Menu
The Editors
Updated on September 14, 2021
1 of 30

Not only is this hairstyle practical, but ponytail is also classy and chic at the same time! To give your pony a go with a bit of a difference, we’ve got together some really great options with how to’s and inspiration to try new takes on the classic hairstyle everyone knows very well.

Chic Black Ponytail Hairstyles

Check out the ideas in pictures below to get inspired.

1. Long and Sleek Black Ponytail

This is a chic and stylish variety of ponytail hairstyles for black hair. Lovely, lengthy and totally sleek, this ponytail is ideal for day or night, and it can easily take you from the afternoon boardroom to evening cocktails in a flash. The hair is flawlessly straightened and then pulled back into a ponytail with a hair wrap around the base.

2. Low Ponytail with Waves

This particular style works well with relaxed hair or it can be re-created by utilizing hair extensions. It’s very pretty, with sexy, loose, shiny waves. To copycat the style, create a low ponytail with an accurate side part, wrap hair around the base of the ponytail and style waves using a curling iron.

3. Curly Blonde Afro Puff

If you hate putting heat on your curls, but love color, then this is the hairdo for you. You can proudly spotlight your natural coils with this fluffy afro puff. Plus, updo styles for natural hair don’t get any easier than this one. Opt for a low-tension hair tie, like ribbon elastics or spiral, telephone cord-inspired ones, – these will reduce the chances of breakage.

Afro Puff With Highlights

Instagram / @modelesque_nic

4. Sleek Bubble Ponytail

Black ponytail hairstyles are versatile because they can be everything from fun and expressive to sleek and modern. This coif falls into the latter category. While it looks very intricate, it’s actually super easy to recreate. Start with a routine low pony. Then, apply six more hair ties, evenly spaced, to create the cute, bubble effect.

Low Bubble Ponytail For Natural Hair

Instagram / @sashabasha2

5. Pony with Accent Braids

Braids are a stunning way to enliven updo hairstyles. Not only can they enhance the sleek allure, but they are also used for a diversity of textures, extra volume and height. Add in a couple of cornrows for some edge and wrap several more braids around the base of your ponytail as a chic accent.

Sleek Black Ponytail With Braids

Instagram / @hairprincessss

6. Waist-Length Ponytail with Bangs

Black ponytails are not just for the gym and off-duty days, as proven by this elegant pony. The side 4-strand braid and swooping bangs are the sophisticated finishing touches that transform this classic pony. Try out this hairstyle for your next formal affair and you’re sure to make a statement.

Long Black Ponytail With Side Braid

Instagram / @tamelalemieux

7. Cornrows and Senegalese Twists

Ponytail hairstyles for black hair can be great choices to protect your natural locks. With braids and twists, you don’t have to worry about straightening or brushing your hair. They are simple, cute, and ready to go. Just be sure to keep your scalp moisturized with oil or a hair lotion to maximize the protective benefits of the coif.

Black Mohawk From Twists

Instagram / @kiakhameleon

8. Curly Pony with a Braided Pompadour

Balance the svelte style of an updo with a bevy of curls. With the slicked-back sides and voluminous top, it’s a modern, clipper-free alternative to a mohawk. Add color, by incorporating a metallic thread to the accent cornrows instead of opting for highlights. There are endless ways to keep your ponytail exciting.

African American Curled Ponytail

Instagram / @yaya146

9. Black and Luscious Pony

Want longer and fuller hair, but don’t like the high price tag of a weave? Opt for a drawstring ponytail as a more economical choice. It will let you change-up your look in an instant, whether you want something casual or fancier like the coif pictured.

High Black Curly Ponytail

Instagram / @tamelalemieux

10. French Braids

If you want to wear weave ponytail hairstyles, you can get creative with braids trying a chunky braided pony wrap like the one pictured. Add a side braid that starts from the hairline and feeds into the braided wrap for a new take on the old and good sleek pony.

Sleek Long Ponytail With A Braided Wrap

Instagram / @hair_by_akhir

11. Sky-High Pompadour Braid

French braids don’t always have to be close to the scalp. Fan yours out for a voluminous, pompadour effect. It will give you extra height and make your hairstyle stand out from the crowd.

12. Braided Millennial-Pink Pony

Box braids are a classic choice for black women; make the hairdo yours with fun colors and a high pony. This ever-trending shade of pink is a Tumblr-worthy color that radiates playful vibes. While this black-and-pink palette is stunning, choose whatever will show off your personality best.

Long Ponytail With Ombre Braids

Instagram / @stylebymks

13. Chocolatey Pony with Wavy Edges

Black girl ponytail styles are mostly fun and extravagant, as shown in many of these pictures. Make yours unique by wearing it up high and adding a little curl to the ends for a retro vibe. Slick down your baby hairs to enhance the sleekness of the coif.

African American Long Sleek Ponytail

Instagram / @the_difference_is

14. Black Layered Senegalese Twists

Senegalese twists are an extensions favorite among African American women. While it takes hours to get them installed, it’s worth the time you save the weeks following. Just throw the twists up in a ponytail, whether you are off to the gym or hanging out with friends. Hairdos don’t get any more low-maintenance than this.

Ponytail From Layered Twists

Instagram / @ronesiabarrshair

15. Side-Pony with Swooping Bangs

With bangs swooping in the front and a sleek pony in the back, this burgundy coif makes a statement coming and going. The reddish hue ensures your hairstyle is stunning when it’s up or hanging down. But a ponytail, shifted to the side, is an elevated choice for dressier occasions.

African American Burgundy Ponytail

Instagram / @styles_by_love_

16. Half-Up, Half-Down Style

Taking its cues from Kylie Jenner, this half-up style is svelte and alluring. Ponytail hairstyles with weave, are gorgeous because the extensions not only bring length, but also unmatched luster. To maintain the sheen, apply oil to your hair and sleep in a silk bonnet or scarf. It will keep your long locks healthy, even if they aren’t technically yours.

