Style Inspiration: How To Wear The Perfect Messy Ponytail

As much as we'd love to be able to just throw our hair up to achieve a perfect messy ponytail, it actually takes a bit of work to get it right.

There would be nothing more perfect than the right combination of texture, volume, and shape to pull off a perfectly dishevelled look. Even though a messy ponytail gives off the impression that you just rolled out of bed and threw your hair up, you still have to make some effort to ensure you are somewhat presentable!

We are all for a quick, effortless style no matter what we're doing or where we're going. Whether it's running errands or going for a night out, the messy ponytail just works.

To help you achieve the perfect effortless-but-not-actually-effortless messy ponytail, we've put together our step-by-step guide so that you can incorporate this hairstyle into your everyday routine. 

detangling messy ponytail

Step 1: Start Every Hairstyle with Detangled Hair

With every hairstyle you do, you should start off with freshly detangled hair. Tangles and knots can cause breakage, split ends, and dryness to your natural hair. So it's super important that you brush and detangle your hair before you start styling.

If you have unruly hair, you might find it best to dampen your hair and use a conditioner to help with the detangling process. Use a hairbrush that won't pull or snag your hair and use as little force as possible to detangle.

Step 2: Create Some Volume & Texture in Your Hair

Once you are sure your hair is knot-free, you can start to add some volume and texture before throwing your hair up in a messy ponytail.

As nice as it would be to have naturally voluminous and textured hair, you'll have to put in a little work to achieve your desired messy pony. If you have curly hair, you can either air-dry it or use a diffuser to give your curls some extra volume and definition.

If you have straight hair, you can create more volume by using texturising sprays like sea salt spray or mousse on the roots of your hair. You can also tease the roots of your hair with a comb to create more volume.

Just be careful when you are teasing your hair, as too much teasing can cause breakage.

messy ponytail ideas

Step 3: Pull Your Hair Into a High Ponytail

Your hair should be ode perfectly for the messy ponytail look, so it's time to pull it up.

We think a high ponytail positioned at the crown of your head works best for this look, but you can pull your hair up into a mid-level ponytail if that's more comfortable for you.

Scrape back your hair with your hands and use a hair tie to secure your ponytail. You want to make sure that you don't lose any of the volume you've created, so it's always a good idea to use a little hairspray to keep your volume in place.

We Recommend

Step 4: Attach Your Ponytail Hair Extension

We love a long and voluminous messy ponytail, so if you want to add some length to your look, we totally recommend using hair extensions.

Ponytail extensions are a fab way to instantly take your hairstyle up a notch! You can switch up your hair in just a few minutes, and they look so natural and effortless.

Here at RiRi, we have ponytail extensions from straight and sleek to curly and wavy. They really are the perfect accessory to take your messy ponytail look to the next level.

For this messy ponytail, we recommend the Bella 18" Clip-in Curly Ponytail. The blowout style is perfect for creating a dishevelled look. And in over 30 shades, you'll find the perfect match for your hair colour.

But if you're not sure what shade of RiRi's extensions you need, you can take advantage of our free colour-match service. Just pop our team a message, and we'll be happy to help you find the perfect shade!

To attach it to your hair, simply use the clips and clip the messy ponytail into place over your natural hair. Make sure the clips are secure in place – nobody wants to be running around with a loose pony!

attaching a messy ponytail hair extension

Step 5: Pull Out Strands For the Messy Look

Now it's time to make your messy ponytail look totally effortless. To do this, all you need to do is gently pull out a few strands of hair from the sides and front of your face.

This will give you that really relaxed finish and frame your face in an instant. And don't worry if it looks too perfect – you can always tousle your ponytail with your fingers to make it look even more relaxed.

Step 6: Finish with Hair Oil

To add a bit of shine to your messy ponytail, use a few drops of hair oil. Not only will this give you an instant glossy look, but it will also help keep your hair looking healthy and nourished all day long.

Our argan oil hair treatment will also help to keep your hair extensions looking glossy and smooth, so they'll last even longer.

How to Look After Hair Extensions

It's super important that you give your hair extensions the care they need so they look amazing for as long as possible. You'll want to wash synthetic hair extensions every 10-14 days, and more often if you use a lot of styling products.

Only use gentle shampoo and conditioner so that your hair extensions stay glossy and soft. And make sure to detangle your hair gently to prevent any of the synthetic fibres from snapping.

perfect messy ponytail

Final Thoughts: Why We Love a Messy Ponytail Hairstyle

Some days, there's nothing better than having your hair up and out of your face. On those days when you just don't know what to do with your hair, a messy ponytail hairstyle is the perfect way to go.

It's an easy, low-maintenance look that doesn't require a lot of effort, but it can look really trendy and stylish

And to make it even easier, you can always add a ponytail hair extension for some length and volume. Shop RiRi's ponytail extensions today and take your messy ponytail look to the next level!

With a few simple steps, you can achieve an effortless yet put-together messy ponytail that will have you looking trendy and stylish in no time. So give it a go – we know you'll love it as much as we do!


 

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FAQs

How do I do a messy ponytail?

To achieve a messy ponytail, you'll need to start by gathering all of your hair into a high ponytail and securing it with an elastic.

Then, to add some texture and volume, use a texturising spray or backcomb your hair at the crown.

Finally, pull out a few strands from the sides and front of your face and finish with a few drops of hair oil for shine and nourishment.

How to do a messy ponytail with thin hair?

A messy ponytail is a great way to make your thin, fine hair look thicker and fuller. Start by backcombing the crown of your hair to add some extra volume, then gather all of your hair into a high ponytail.

Secure it with an elastic, then pull out a few strands from the sides and front of your face to give it that effortless finish.

How to do a textured ponytail?

A textured ponytail is easy to achieve and also looks great. Pull your hair into a ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. Then, using a pair of wavers or curlers, start adding some texture to your hair. Brush through the curls or waves with your fingers to give it a tousled finish.

Finally, pull out some strands from the sides and front of your face for an effortless look.

How do you make a flicky ponytail?

At RiRi, we love a flicky ponytail! And our Lily 22" Full Bodied Clip-in Ponytail is perfect for creating a flicky style. The super soft, voluminous fibres give you that beautiful, flicked-out finish

Simply clip it into a high ponytail and pull out some strands from the sides and front of your face to frame your face. Finish with some hair oil for extra shine and nourishment. Et voilà - the perfect flicky ponytail!


Written by our hair extension expert

Nancy Pinder


Nancy Pinder 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 here: @ririhairextensions_uk.

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