19 Curled Ponytail Methods for Glamorous Volume
Is there any hairstyle more effortlessly chic than the perfect ponytail? It’s the go-to for busy mornings, tough workouts, and last-minute events. But let’s be honest: a basic, sleek ponytail can sometimes feel a little… ordinary. What if we told you that with a few strategic curls, your ponytail could transform from simple to sensational, boasting glamorous volume that turns heads? The secret lies in the curl.
Foundation First: Pre-Styling for Maximum Ponytail Volume
Before you even pick up a curling iron, the journey to a voluminous curled ponytail begins with preparation. Great volume starts at the roots and is supported by the right products and techniques.
1. The Root Lift Technique: After washing, apply a volumizing mousse or root-lifting spray to damp hair. Blow-dry your hair upside down, using your fingers to lift the roots at the scalp. This creates crucial base volume that your ponytail will sit upon.
2. Teasing for Instant Fullness: Lightly backcomb (tease) the hair at the crown section before gathering it into your ponytail. Just a few gentle strokes can create a hidden cushion of volume. Smooth over the top layer to conceal the teasing for a polished look with incredible height.
3. Strategic Parting: Switch up your part! A deep side part can instantly create the illusion of more volume on one side. For high ponytails, a center part with teased roots can give a symmetrical, full effect.
Classic Curling Methods for Timeless Volume
These are your bread-and-butter techniques for creating beautiful, consistent curls that add body and bounce to any ponytail.
4. Traditional Barrel Curls: Using a 1 to 1.5-inch curling iron, wrap vertical sections of hair around the barrel away from your face. Once all hair is curled, gently run your fingers through the waves to break them up before securing the ponytail. This creates uniform, bouncy volume.
5. Wand Waves for Lived-In Texture: A curling wand (without a clamp) creates gorgeous, natural-looking waves. Wrap medium-sized sections around the wand, holding for 8-10 seconds. The varying wave patterns from a wand add textural volume that looks effortless.
6. Flexi Rods for Old-Hollywood Glamour: For zero-heat volume, wrap damp hair around flexi rods before bed or for a few hours. Once dry and unraveled, you’ll have stunning, bouncy curls with incredible hold. Gather into a low ponytail for a glamorous, retro look.
7. Flat Iron Waves: Don’t have a curling iron? Use your flat iron! Clamp a section of hair and twist the iron 180 degrees as you glide it down the strand. This creates a loose, wave perfect for a sleek-yet-voluminous ponytail.
Advanced Volume-Boosting Curling Techniques
Ready to level up? These methods focus on curl placement and direction to architect volume strategically.
8. Curl Away From the Face: For a high ponytail, curl all sections away from your face. This direction pushes hair backwards and upwards, reinforcing the lift of the ponytail and preventing curls from falling flat forward.
9. The “Under-Curl” Secret: Curl only the under-layers of your hair before putting it up. When you gather your hair, these hidden curls act as a support system, pushing the top layers up and out for unbelievable, invisible volume.
10. Mixed Barrel Sizes: Use a larger barrel (1.5-2 inches) on the bottom layers for soft volume, and a smaller barrel (0.75-1 inch) on the top and face-framing layers. This creates dynamic, multi-dimensional fullness.
11. Pin-Curl Set for Unbeatable Hold: Set damp hair in traditional pin curls. Once dry, carefully unpin, brush out gently, and sweep into a ponytail. This method offers long-lasting, resilient volume that withstands humidity.
Ponytail Placement & Securing for Amplified Volume
Where and how you secure your ponytail is just as important as the curls themselves.
12. The High-Volume Crown Pony: Secure your ponytail at the crown of your head. Before tightening the final loop of the hair tie, gently pull the ponytail upwards to tighten the base against the scalp, then secure. This lifts the entire face and maximizes root volume.
13. The Inverted (Upside-Down) Method: Flip your head upside down, gather all your curled hair as if for a high ponytail, and secure it with a tie while still inverted. Flip back and adjust. This gathers every curl at the highest possible point.
14. Double Hair Tie Trick: Use two hair ties instead of one. Secure the ponytail with the first tie, then wrap a second tie directly over it. This provides a stronger hold, preventing the weight of curls from dragging the pony down throughout the day.
15. The “Pony-Do” Loop: On the final pull-through of your ponytail, don’t pull the hair all the way out. Leave it as a loose loop. Then, take the tail end and wrap it around the base to conceal the tie, pinning it underneath. This creates a voluminous, textured bun-like base.
Finishing Touches: The Art of Volume Enhancement
The magic is in the details. These final steps separate a nice curled ponytail from a glamorous one.
16. Strategic Pulling & Tugging: Once secured, gently pull out a few tiny sections around your hairline and at the crown. Tug lightly on the sides of the ponytail base to create a wider, fuller appearance. A little messiness equals a lot of volume.
17. Dry Shampoo & Texture Spray: Lightly spray a volumizing dry shampoo or texture spray directly onto the curled lengths of the ponytail. This adds grit, texture, and hold, making each curl appear thicker and more defined.
18. Accessorize for Amplification: A thick, statement scrunchie adds instant bulk at the base. Alternatively, wrap a small section of hair from the ponytail around the hair tie and pin it. This covers the tie and adds a touch of polished volume.
19. The Final Fluff: Hold your ponytail at its end and gently shake it. Then, use a tail comb or the tip of a brush handle to carefully lift and separate individual curls for a final volumizing fluff.
Embrace Your Voluminous Curled Ponytail
Mastering the art of the voluminous curled ponytail is about understanding that volume is built in layers—from root prep and curl technique to strategic placement and finishing flair. With these 19 methods in your styling arsenal, you’re equipped to tackle any hair type or desired look, from office-ready elegance to weekend glamour.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match these techniques. Try the root lift with under-curls, or the pin-curl set with the double hair tie trick. The most glamorous volume often comes from a personalized combination. So, grab your tools, embrace the bounce, and get ready to wear a ponytail that’s not just practical, but powerfully, beautifully voluminous.
