35 Simple & Cute Messy Ponytail Hairstyles (2025 Guide)

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A messy ponytail hairstyle is perfect for your every day look or even for a special night out. The key to a messy ponytail is to embrace the imperfections. Finding easy hairstyles will not only make your life easier, but will give you an edge to your overall look.

Below we will discuss how to do a messy ponytail step by step so you can add this fancy ponytail to your weekly routine. The messy ponytail looks amazing for everyone whether you have ombre, balayage hair, long hair or even short hair. Have fun and use the tips, tricks, and pictures below to help you create your unique ponytail style.

How To Make A Messy Ponytail

A messy ponytail is easier to accomplish if you have day old or extra texture to your hair. If you have fresh hair you can always loosely curl sections of your hair to give a natural wavy look.

First, gather your hair at the top of your head into the ponytail style that you are wanting. If you are wanting a half updo ponytail, side ponytail, or high ponytail, now is where you decide the final placement for your pony.

Messy Half Updo Ponytail

Fasten your ponytail in the desired position. The most important part of this step is to NOT worry about the small fly-away hairs! Embrace the imperfections, this will only add to your cute messy hairstyle. At this step you should also decide if you want a loose ponytail or one that is more secure.

Next, if you want to cover your elastic, do so now. Take a small piece of hair and wrap it around the ponytail elastic and fasten with small bobby pins. If you prefer, you can also use a special hair accessory to cover your elastic.

Messy Low Ponytail

If you want to add some extra messy to your ponytail style, try pulling hair lightly out of the ponytail to give it more texture throughout. Also, spraying a texture product on your ponytail ends will add some more volume and style.

Lastly, enjoy your pony! One of the best things about a messy ponytail hairstyle is that you can wear it throughout the day and do not need to worry. You can squeeze, twirl, and pull your hair all day and it will only add to the cute messy hairstyle you have created.

Cute Messy Long Ponytail

Tips For The Perfect Messy Ponytail

It is always easier to get that messy ponytail with dirty hair. Although, if you do not have enough volume from your hair a few sprays of dry shampoo will do the trick.

If you are choosing to do a low loose messy ponytail, try starting with a short middle part. This will allow for a more dramatic messy hairstyle. Also, to add some dramatic touch, pull out some small pieces of hair around your ponytail or wrap your hair around your elastic.

Messy Ponytail With Bangs

Lastly, keep it loose and leave it alone! Having your messy ponytail loose allows for the style to appear like the easy ponytail you wanted. It will be hard to do, but not touching your ponytail will allow for your hairstyle to stay and the extra whispers that come out will only add to the style.

Best Hair Products For A Messy Ponytail

When creating the perfect messy ponytail you want to start with dirty hair, but that might not be enough to get your perfect style. We have gathered the top hair styling products to help you get the perfect messy ponytail hairstyle.

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If you want to take your ponytail to the next level, look below at the top accessories for your messy pony. These items will allow you to add different touches to your hairstyle and change up your ponytail daily.

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