24 Wrapped Ponytail Techniques That Hide Your Hair Tie
Is there anything more frustrating than a perfect ponytail ruined by a glaring, utilitarian hair tie? That sleek look you were going for is instantly undone by a plain elastic band. But what if your ponytail could look polished, intentional, and even high-fashion? The secret lies in the art of the wrapped ponytail.
The Classic Hair Wrap: Your Foundation
Mastering the classic wrap is essential, as it’s the base for countless variations. Start by securing your ponytail at your desired height. Take a small section of hair from underneath the ponytail, wrap it around the base to conceal the tie, and secure it with a bobby pin tucked neatly underneath. For a seamless look, you can lightly tease the wrap section for extra volume or mist it with hairspray before wrapping to control flyaways.
Braided Wrap for a Boho Vibe
Swap the simple section for a delicate braid. Before gathering your ponytail, isolate a one-inch section from the front or side. Braid it loosely, then secure your main ponytail. Wrap the braid around the base and pin it. This adds incredible texture and a romantic, bohemian flair to an otherwise simple style.
Twisted Rope Wrap
For a chic, modern twist, take two small sections from beneath the ponytail. Twist them individually tightly, then twist them together around each other to form a rope. Wrap this rope around the base and secure. The result is a clean, architectural detail that looks far more complex than it is.
The Double Wrap for Maximum Coverage
If your hair tie is particularly stubborn or you want a more dramatic look, try a double wrap. Use a slightly larger section of hair for your first wrap, pin it, then take a second, smaller section from the opposite side and wrap it in the opposite direction. This creates a criss-cross effect that’s both secure and stylish.
Accessorized Wrap with a Scarf
Incorporate a silk scarf for instant Parisian chic. Fold a long, narrow scarf into a strip. As you secure your ponytail with a tie, leave the scarf looped underneath it. Then, use the two ends of the scarf to wrap around the base, tying them into a small knot or bow. This is a perfect way to add a pop of color and pattern.
Chain Link Wrap with Bobby Pins
This edgy technique uses bobby pins as the decoration. After creating your classic wrap, don’t hide the pins. Instead, use them to create a “chain” or geometric pattern over the wrap itself. Insert pins in a sequence, each hooking into the next, forming a decorative chain that hides the tie and acts as jewelry.
Wrapped Bubble Ponytail
Elevate the playful bubble ponytail by hiding the ties. Create multiple “bubbles” down the length of your ponytail by placing hair ties at even intervals and gently pulling the hair to puff it out. For each tie, use a tiny section of hair from the bubble below to wrap and conceal it.
Invisible Wrap for Fine Hair
Fine hair can sometimes make a wrap look sparse. The trick is to backcomb the underside of the wrap section lightly before wrapping. This creates instant volume and fullness, ensuring the tie stays completely hidden without needing a thick section of hair.
Wrapped Ponytail with a Donut Bun
Combine two classic styles. Create a high ponytail and thread it through a bun donut. Spread the hair evenly over the donut and secure with a tie. Then, use the remaining tail (or a separate section) to wrap around the base of the bun, hiding both the donut’s edge and the hair tie for a flawless, ballerina-inspired look.
Fishtail Wrap
Take a section of hair and create a small, delicate fishtail braid. Wrap this intricate braid around your ponytail base. Because a fishtail braid lies flatter than a regular three-strand braid, it creates a unique, detailed band that lies beautifully against the head.
The Tucked Under Wrap
This sleek variation involves wrapping the section around as usual, but instead of pinning it, you tuck the end under the wrapped hair itself, using the tension to hold it in place. It requires a bit of practice but results in a completely pin-free, ultra-smooth finish.
Wrapped Half-Up, Half-Down Style
Apply the wrap technique to a half-up style. Gather the top section of your hair as if making a half-up ponytail, but before the final pull-through, leave a loop (a “half-up bun”). Take a small piece from the loop or the tail below and wrap it around the base to hide the tie, creating a soft, romantic look.
