes the style appear even more intricate.
15. The Criss-Cross Pull-Through
Part your hair down the middle. Create two low ponytails, one on each side at the nape of your neck. Perform the pulled-through technique on the left ponytail, pulling it to the right, and on the right ponytail, pulling it to the left, so they cross. Secure them together loosely. This creates a beautiful, intricate look from behind.
16. The Deconstructed Pull-Through
The ultimate in artful mess. Create multiple, very loose pull-throughs at different heights on your ponytail without worrying about precision. Gently pull and tug sections to create a deconstructed, almost avant-garde shape. This is a creative, editorial take on the trend.
Pro Tips for Mastering Faux Volume
Texture is Key: Slightly dirty hair or hair sprayed with texturizing spray or dry shampoo will hold the style better and make the volume look more natural.
Don’t Skip the Tease: A little backcombing at the crown before gathering your ponytail adds foundational volume that the pull-through technique then amplifies.
Choose the Right Tie: Use coil-less, snag-free hair ties or thin, elastic ones that create a secure hold without creating a bulky base. Invisible elastics are perfect for bubble ponytails.
Pancake with Purpose: When creating bubbles, gently pull the hair apart horizontally between the ties to widen the bubble, creating that full, rounded effect.
Embrace Imperfection: The charm of these styles often lies in their slightly undone, textured nature. Don’t aim for stiff perfection.
Conclusion: Your Volume Journey Starts Here
The pulled-through ponytail is more than just a hairstyle; it’s a clever tool in your beauty arsenal, democratizing volume for all hair types. From the office to a weekend brunch or a special event, these 16 styles offer a blueprint for looking put-together and feeling confident with minimal effort. The best way to find your signature look is to experiment. Try the classic topsy tail today, attempt the bubble ponytail tomorrow, and soon, you’ll have a repertoire of gorgeous, voluminous styles that make your hair look thicker, longer, and infinitely more stylish. Say goodbye to flat, lifeless ponytails and hello to your new era of faux volume fabulousness.
