How to Easily Achieve a Thick & Gorgeous Half-Up Ponytail
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Time to read 10 min
Updated: 7th March 2025
If there's one hairstyle that's never going out of style, it's the half-up ponytail. Flattering on all, suitable for any occasion, and extremely easy to create. What more could you want? If you're not sure how to get the look, we're here to help, bestie.
The cult-favourite hairstyle among celebs can give some serious volume and, honestly, look all-round sexy. But how do they get it SO bouncy and voluminous?
Obvious, isn't it? Extensions!
Our — and your fave celebrities’ — secret trick to creating the most drop-dead-gorgeous half-up pony is using extensions, and we'll tell you exactly how to do so too .
Before we get into the guide, below is a selection of our iconic extensions that you can use to create the popular half-up ponytail. Shop today and get 10% off* your order!
How to Do a Half-Up, Half-Down Ponytail With Extensions
Creating a half-up ponytail isn't actually as hard as it looks, not with extensions anyway.
And don't worry, when you've followed these steps, there won't be any bald patches or overstretched hair (IFYKYK).
Before you start the steps, you just need to gather your hair tools. A silky scrunchie, a gentle hair brush, some bobby pins, and some gel or hairspray should do it.
#1 Clean & Detangle Your Hair
Before you start styling, you need to make sure your natural hair is clean and free from any knots.
Slick half-up ponytails are also great hairstyles for when you're in between wash days, and your hair is a little greasy. So, if you haven't washed your hair for this one, don't worry.
If you do wash your hair and have time, let it air dry or use a diffuser on a low setting.
Once your hair is dry, run a brush or wide-toothed comb through it to get rid of any tangles.
#2 Gather Your Hair
Once your hair is prepped, it's time to start sectioning . Gather the top layer of your hair, starting from your ears up, and clip it so it holds.
As you’re using extensions, you can gather as much or as little hair as you like, because it’ll all even out in the end.
#3 Install Your Weft (Skip If You Have Tape-Ins)
Now for the fun part: installing your wefts.
By this stage, you will already have your clip-in extensions to hand (we hope so anyway, or you'll be waiting a while to complete the style), but it's worth noting that we have a totally free colour match service you can take advantage of.
This way, the pressure is taken off you to scroll through 30+ colours and guess the best match. Instead, our professional team will use our skills to select the perfect match for you .
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Remember, your hair will already be sectioned, but you need to place the extensions a layer underneath to cover the clips.
Otherwise, it'll all be on show, and your hair will look kinda fake — not the vibe we're going for.
Top tip: If your hair is clean, it'll be pretty slippy and not provide much grip for the extension clips. To provide a better grip, backcomb the section of your hair slightly.
Of course, if you have tape-in extensions or any type of permanent extensions , you don't need to worry about this step, and you'll still achieve a stunning half-up style. You just need to section your hair above your tapes for a seamless look.
#4 Gather & Tie Hair (& Install Ponytail)
Now that your extensions are in and your hair is still sectioned, it's time to pull your hair into a ponytail.
Depending on your desired look, you could use a brush to smooth down your hair and flyaways before you tie it back. If you're going for an effortlessly messy look, simply gather the ponytail without brushing it first.
Once your hair is ready for the tie, secure it using a silky scrunchie.
To make this style seriously stand out against the rest, you can use one of our clip-in ponytails to finish the job.
Choose from our wrap-around, drawstring, and claw clip styles to create the biggest, bounciest, longest ponytail ever.
Each has a slightly different application method, but you’ll find how-to guides on their product pages.
You’ll never have to worry about a limp and lifeless pony again!
#5 Style
Now, we'll get onto more styling looks later, but if you're just going for the classic half-up, half-down look, you might want to polish the look a little.
Here's what you can do:
Carefully pull out a few face-framing pieces of hair around your forehead and temples. This will soften the look for a more natural finish.
Lightly tease the hair at the crown to give the impression of volumised thick hair.
If you're wearing human hair extensions , you could give them a straighten or a curl , depending on how you like your finished look.
#6 Fix & Set
To finish the look, mist your hair with a light-hold hairspray to keep the style in place and prevent any pesky flyaways. Hair gel can also be used if you're going for a slick-back, clean-girl vibe.
Or, if you really wanna be that girl, you could finish up with some hair serum or argan oil for an even sleeker, healthier finish.
Just remember not to get any product in your synthetics . A little hairspray won’t hurt, but the rest is a no.
Mia Sully does it best; just look at this classic half-up style. She's used our Mini 16" Wrap Around Pony for this one.
Creating Half-Up Hair Styles With Extensions
Now that you've mastered the half-up ponytail, there are tons of similar hairstyles you can try, and they're even easier than the original (now you know how to do it anyway).
We've listed a few of our faves below and how to get the look.
If you want some inspo from your fave celebs too, we’ve also included a lil bit of that. You’re welcome.
When you're done with this guide, you're gonna look like a literal goddess .
Side Fringe Half-Up Pony
Everyone's loving this look at the moment, and we can see why. It's fully on trend, and the girlies look so beaut, so this is definitely one you should try.
And you don't even need bangs. Honestly.
This style is perfect for nights out, weddings, birthdays, you name it. It’s so versatile that we had to add it to our list.
You could even turn this into an uber-classy look, like Ariana Grande, and take the pony a little lower. *Chefs kiss*.
