Short Hair? Try One of These Chic Ponytail Ideas (2025)

Today, in beauty lies you've been told, let's tackle the topic of short hair and ponytails. Can you wear short hair in a ponytail? Abso-frickin-lutely. Sure, you might need a little creativity and the help of a few tools and pins, but it can (and should!) be done. And I'm not the only one who feels that way. For further proof that short hair looks good in a ponytail, refer to the below 11 examples that are genuinely mesmerizing.

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You might be asking yourself, "Uh, what's the point?" but you'll love this little hair-tie trick next time you want your short hair to stay put behind your shoulders. To cop this extremely low pony, pull your hair back at the base of your neck and secure it with a hair tie. Then, use your fingers to gently slide the elastic down the tail and stop about two inches before your ends.

You love a sleek ponytail on longer hair, so why not try it on shorter hair? Split your hair down the middle, smooth it down at the roots with a styling cream or gel, and tie it in a ponytail in the back. The contrast between your natural curls and sleek roots will be *chef's kiss*.

If the layers around your face aren't quite long enough to tie back, just leave 'em down—no need to force it. You can get the same pulled-back effect of a ponytail with a half-up look instead. To add volume at the crown of your head, lift your hair in thin sections, then tease the hair with a fine-tooth comb. Then tie it a few inches above the nape of your neck with an elastic and a velvet ribbon.

You know what's cool about ponytails? There's a style to match any vibe you're feeling. When you're not in the mood for a fussy pony, throw your hair back and don't overthink it. If a few pieces fall out in the front, so be it. Looks cooler like that anyway.

This style strikes the perfect balance between having your hair up and still letting your curls out to play. Instead of pulling your bangs back, leave a few curls loose around your face.

Messy ponytails used the be the universal sign of waking up too late, but not anymore. Nina Dobrev's cool, tousled pony looks like you meant to do the messy thing. If you have fine hair, build up the texture with a curling wand and little texturizing spray.

If you're a beach waves kinda person, I can think of no better ponytail for you than the one Dove Cameron is wearing, here. For soft curls like this, wrap your hair around a wand for a few seconds. When you release the hair, give the strand a few tugs before it sets to loosen the coil slightly.

Whether you're trying to grow out your bangs or just keep your shorter fringe from falling out of your ponytail, try adding a scarf for the perfect hair accessory. After you've pulled your hair back, wrap the fabric around your head and tie it around the base of your ponytail to keep it in place.

You know what? Screw the hair tie! Use a fancy barrette to clip it back instead. A tip from one fine-haired girl to another: Spray the clasp with hair spray before sliding it in to keep it from sliding out of your short hair.

Yes, even you and your short hair can get in on the ultra-high ponytail trend. Pile your longest strands on top of your head and secure it with a hair tie. It'll still look good even if your shorter layers in the back fall down. See Kendall Jenner for proof.

Sometimes, your look isn't about your hair. When you're having a good skin day, pull your short layers back and outta the way. This simple ponytail complements Lucy Hale's pretty makeup instead of competing with it.