How to Create a Chic High Ponytail at Home

A high ponytail is one of the most versatile and underrated hairstyles — it’s fast, polished, and works for everything from a casual weekend to a night out. The difference between a great high ponytail and an average one comes down to preparation, product, and a few finishing details. Here’s how the team at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ approaches this classic look.

Step-by-Step: The Chic High Ponytail

Step 1: Prep with a heat protectant and volumizing spray. Before any heat styling, apply a professional heat protectant throughout the hair. If you want volume in the ponytail, add a volumizing spray at the roots and blow-dry briefly before pulling the hair up.

Step 2: Brush the hair into a high ponytail. Use a boar bristle brush for a smooth, sleek result — it grips the hair and controls flyaways better than a plastic brush. If you prefer a slightly undone look, brush loosely and leave a few face-framing pieces out at the front.

Step 3: Secure and smooth. Once the ponytail is secured with an elastic, spray a light-hold hairspray over the surface and smooth with your palm or a brush to tame any remaining flyaways. For a polished finish, take a small piece of hair from the underside of the ponytail, wrap it around the elastic, and secure with a bobby pin underneath.

Step 4: Style the bangs or face-framing pieces. If you have bangs or pieces left out around the face, apply a volumizing spray and blow-dry with a round brush to create a full, bouncy finish. Brush lightly to the side and finish with a light-hold spray.

Step 5: Curl or wave the ponytail ends. Apply a flexible hold spray to the ponytail, then use a curling wand or iron to curl the ends. This gives the ponytail a finished, intentional look rather than a flat, blunt hang.

Tips for Making It Last

A dry texture spray applied to the ponytail before curling adds grip and helps the style hold longer. If your ponytail tends to drop throughout the day, tease the hair lightly at the base before securing it — this builds internal volume that prevents the ponytail from going flat. A finishing spray over the entire style locks everything in place.

For more quick styling ideas, visit our women’s cut and styling page, browse the stylist gallery for inspiration, or view our full salon menu.

Call 732-303-0052 to book at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ.

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