12 Half Ponytail Hairstyles for When You Can’t Decide

The half ponytail is the style for the indecisive, and I say that with love because I am one of them. You get the face-framing softness of hair down with the polish of hair pulled back, and somehow it works for nearly every occasion from a coffee run to a wedding guest look.

Here are twelve ways to wear the half pony that go beyond just grabbing the top section and calling it a day.

Classic Half-Up Pony

Section the crown, secure with a small elastic, and let the rest fall naturally. It’s the foundation everything else on this list builds from.

[IMAGE 1] Woman with a classic half-up ponytail · Alt: half ponytail hairstyle classic · Pin title: “12 Half Ponytail Hairstyles to Try”
[IMAGE 2] Close-up of the sectioned crown

Half Pony With a Bump

Backcomb the crown section gently before securing for a little vintage-inspired lift right at the top. It’s a small step that adds a lot of polish.

[IMAGE 3] Half ponytail with a teased bump at the crown
[IMAGE 4] Close-up of the bump detail

Braided Half Pony

Braid the top section instead of leaving it smooth for a half-up look with a little more texture and interest built right in.

[IMAGE 5] Half ponytail with a braided crown section
[IMAGE 6] Close-up of the braid detail

Double Half Pony

Section two smaller pieces near your temples instead of one at the crown, then secure them together in the back for a look that reads a little more youthful and playful.

[IMAGE 7] Double-sectioned half ponytail from the temples
[IMAGE 8] Close-up of the two-section technique

Half Pony With Curled Ends

Curl the hair that’s left down before or after you secure the top section, so the whole style has movement instead of falling flat.

[IMAGE 9] Half ponytail with curled, bouncy ends left down
[IMAGE 10] Close-up of the curled length

Half Pony With a Claw Clip

Twist the crown section up and secure with a small claw clip instead of an elastic for a quick, textured version that takes seconds.

[IMAGE 11] Half ponytail secured with a small claw clip
[IMAGE 12] Full look of the claw clip half pony

Complete the Look: More Ponytail Hairstyle Ideas

Loving styles that split the difference? Our curly ponytail hairstyles post works beautifully with a half-up approach too. Full pony or half pony, which do you reach for more?