17 Knotted Ponytail Methods with Unexpected Twists
Let’s be honest: the classic ponytail is a lifesaver. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it gets the job done. But sometimes, you crave a style that offers the same polished look plus a dose of intrigue, texture, and artistry. That’s where the knotted ponytail enters the scene. Far more than just a simple tie-back, these methods involve strategic twists, braids, and, of course, knots to create stunning, eye-catching hairstyles that are surprisingly simple to master.
Why the Knotted Ponytail is Your New Secret Weapon
Before we get into the styles, let’s talk about why knotted ponytails are so brilliant. First, they add incredible texture and dimension to hair that can sometimes look flat in a traditional style. The knots create natural volume and visual interest. Second, they are remarkably secure. Once you knot a section of hair, it’s not going anywhere, making these styles perfect for active days or windy weather. Finally, they look infinitely more complex than they actually are. With a little practice, you can achieve a high-fashion, runway-ready look in minutes.
The Foundation: Mastering the Basic Knot
Every great creation starts with a solid foundation. For our purposes, the basic hair knot is similar to tying the first part of a shoelace. Take two equal sections of hair, cross one over the other, and pull one section through the loop you’ve created. Gently tighten it, making sure not to pull too hard to avoid stress on the hair shaft. This simple knot is the building block for almost all the styles that follow. Pro tip: Always mist your hair with a light texturizing spray beforehand. This gives your hair a bit of grip, making the knots hold their shape better without slipping.
Styles for Elegant Evenings
Who said ponytails aren’t formal? These knotted methods bring a sophisticated, red-carpet-ready elegance to the classic updo.
1. The Knotted Bun Cascade: Create a high ponytail but leave a small section loose at the base. Split the ponytail into two large strands. Tie a series of loose knots down the length, securing the end with a clear elastic. Then, twist the knotted length around the base of the ponytail to form a bun, tucking the end under and pinning. Use the small section you left out to wrap around the hair elastic for a seamless finish.
2. The Double-Knot Chignon: Part your hair down the middle. On each side, create a loose, low knot at the nape of your neck, securing each with a bobby pin. Then, twist the two knotted sections together and pin them into a low, elegant chignon. This style creates a beautiful, symmetrical look from behind.
3. The Rope-Twist & Knot: Create a low side ponytail. Twist the entire ponytail tightly until it begins to coil back on itself. Then, instead of pinning it into a standard bun, tie the twisted rope into a single, large, loose knot right at your neckline and secure with pins. Let the ends flow out softly.
Bohemian & Casual Day Styles
Embrace a carefree, textured vibe with these effortlessly chic knotted ponytails perfect for weekends, brunch, or a day at the market.
4. The Boho Half-Up Crown: Take two front sections from each temple. Tie them into a single knot at the back of your crown, leaving the ends free. Pull slightly to loosen the knot for a soft effect. This creates an instant, minimalistic crown detail.
5. The Triple-Knot Pony: Start with a mid-height ponytail. Divide it into three even sections. Tie the top two sections together in a knot about halfway down, then incorporate the third section and tie another knot. Secure the end with an elastic. It creates a beautiful, textured, and segmented look.
6. The Side-Swept Knotted Ladder: On one side of your head, take two thin sections near the front. Tie a knot. As you move back, pick up a little more hair from below each time and tie another knot, creating a “ladder” of knots that sweeps into your regular ponytail or down into loose hair.
7. The Knotted Fishtail Base: Create a low ponytail but only wrap the elastic twice. Before the final pull-through on the third wrap, stop. You’ll have a loop. Split the loop in half and pull the tail of the ponytail up through it, creating a knotted base. Then, fishtail braid the remaining length.
Unexpected Twists: Incorporating Braids & Accessories
Elevate the knotted concept by blending it with other techniques and playful additions.
8. The Knot-Out Braid: Create a series of 3-4 loose knots down a section of hair. Once you reach the end, gently pull apart the knots sideways to loosen and widen them, creating a soft, braid-like texture. Then, incorporate this “knot-out” piece into your ponytail as a decorative strand.
9. The Dutch Braid & Knot Combo: Start a Dutch braid (an inside-out braid) at your crown, but only for 2-3 passes. Then, gather the three braid sections and tie them together in one large knot. Continue the rest of your hair into a ponytail from that point.
10. The Ribbon-Knotted Pony: Incorporate a long, silk ribbon into your ponytail elastic. As you tie the pony, let the ribbon ends hang. Then, use the ribbon as one of the strands to tie knots down the length of the ponytail alongside sections of hair.
11. The Beaded Knot: Before tying a knot in a section of hair, string a few small, decorative beads onto the strand. When you tie the knot, the beads will be nestled within it, creating a beautiful, bohemian accent.
For Shorter & Medium-Length Hair
Think knotted styles are only for long hair? Think again! These methods add playful detail to shorter lengths.
12. The Mini-Knot Accent: On bob-length hair, create a small, half-up section. Split it in two and tie a single, tiny knot. Secure it at the back with a beautiful mini clip instead of an elastic. It’s a subtle yet chic detail.
13. The Twisted Knot Pony: On lob-length hair, create a low ponytail. Twist the ponytail tightly and then tie it into a single knot as close to the base as possible. Pin the ends underneath. This creates the illusion of a shorter, textured knotted bun.
14. The Double-Knot Piglets: Perfect for a playful look! Create two high pigtails. On each, tie a single knot right below the elastic. Let the ends stick out cheerfully. This adds a fun, punk-rock edge to a classic style.
Advanced & Dramatic Statement Makers
Ready to truly turn heads? These advanced knotted ponytail methods are worth the extra few minutes.
15. The Celtic Knot Pony: This involves a more intricate, woven knot at the base. Create a half-up ponytail. Split it into two sections. Loop one section into a circle, and weave the other section through it in a specific pattern (a quick online video search for “Celtic hair knot” will show the mesmerizing technique). Secure the ends into the full ponytail.
16. The Knotted Halo: Part your hair down the middle. Starting at one temple, take a thin section and begin tying a series of knots, picking up small amounts of hair from the scalp as you work your way around the back of your head to the other temple. It creates a knotted headband effect. Gather all remaining hair into a low ponytail.
17. The Inverted Knotted Pony: Start with a low, upside-down ponytail (like you’re starting a ponytail at the nape of your neck, pointing upward). Tie a knot with the entire ponytail. Then, flip it up and over onto the crown of your head, securing it with pins to create a voluminous, knotted topknot with incredible height.
Pro Tips for Flawless Knotted Ponytails
Texture is Key: Slightly second-day or texturized hair holds knots best. Dry shampoo or a texture spray is your best friend.
Don’t Pull Too Tight: The beauty is in the relaxed, organic shape. Tight knots can look severe and be hard to undo.
Secure Strategically: Use bobby pins that match your hair color to secure any loose ends from within the knot. Clear, silicone elastics are invisible and strong.
Embrace Imperfection: A few loose strands or a slightly asymmetrical knot adds to the effortless, modern feel.
The humble ponytail has just undergone a spectacular transformation. With these 17 knotted ponytail methods with unexpected twists, you have a full arsenal of styles for every occasion—from the gym to the gala. The true twist is discovering how a simple knot can unlock a world of hair artistry. So grab some elastics, a few pins, and get ready to knot your way to your next favorite hairstyle.
