8. The Textured Medium Ponytail

The Vibe: Polished, elevated, and the most sophisticated version of the simple ponytail that medium hair can achieve.

The textured medium ponytail takes the most basic hairstyle in existence and upgrades it through a combination of texture, product, and small finishing details that transform it from the hairstyle you default to when you cannot think of anything else into an intentional, polished summer look. Medium hair is particularly well-suited to the textured ponytail because the shorter length creates a ponytail that has more volume per inch than the same elastic would create on very long hair.

What Makes It Perfect for Summer Medium Hair:

A medium ponytail has a proportion advantage — because the ponytail length is shorter, each strand contributes more visually to the overall ponytail shape. When texture is added, medium hair ponytails can look remarkably full and voluminous. The shorter length also means a medium ponytail is significantly lighter than a long ponytail, which means the style is more comfortable through a full summer day and less likely to cause the neck tension that very long, heavy ponytails create.

How to Create It:

Apply a volumizing mousse to medium hair while damp. Blow-dry using a round brush, lifting the roots and curving the mid-lengths for volume and movement. Once dry, use a one-inch curling wand to add loose, undone waves throughout the medium hair — these waves become the “texture” of the textured ponytail. Gather all the wavy medium hair into a high or mid ponytail. Secure with a strong elastic. Take a thin section of hair from underneath the ponytail, wrap it tightly around the base elastic to conceal it, and pin the end underneath. Mist the finished ponytail lightly with a texturizing spray and scrunch gently to enhance the wave texture.

Pro Tips:

  • The waves should be added before creating the ponytail rather than after — attempting to wave the ponytail after it is secured creates uneven results and too much tension at the elastic
  • Gathering the medium hair into the ponytail slightly to one side — rather than perfectly central — creates a more casual, relaxed aesthetic that suits summer perfectly
  • A colorful ribbon, a gold chain detail, or an embroidered hair tie at the base transforms the textured ponytail from a basic style into an accessory-forward summer look
  • Applying a tiny amount of light-hold pomade to the fingertips and raking through the ponytail creates defined, separated wave pieces that look like a professional blowout

Best For: Medium straight and wavy hair. Works on all densities.

Face Shape: A high textured ponytail elongates and flatters round and square face shapes. A mid-height textured ponytail is most flattering on oval features.

How Long It Lasts in Summer: Full day — the textured waves within the ponytail actually improve as the day progresses and natural movement adds to the undone quality.

Occasion: Work, rooftop events, outdoor dinners, casual summer occasions, beach-to-bar transitions.