This braided ponytail is perfect simple and chic weekend hairstyle.
I love when you send me requests for tutorials. This image has been floating around Pinterest and I’ve had a few requests for a step by step tutorial for this braided side ponytail.
My hair isn’t as long as the inspiration image but it still works. You could attach a ponytail extension if you want longer hair. Regardless of your hair length, it’s a good idea to start with some texture in your hair. Try this with second day hair or on wavy/curled hair.
I love this style for a relaxed look, but I think you could dress this up to be a beautiful wedding or bridesmaids’ hairstyle too.
I like to keep this style quite soft around my face with a few loose pieces of hair. I’m all about messy hair but you can make this style neat if you prefer.
Braided ponytail tutorial
What you need:
- small hair elastic
- regular hair elastic
- bobby pins
Step-by-step:
- Section your hair. Separate the top section from ear to ear and clip the back section out of the way.
- Start your braid. I’ve started on the right so I can wear my ponytail to the left. Start with a small section of hair by your right ear and split it into three. Cross the left over the middle, then the right over the left. On the next section, add in some hair from your hairline.
- Make a lace braid from ear to ear. A lace braid is just like a French braid, but instead of adding in hair on both sides, you only add from one side. In this case, it’s the front along your hairline.
- Finish in a regular braid. Once you reach your ear, finish your lace braid in a normal braid (plait). Secure the end with an elastic.
- Gather all your hair in a side ponytail. Secure it with a hair elastic. I like to gently pull above the elastic to loosen my hair so that it’s not too tight.
- Wrap your braid around your ponytail. Cover your hair elastic with your braid and pin the ends underneath your ponytail.
Styling tips
- Start with curled or wavy textured hair for a great base for this style. I think it looks best with a little texture in your hair. The braid will definitely stay in place better too. So you can skip the wash day and try this hairstyle instead!
- Angle the braid across and then back. By keeping the angle back, your braid will sit flatter against your hair and look better in the finished style.
- If you want more volume then gently backcomb your hair at the crown for a little extra height.
Let me know if you try this style! I’d love to see a photo in your hair – tag me #hairromance.
Great tutorial!!!
thanks Allison! xx
Even I could do this! And I dare say your pretty braids take attention away from my “tinsel” (aka grey hairs)…I got semi-carded today! Thanks for making me like my hair for the first time!
that’s so awesome, Meredith! And I am going to call grey hairs tinsel from now on because that’s brilliant xx
I do this all the time now and have also started braiding the pony and tucking it into a bun. I feel fancy.
Ugh, this is so nice! I wish I could do it, I mean, I can’t even do a normal braid.. XD But this hairstyle is fabulous.
Thanks Eve! I wasn’t very good at braiding when I started. With practice you can improve really quickly! x
Can’t wait to try this on my six year old’s gorgeous thick hair 🙂
Thanks Christie! I’d love to see a pic if you try it xx
Oh, so pretty! And it looks gorgeous with your new hair colour. Trying it right now!
Thanks Clemence! xx
Love it! I’m going to grow my hair and you’re not to let me get it cut! Stop me please!
I will make sure you grow awesoem Helena Bonham-Carter hair xx
This style is wonderful! I currently have quite a short hair which is barely touching my shoulders, but I keep practising making the braids. Can’t wait for my hair to grow and allow me to try your styles from “30 days of braids”, and now this one as well!
Thanks Anna! It won;t be long until you can do all the styles xx
I love this! So pretty!
Thanks Gio! xx
I like your version even better than the inspiration image! Thank you 🙂
Oh thanks so much Linda, that’s so lovely of you to say 🙂 x