Long Sleek Black Wrap Ponytail

Instagram / @bombshell_fash

17. Sleek and Chic Ringlet Ponytail

Hairstyles can be understated without it being a bore, because simple and plain are not synonymous. This sleek ponytail relies on a single ringlet to elevate its allure and add just the right amount of femininity.

18. High-Top Ponytail with Wavy Extensions

Use a drawstring ponytail to get an “I dream of Jeannie”-inspired look like this one. The waist-length tresses will be fun to whip around on the dance floor, and they will beautifully flutter behind wherever you go. For a more natural-looking appearance, cover up the base of the extensions with a thick strand of the hair.

Wavy Ponytail For African American Women

Instagram / @queenbofhair

19. High Curly Black Ponytail

Ponytails for black hair often have lots of texture to use to their advantage. Whether you have kinky curls or tight waves, show them off with a half-up coif. Use different sized French braids at the top of the head to inject some visual interest.

20. Lustrous Blonde Updo

Shades of blonde really pop against African-American skin tones. The warm hues beautifully complement each other. A sleek ponytail is a lovely way to show off the dimension of the color fade. With weave, you can achieve an even longer, svelte style.

Brown To Blonde Sleek Ombre Ponytail

Instagram / @the_difference_is

21. Chunky Black Ghana Braids

A traditional go-to for black hair, these Ghana braids make getting ready in the AM a cinch. Already braided into a ponytail, there isn’t much styling left to do. You can always change-up your coif, for example, with beads or filigree cuffs for a boho finish.

Ghana Braids Ponytail

Instagram / @jlowedabraider

22. Reverse French Braids with Chocolate Coils

Natural ponytail styles are perfect if you want to make your beautiful kinks and coils the focus of your hairdo. Keep it simple with two French braids that draw the eye into your voluminous mane.

Natural Ponytail With Braids

Instagram / @offbeatbeautyspot

23. Long Braided Ponytail

Black ponytail hairstyles rarely get more unique and interesting than this one. Featuring extremely long braids, this cute ponytail is definitely a head-turner. As the photo shows, there are several lengthy individually braided pieces that form the actual ponytail, while there are also three divided sections on top that are also braided. One of the highlights of this ponytail look is the intricate braided base that is wrapped around the ponytail itself.

24. Micro Braid Ponytail

There is a wide variety of ways to create black hair ponytails. This one happens to feature the accurate rows of small cornrows braided closely to the scalp and fed into a cute ponytail. The actual ponytail is left long and freely-hanging. The final result is a style that is great for warm weather, vacations or weekend getaways.

25. High Ponytail with Accessory

If you’re going to rock a high ponytail, you may want to keep it simple but adorned with an accent accessory. Featuring a soft light brown hair color, this pretty ponytail is long and touchable. The highlight of the look, however, is the stylish golden hair accessory that allows the ponytail to keep its super high position on the head.

26. High Black Pony for Relaxed Hair

A sleek high ponytail is definitely perfect for evenings and special events. To get it just right, it needs to be pulled back neatly and tied high enough to let the hair fall around your face. Ciara gives us a great example.

black ponytail hairstyle for relaxed hair

lev radin / Shutterstock.com

27. Sleek and Shiny Ponytail

Rihanna knows how to wear a ponytail well. Her sleek and shiny low ponytail creates a perfect texture harmony with her satin dress. The hairstyle is sophisticated and elegant, and it’s also easy to recreate – just as long as the hair is kept very tight and hair serum is used for shine.

Rihanna sleek low ponytail hairstyle

Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com

28. Black Ponytail Hairstyle with a Bouffant

Ponytail hairstyles can be really creative and playful. Shaun Robinson has styled hers with an added volume on top – a bouffant. She also has her bangs styled to the side and delicate waves added to her long black locks.

black ponytail hairstyle with bangs

Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com

29. Low Black Ponytail with Bangs

Ponytails are great when you want to keep your hair away from your face and also go for a bit different look. Styles like Penny Johnson’s Jerald work perfect as a variety of effortless day-to-night ‘dos you can cope with in a matter of minutes.

black side ponytail hairstyle

Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com

30. Neat Ponytail with Voluminous Curls

Voluminous black curls look terrific not only in side downdos, but in chic ponies as well. Lilly Ghalichi rocks a luxurious hairstyle with flowing silky waves gathered at back into a posh ponytail.

beautiful black ponytail hairstyle

Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com

As you see, there’s no need to wear the same type of pony for years. Try different textures, finishes, accessories and new quirks you’ve learnt here. Why not give these fab styles a try?

sleek low ponytail black formal ponytail for relaxed hair Afro Puff With Highlights Low Bubble Ponytail For Natural Hair Sleek Black Ponytail With Braids Long Black Ponytail With Side Braid Black Mohawk From Twists African American Curled Ponytail High Black Curly Ponytail Sleek Long Ponytail With A Braided Wrap Mohawk Braid With A Long Ponytail Long Ponytail With Ombre Braids African American Long Sleek Ponytail Ponytail From Layered Twists African American Burgundy Ponytail Long Sleek Black Wrap Ponytail Black Slick Ponytail Wavy Ponytail For African American Women High Curly Black Ponytail Brown To Blonde Sleek Ombre Ponytail Ghana Braids Ponytail Natural Ponytail With Braids extra long black braided ponytail thin cornrows and ponytail high ponytail for natural hair black ponytail hairstyle for relaxed hair Rihanna sleek low ponytail hairstyle black ponytail hairstyle with bangs black side ponytail hairstyle beautiful black ponytail hairstyle
1 of 30