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Blonde woman putting her hair into a ponytail using Davines This is a Shimmering Mist

Six Steps to the Perfect Ponytail

Updated on April 6, 2026 | 3 min read

Jaclyn LaBadia, Davines Writer

The ponytail is a timeless hairstyle for a reason—it’s feminine, chic, and incredibly practical, especially during warmer months. With the right prep, placement, and styling tricks, a well-done ponytail can look polished for work, relaxed for weekends, and elegant for evening events. Whether you’re heading out the door in five minutes or building a more polished style, these six steps will help you create a full, lifted ponytail that stays put all day.

Key Takeaways

How to Get the Perfect Ponytail

Using simple tricks—like double elastics and hidden wraps—can instantly create a more lifted, polished look.
Adding volume and texture transforms a basic ponytail into a fuller, more dynamic style that lasts all day.
The right lightweight styling products, like those from Davines, help maintain hold, movement, and a naturally refined finish.

Why the Ponytail Is a Styling Staple

The ponytail has remained one of the most versatile hairstyles because it works across hair lengths, textures, and occasions. From sleek and polished to textured and voluminous, the style can easily be adapted depending on the products and techniques used.

When done properly, a great ponytail can also:

Create the illusion of more volume
Highlight facial features
Keep hair secure and comfortable all day
Complement natural texture or styled hair

The following method helps create a lifted, full ponytail that looks intentional—not rushed.

Step 1: Line It Up

Placement makes a big difference in how flattering your ponytail looks.

To find the most balanced spot, imagine a diagonal line extending from your cheekbones toward the back of your head. This point often creates a naturally lifted ponytail that frames the face and adds a youthful, polished look.

For variations:

High ponytail — Align closer to the crown for extra lift
Mid-height ponytail — A classic everyday option
Low ponytail — Sleek and elegant for professional or evening looks

Taking a moment to place the ponytail intentionally helps elevate the final style.

Step 2: Smooth and Prep the Hair

Before securing the ponytail, smooth your hair to create a clean base.

Use a bristle brush to gather the hair while lightly misting This Is An Invisible No Gas Spray. This lightweight hairspray offers flexible hold while controlling flyaways and keeping the hair soft to the touch.

Brushing while applying a light mist helps:

Smooth the hair cuticle
Reduce bumps or uneven sections
Create a sleek base for hair styling

For additional smoothing tips, learn how to get frizz-free hair on our blog.

Step 3: Secure for Lift

Once your hair is gathered, secure the ponytail using two hair elastics instead of one.

The first hair tie anchors the hair in place, while the second adds extra support and lift. This simple trick helps prevent the ponytail from drooping throughout the day—especially for thicker or longer hair.

If your hair is very smooth, lightly misting your brush or hair with hairspray before securing can add extra grip.

Step 4: Hide the Elastic

A polished ponytail often hides the elastic band.

To do this:

Take a small section of hair from the underside of the ponytail.
Braid it or leave it smooth.
Wrap it around the base of the ponytail.
Secure it discreetly with a few bobby pins.

This step instantly elevates the style and gives the ponytail a more finished appearance.

Step 5: Add Volume and Texture

For a fuller, more dynamic ponytail, add volume at the mid-lengths.

Take small sections from the middle of the ponytail and gently tease at the roots, working toward the front to create lift and movement. Then apply This Is A Dry Texturizer throughout the lengths. This lightweight styling spray adds body, texture, and hold while keeping hair soft and flexible.

Texturizing products help create that effortless, slightly undone finish that works well for both casual and dressed-up styles.

If you’re looking to add even more fun to your look, learn how to make a bubble ponytail.

Step 6: Finish and Perfect the Look

The final step is refining the details.

Spray a small amount of This Is A Perfecting Hairspray onto your hands and lightly smooth down baby hairs, flyaways, and the hairline. Using your hands instead of spraying directly onto the hairline helps maintain a natural look while still providing control.

At this point, your ponytail should feel:

Secure but comfortable
Soft with natural movement
Full and lifted rather than flat

woman with a sleek, low brunette ponytail stretching her arms

Easy Variations To Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic ponytail, it’s easy to adapt the style for different looks and hair types.

The Half-Up Ponytail — If you have layered or short hair, gather only the top section of hair and follow the same steps. This creates volume at the crown while leaving the rest of your hair down.
The Textured Ponytail — Prep hair with a volumizing or texturizing product before styling for a more relaxed, lived-in finish.
The Sleek Ponytail — For a polished look, smooth hair with styling cream before securing and finishing with a light mist of hairspray.

Ponytail Styling Tips From Davines Experts

To get the most out of your ponytail style:

Start with healthy, well-conditioned hair for smooth results
Use lightweight styling products that won’t weigh hair down
Avoid pulling hair too tightly to reduce breakage
Use texturizing sprays to add movement and grip

If your hair tends to fall flat, prepping with volumizing products before styling can make a big difference.

The Perfect Ponytail, Every Time

The ponytail may be simple, but with the right technique and styling products, it can look effortlessly polished. By focusing on placement, smoothing, volume, and finishing details, you can transform a quick everyday hairstyle into something that feels intentional and elevated. Whether you’re heading to the office, the gym, or a summer evening out, this six-step method helps you create a ponytail that’s full, lifted, and perfectly styled.