A high ponytail with curled lengths is polished, fast and hold-all-night practical. The order matters: smooth the base, tie it, then curl the ponytail itself.
- Step-by-step for a curly high ponytail
- Variations and common mistakes
- Works with cordless tools — no socket needed
Tutorial card
- Time: 15 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best hair length: Shoulder to waist
- Tools: cordless automatic curler, classic cordless straightener
What you need
- The cordless automatic curler
- The classic cordless straightener
- Heat protectant
- Sectioning clips
- A wide-tooth comb
Curlylooks Cordless Automatic CurlerFrom €32.99View productHow to do a curly high ponytail: step by step
- Smooth the base. Use the straightener on the hairline and crown pieces so the top looks sleek.
- Brush up and tie. Brush hair to the crown and secure with a strong elastic.
- Wrap the elastic. Take a thin piece from underneath, wrap it around the elastic and pin it under.
- Add a lift trick. Push two bobby pins upwards under the ponytail so it sits higher and fuller.
- Curl the ponytail. Split the ponytail into small sections and curl each one, alternating directions.
- Cool and separate. Let the curls cool, then shake out gently for volume.
- Finish the front. Smooth any baby hairs with a little hairspray on a clean toothbrush.
Variations to try
- Bubble ponytail: Add elastics down the lengths before curling the ends.
- Low curly ponytail: Same method at the nape — more elegant.
- Bow ponytail: Cover the elastic with a satin bow.
Common mistakes and quick fixes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Bumps at the crown | Brush with a boar-bristle brush and smooth with the straightener before tying |
| Ponytail droops | Use the two-pin lift and a strong elastic |
| Curls tangle | Curl small sections of the ponytail, not the whole thing at once |
Curlylooks Cordless Automatic Curler
€32.99
Blush pinkIvory whiteCharcoal blackAdjustable curl direction
Ceramic-coated chamber, adjustable temperature and curl direction, USB rechargeable — and it wraps the hair for you.
Curling a ponytail in small sections gives bouncy, separated lengths — the curl direction setting lets you alternate for fullness.
✦ Pairs well with: The classic straightener for the sleek base · Strong elastic · Bobby pins
Best for: Parties, concerts, gym-to-dinner, hot weather
Three ways to start
Get the kit for a curly high ponytail
Just this look
The cordless automatic curler is all you need for a curly high ponytail.
Curls and polish
Curl, then smooth the ends and front pieces — the Curl & Polish bundle puts both tools together.
Every look in this series
The Complete Collection covers all our tutorials: the curler plus both cordless straighteners.
Frequently asked questions
Should I curl my hair before or after the ponytail?
After. Tie the ponytail first, then curl the ponytail in small sections — the curls keep their shape and you don't crush them.
How do I make my ponytail look thicker?
Use the double-ponytail trick and curl the lengths for volume.
How do I stop bumps on top?
Smooth the crown with a straightener and brush up with a boar-bristle brush before tying.
Try it with cordless tools
Cordless, USB-rechargeable curler and straighteners — style anywhere, no socket needed.
Shop all styling tools →See the bundles →Keep reading
Safety note: heat tools get hot. Always follow the operating and safety instructions supplied with your device, use on dry hair only, keep heated parts away from skin and scalp, switch off after use and store out of reach of children.
