Hair Tips: Fun Funky Ponytail Hairstyle Ideas

Introduction

Jessica Simpson DC Media All Rights Reserved

Although the current trend is the finished ponytail, it's only a matter of time before celebrity hairdressers get bored with the current ponytails and go for even more creative looks.

If you want to rock your ponytail style with a sizzling new look, try some of these fun, funky ponytails styles on for size.

Listed below are hot new ponytail styles:

1. The Big Hair Pony

Jessica Simpson made the big hair pony a Red Carpet sensation. The songbird, reality TV star and fashion mogul came up with two variations on the big hair pony style.

For the first style, Jessica's hair was backcombed all along the crown and around her beautiful hair line.

Her fringe was backcombed as well and then carefully smoothed to one side creating additional height and lift. An add-on pony was attached at the nape of the neck and then hot ironed to create lots of kinks and natural texture.

Jessica Simpson

For the second style, Jessica hair was brushed into a super sleek crown with all the hair around her face incorporated into the super sleek style.

A series of super curly add-on ponies were carefully clipped to the nape of her neck. The extra clip-in tails billowed out into a big hair cascade. The effect was stunning. Whether you loved it or not, the results were breathtaking.

Jessica is a huge fan of ponytails. She wears them in every length, texture and style. Because she is a known hair and fashion icon, it is common for the blonde beauty to experiment with funky styles like her two big pony looks.

2. The Quiff Pony

Carmen Electra

Carmen Electra also took a step on the funky pony side with a recent long pony combined with a front hairline quiff.

The front of Carmen's hair was backcombed and sprayed into a large quiff (aka pompadour) and then her long luscious locks were carefully coiffed into a long luscious pony.

The resulting look was a combination of fun and funky with sleek and sexy.

Whether you are attracted to a high quiff like Carmen's or prefer something a little less funky, combining add-on ponytails with creative backcombing along the crown can result in some amazingly innovative pony looks.

3. Double Wide Ponies

Gwen Stefani has worn an amazing array of funky hairstyles throughout her wildly successful career. Gwen truly resonates funky.

One of her most spectacular ponytail looks involved obvious add-on ponies which she worn in a set of two.

Gwen Stefani

Going for a very dramatic funky look, Gwen when with two very long, very thick, very blonde add-on ponytails that blended perfectly with her side-swept bang hair and her crown area which was platinum blonde.

In retrospect the look is not all that amazing for Gwen who has her own line of Avant-garde fashions under her own L.A.M.B label.

Besides her spectacular double wide pony tails, over the past five years Gwen has worn an array of over-the-edge ponytails that were truly trend setting.

5. Barrettes Are A No Ouch Ponytail Solution

If pulling elastics on and off is painful or difficult, opt for a long or extra wide "pony" barrette which will hold the base of the pony in place without pain, pulling or tugging.

6. Angel Hairs Result From Hair Damaged By Ponytails

When hair breakage from rubber bands or other "unfriendly" hair bands cause breakage a line of short hairs that are 2-4 inches from the scalp become visible. These shorter hairs that result from ponytail damage are known as "halo" or "angel hairs". They can easily be prevented by wearing proper "hair friendly" elastic bands, Blax or Bungee Bands.

Jennifer Aniston

7. Ponytails Created On Damp Strands May Hold Tighter Than On Dry Strands

Hair with shorter layers may hold tighter around the sides when created on damp strands that have been prepped with a strong holding gel or mousse. As strands dry the shorter layers will stay put.

8. Slightly Aged Strands Hold Ponytails Better

Ponytails are often easier to style when hair is slightly aged from the last shampoo. Newly washed, soft, or slippery hair, can often be trickier to work with then “day old” hair.

9. Ponytails Are Considered To Be A Universal Style

Ponytails can be done on hair that is long enough to hold a pony elastic. Except for very short hair or someone with no hair, everyone can wear some form of a ponytail. Ponytails can be personalized to suit just about any type, texture or style of hair.

10. Sophisticated Side Ponies

A sleek and simple pony worn to one side can look spectacular. Combined with side swept bangs, a side pony can work for a face shape that doesn't work as well with an off-the-face style. Wear a side pony low and softly tucked behind the ear.

Extreme Ponytail by Redken

11. High Ponytails Provide Instant Face Lifts

High ponies are set at the top of the head near the back of the crown. The high pony is famous for providing a "mini" facelift by putting tension of the face and emphasizing the cheekbones.

12. Stacked Ponytails Involve Layered Ponies

Stacked ponytails consist of more than one pony or is designed to strategically be pinned around the base to give the appearance of hair that is stacked on top of other strands.

The benefits of a stacked pony is that it creates a lot of fullness around the base. Having more than one pony placed right on top of another creates a lot more volume for the tail section.

A similar effect can be created with a circular pattern of bobby pins which lift individual strands and stack them to create a fuller tail section.

13. Add-On Ponytails Work For Ponytail Challenged Strands

If your hair is too short for a ponytail, but you adore the look add a beautiful and incredibly affordable add-on pony which comes in all different lengths and hues to match your own hair. You can also shop for a second pony that you can add to your own hair to create a similar stacked look.

Sleek Ponytail by Redken

14. For Extra Control Apply Firm Holding Gel Or Mousse

Apply a firm holding gel or mousse to help anchor sides and crown into place.

15. Straight Hair Works Best For Ponytails.

Blow dry hair straight using a blow dryer with a concentrator attachment. If hair is naturally curly or wavy, apply a straightening balm like Phytodefrisant or similar to damp strands.

Use a boar's head style paddle brush and separate hair into individual sections.

16. You're Never Too Old To Wear A Ponytail

Regardless of age or social status, ponytails are always acceptable.

17. Ponytails Are A Great Bad Hair Day Solution

Since ponytails are the basis for many updo styles, whip your hair into a quick pony when you're in the midst of a bad hair day. Use the popular style as a jumping off point for a quick twist, wrap or casual chignon.

Summary

Ponytails have come a long way from the days of the earliest cave people. Throughout history this popular style for both and women has continued to evolve and change into its current style and form.

- Revised: 12/31/11

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Ponytails: Easy Hairstyles