Ribbon-Integrated Wrap
Use a beautiful ribbon as both the tie and the wrap. Start by tying your ponytail with the ribbon (like you would with a regular tie). Then, use the long ends of the ribbon to wrap around the base multiple times, finishing with a delicate bow or a simple knot tucked underneath.
Wrapped Side-Swept Ponytail
A side ponytail feels fresh and trendy. For this style, use a section from the longer side of the ponytail (the side with more hair) to wrap around the base. This ensures the wrap blends perfectly and enhances the asymmetrical effect.
Double Ponytail Wrap
Create two ponytails, one directly below the other. Wrap the base of the top ponytail. Then, when you gather the hair for the second ponytail (which includes the tail from the first), incorporate a piece from that new tail to wrap around its base. This layered look is dynamic and super secure.
The Mermaid Wrap with Multiple Strands
Take three or four very small, thin sections from different parts of the ponytail. Twist each one individually, then simultaneously wrap them around the base, spacing them out like delicate rings. Secure each with a tiny pin. This creates a beautiful, detailed, almost scale-like effect.
Wrapped Ponytail for Curly Hair
Celebrate your curls! The key is to use a section that matches the curl pattern. After securing the ponytail, gently pull a curl from the underside, wrap it around, and pin. The texture will naturally camouflage the pin and tie, creating an effortless, voluminous look.
Victorian-Inspired Lace Wrap
Incorporate a piece of lace or a delicate brooch. After doing a simple hair wrap, carefully pin a small strip of black or ivory lace over the wrap, or secure a tiny vintage brooch where the wrap ends meet. This adds an instant touch of antique elegance.
The “Hair Vined” Wrap
Instead of one continuous wrap, take two small sections. Wrap the first one and pin it. Then, take the second and wrap it so it overlaps the start of the first, creating a intertwined, vining effect. This works beautifully for messy, textured ponytails.
Wrapped Pony with a Hair Stick
Secure your ponytail with a hair stick instead of a tie. Gather your hair, twist it, and coil it at the base, inserting a decorative hair stick through the coil to hold it. Then, pull out a small strand from the coil and wrap it around the base to cover the entry point of the stick.
Sporty Wrapped Ponytail
For the gym or a run, use a coated elastic that grips well. Do a tight classic wrap and secure it with criss-crossed bobby pins for extra hold. You can also use a second, smaller elastic to secure the very end of the wrap against the ponytail for unbeatable security.
Wrapped Ponytail with Extensions
If you use clip-in or tape-in extensions for volume, incorporate them into the wrap. After securing your ponytail (with extensions blended in), use a weft from the extension hair itself to wrap around the base. This ensures the wrap color matches perfectly and adds incredible thickness.
Geometric Pin Wrap
After a simple wrap, use decorative gold or silver bobby pins to create a geometric pattern—like a triangle, star, or parallel lines—over the wrapped section. The pins become a deliberate, modern accessory that distracts from and covers the tie.
The Ultimate Evening Wrap
Combine techniques for a red-carpet-ready style. Start with a twisted rope wrap. Then, carefully pin a string of small pearls or a delicate chain necklace around it. The combination of textured hair and elegant jewelry creates a breathtaking, custom look.
Mastering Your Wrapped Ponytail: Pro Tips
To ensure every wrapped ponytail is a success, remember these final tips. Always start with second-day hair or use texturizing spray; a little grit helps the wrap stay in place and hides pins better. When pinning, always insert the bobby pin wrap-side down into the base of the ponytail, then slide it upwards to hook more hair—this is the secret to security. If your wrap piece is too slippery, lightly backcomb it or mist it with hairspray before wrapping. Finally, don’t be afraid to use two or three pins in different directions for a bulletproof hold that lasts all day and night.
With these 24 wrapped ponytail techniques, you have an arsenal of styles for every mood, event, and hair type. The humble ponytail has been transformed from a simple convenience into a statement of style and sophistication. So grab your hair ties, bobby pins, and a bit of creativity. It’s time to wrap, pin, and conquer the world—one perfectly polished ponytail at a time.
