8 Ways to Wear a Side Ponytail in 2020

It’s safe to say most of us have been sporting ponytails since we had enough hair on our heads to do so. Of course, instead of the adorable, fountain-like version of your youth, nowadays, you probably opt for a chic, upgraded ponytail hairstyle. One option that’s perfect for this is the all too popular side ponytail. Whether you’re headed to the gym or have a special occasion to attend, the side ponytail can be dressed up or down accordingly. Seriously, the side pony is a lot more than a throwback ‘80s hairstyle! Don’t believe us? Below, we’re sharing eight ways to wear a side ponytail in 2020.

#1. TWISTED SIDE PONYTAIL

You don’t have to spend hours on your strands for them to look expertly styled. This twisted side ponytail can be recreated in just a few minutes while looking totally sleek and put-together.

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Thickening Medium Hold Cream Paste

Bobby pins

Clear elastic

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Bold Control Hairspray

Get the look:

STEP #1. PART AND SMOOTH

Part your hair toward whichever side you want your ponytail to be on. Then take a small amount of pomade and smooth it onto the top layer of your mane to tame flyaways and frizz.

STEP #2. TWIST AND SECURE

Gather a one-inch section at the front of your mane from the side with more hair, starting at your part. Begin to twist the section downward toward your ear, adding a small amount of hair as you continue to twist. Continue to twist until you reach behind your ear, then secure the twist with a few bobby pins.

STEP #3. CREATE YOUR PONYTAIL

Gather the length of your mane below your ear, then secure with a clear elastic. Finish with a few spritzes of hairspray.

#2. SLEEK HIGH SIDE PONYTAIL

Prefer a style that’s a bit more fashion-forward? If you want to make a statement with your side ponytail, a sleek side pony that sits high on your head is the perfect way to do so.

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray

Flat iron

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Clean Style Gel

Clear elastic

Bobby pins

Get the look:

STEP #1. STRAIGHTEN YOUR STRANDS

Part your hair to one side, spray on a heat protectant, and use a flat iron to straighten your mane to perfection.

STEP #2. SMOOTH YOUR MANE

Smooth your strands with a bit of hair gel for a sleek finish, focusing on your roots to tame frizz.

STEP #3. CREATE YOUR PONY

Gather your length into a high ponytail on one side of your head, making sure there are no bumps or knots in sight. Take a small section from underneath your ponytail and wrap it around the base, concealing your hair elastic. Secure with bobby pins. The result? A totally edgy, on-trend ‘do.

#3. MESSY SIDE PONYTAIL

Who’s to say your side ponytail has to be perfect? In actuality, a perfectly imperfect hairstyle happens to be just as chic. To get the look, spritz your strands with a texture spray. Then gather your length into a side ponytail. To make things even more messy, pull a few face-framing strands loose as a finishing touch.

#4. CURLED SIDE PONYTAIL

Calling all hopeless romantics, this side ponytail hairstyle is for you! There’s just something about a side-swept ‘do paired with curls that suggests love is in the air.

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BLOW DRY IT Quick Dry Primer Spray

Wide barrel curling iron

Wide-tooth comb

Clear elastic

L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray

Get the look:

STEP #1. CURL YOUR STRANDS

Part your hair to one side and spritz on a heat protectant, then curl your mane with a wide barrel curling iron for full, loose curls. To make the look even more voluminous, gently comb through your curls with a wide-tooth comb.

STEP #2. CREATE YOUR PONYTAIL

Gather your curls in a low side ponytail, securing with a clear elastic. To amp up the romance, pull a few face-framing strands loose. Seal in your style with a few spritzes of hairspray.

#5. BRAIDED SIDE PONYTAIL

Braided ponytails are trending at the moment, which is why it should come as no surprise that a braided side ponytail has made it onto our list. This side-swept style has plenty of variations, from French to Dutch to fishtail.

#6. VOLUMINOUS SIDE PONYTAIL

If you want a side ponytail look that speaks volumes (get it?), follow the steps below.

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT High Lift Creation Spray

Rattail comb

Clear elastic

L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Extra Strong Hold Volume

Get the look:

STEP #1. BRING ON THE VOLUME

Part your hair to one side, then spritz your roots with a volume spray. For an extra dose of volume, gently backcomb and tease your roots with a rattail comb.

STEP #2. CREATE YOUR PONYTAIL

Spray the remainder of your mane with a volume spray for added body. Bring your length into a side ponytail, securing with a clear elastic. Seal in your style with a volumizing hairspray for one final boost.

#7. NATURAL SIDE PONYTAIL

Want to embrace your natural hair? We happen to think a side ponytail paired with natural texture is undeniably stunning. Simply tame your curls with a hair mousse, then gather all of your hair to one side and secure in a ponytail. Yup—that easy!

#8. SIDE-SWEPT BUBBLE PONYTAIL

For some serious princess vibes, look no further than this side-swept bubble ponytail. This totally whimsical hairstyle seems as though it’s straight out of a fairytale.

What you’ll need:

Volume spray

Clear elastics

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Fine Control Hairspray

Get the look:

STEP #1. ADD SOME VOLUME

Part your hair to one side, then mist a volume spray throughout your mane.

STEP #2. CREATE YOUR BUBBLES

Gather your hair into a ponytail as you normally would, securing with a clear elastic. Then twist on another hair elastic two inches down the length of your pony. Gently tug at the section you’ve just created to get a bubble effect. Repeat going down your ponytail, and when all of your bubbles are in place, spritz with hairspray to extend your style.

Next: The Best Ponytail for Your Face Shape