3. The Medium Dutch Braid Ponytail

The Vibe: Athletic, structured, visually interesting, and a genuine upgrade from a basic ponytail.

The Dutch braid ponytail takes the classic ponytail and adds a braided structure at the crown that feeds into the ponytail base — creating a style that is more secure, more visually interesting, and more resistant to summer conditions than a standard ponytail. On medium hair, where a regular ponytail can look short and unremarkable, the Dutch braid crown section adds significant visual length and detail.

What Makes It Perfect for Summer Medium Hair:

The Dutch braid section at the crown completely eliminates the problem of medium hair being too short to make a dramatic ponytail. The braid adds the visual interest and detail that compensates for the length that medium hair lacks compared to a long ponytail. The structure of the braid at the crown also keeps the most frizz-prone area — the top of the head — completely controlled through summer humidity.

How to Create It:

Part the hair in the center or to the side. At the front of the head, take a section of hair about two inches wide and one inch back from the hairline. Divide into three strands and begin a Dutch braid — crossing strands under rather than over — picking up new sections of hair from the scalp with each pass and continuing along the part line toward the back of the head. Once the braid reaches the crown and there is no more hair to pick up, transition to a standard braid for two to three passes. Release the braid and gather all remaining hair — including the braid — into a ponytail and secure with a strong elastic. Smooth the ponytail with a light serum.

Pro Tips:

  • The Dutch braid section looks most impressive when it is moderately tight and precisely executed — take your time on the braiding section
  • A thin section of hair wrapped around the elastic at the base of the ponytail, then pinned underneath, creates a polished, pulled-together finish
  • The ponytail section of medium hair can be loosely waved with a small wand after creating the style — the waves transform the look from sporty to romantic
  • Try creating two Dutch braid sections — one on each side of a center part — that both feed into the same central ponytail for a symmetrical, more elaborate version

Best For: Medium hair at shoulder to collarbone length. Works on all textures.

Face Shape: The braid running along the part creates a diagonal or central line that is flattering on round and square face shapes.

How Long It Lasts in Summer: Full day — the braided crown section is extremely humidity-resistant.

Occasion: Active summer days, casual events, workouts, festivals, everyday summer style.