How to Get the Look
For this look, you need to keep your pony high . So, for this, we don't recommend a claw clip pony; more like a wrap around or drawstring. Our girl is using the Mini 16" Wrap Around Pony for reference.
You also need to leave a small section of your hair out . It only needs to be on one side, and it should be the section where bangs would go.
Once your pony is up and secured (it should be sleek btw, ladies), you can start working with the piece of hair you left out.
Pull it over the opposite side, making sure it's slick to your forehead . It can be as thick or thin as you want, but you need to make sure there are no gaps. Secure it behind your ear, using bobby pins to keep it tight.
Gel and hairspray will be your besties here, helping you keep the piece of hair slicked down and in place. Voila. The perfect side fringe half-up pony.
Half-Up Braided Ponytail
If you want something a little, shall we say, demure, a braided half-up style is the perfect option. There's something super cute about it.
We're firm believers that the plait is coming back this year, so what better way to incorporate one into your style than with a half-up pony?
How to Get the Look
All you have to do is braid your choice of clip-in pony. To achieve a uniform braid, it's probably best to use a sleek or flick style.
If you want your braids slightly smaller and your hair totally slick for a festival or beachy look , you could take inspo from model Janet Yuan and plait two skinny braids with your natural hair.
Your hair will still have that oomph and volume from the weft on the bottom half of your hair, so don't worry too much about skipping the ponytail extension. Who said you had to have a voluminous pony?
Low & Parted Half-Up Pony
If you're looking for a more sophisticated, office-girl look , try a low & parted half-up ponytail. It definitely gives sweet but profesh vibes.
This one's also great if you want a break from the high ponys. Hair that high up hurts sometimes- are we right, girls?!
How to Get the Look
To create a parting half-up ponytail, start by parting your hair down the middle . Then, gather the top layer of your hair into a ponytail halfway down your head, maintaining the parting.
This might require a little brush action to keep everything parted and even, but with some trial and error, you'll get there. It's a super easy hairstyle , so it shouldn't give you much trouble.
Our girl in the pic above is using our 20" Pia Claw Clip Ponytail to create this gorg look.
Georgia Barratt is the queen of parted hairstyles, so if you want to be a little boujee, you could take some inspo from her and include some mini braids!
Half-Up Bun
If you want a style perfect for festivals, beach trips, or even days when you're running errands and don't want to deal with your hair, you can try a half-up bun.
Who doesn't love a messy bun? When you combine it with a half-up look, you're seriously on to a winner .
How to Get the Look
The only difference here is that instead of applying a clip-in pony, you apply our Messy Bun Scrunchie . The most genius invention ever created. Not to blow our own trumpet or anything.
This baby can be used for loads of styles, so it's definitely worth having in your arsenal. We absolutely love it here at RiRi.
If you want to take inspo for the gorg Gracie Abrams , you could try this look using two buns instead of one to create fun space buns!
Final Words: Try Something New With a Half-Up Ponytail
You literally can't go wrong with a half-up, half-down ponytail. They're perfect for all occasions, people with little to no experience with hairstyling, and quick (but 10/10) looks.
We especially love how diverse this style can be . With the low-parted pony, you could be going on a sweet brunch, or you could be going on a night out till 3 am with the girls with the side-part pony.
Whatever look you're aiming for, you can create it with a half-up ponytail. That's a fact.
Shop our must-have half-up ponytail products below, and it'll be the easiest hairstyle you've ever created. Trust us.
PS. Make sure you follow us on TikTok for daily LIVES and exclusive deals on our gorgeous extensions!
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FAQs
What Type of RiRi Hair Extensions Can I Use to Create a Half-Up Ponytail?
You can use temporary or permanent hair extensions to create a half-up ponytail. Both will work wonders to provide volume and length to both the ponytail and the down part of your hair.
We recommend our tape-in hair extensions, clip-in hair extensions, and ponytail extensions.
How Do You Wear a Half-Up Ponytail Without Damaging Your Hair?
That's easy. Simply apply your extensions correctly if you're using our clip-ins, and maintain them if you have tape-ins installed.
Then, use a silky scrunchie to tie your ponytail, as opposed to a plastic tie, and this will glide in and out of your hair without ripping it along the way.
You can also use hair serum to protect your hair, but we don't recommend applying it to synthetic pieces, only to natural hair or human hair extensions.
We're also totally against putting your hair up while it's wet. This can cause serious breakage, so either air dry, or blow dry on a low setting if you're in a rush, before styling.
Can You Wear a Half-Up Ponytail With Extensions In?
Yes, of course! Using extensions with this hairstyle will give you insane length and volume that you might not achieve with your natural hair.
Follow our steps to avoid damaging your hair or extensions or exposing your clips or tapes.
How Can I Make My Half-Up Ponytail Last All Day?
You can use bobby pins to keep your ponytail in place, but if that doesn't cut it, you can use gel or good-quality hairspray.
Be mindful not to get too much product in your synthetic extensions , as this can reduce their lifespan. If you have human hair extensions, remember to give them a good wash if there is a build-up of product in them.
Nancy Pinder
Nancy is our resident hair and beauty specialist at RiRi Hair Extensions. She advises customers daily in our Lakeside and Bluewater stores, helping them find the perfect look, length, and shade of hair extensions.
Nancy also presents our TikTok live to thousands of viewers across the world. You can catch her on our TikTok every week!
