You may have seen ponytail extensions somewhere on your feed and wondered, “What in the world is that?” or, “I definitely need to get one, ASAP!” Clip-in hair extensions are a super fun and EASY way to elevate your look, we'll show you how to take it a step further with ponytail extensions. They add drama without the full commitment of wanting long hair, and you get a real bang for your buck given how versatile they are.
We found 5 of the best and easiest ways to style ponytail extensions:
Sleek High Pony
This sleek high pony is giving us major Ariana Grande vibes! When your hair is pulled back in a high pony, it automatically gives you a natural facelift and it makes you look SNATCHED! This high pony is super quick and easy to install. All you need to do is put your natural hair in a high pony or bun and attach the clip of the extension to the base of the pony. Then go ahead and wrap the velcro strap around the hair and secure it with a bobby pin. You are now one “Dangerous Woman!”
Stylish High Braided Pony
If you don’t want the pony out, you can also braid it! This high braided pony is super cute and takes the high pony to a new level. Attach the ponytail extension to your hair and then braid the extension and secure it with an elastic band! If you don’t know how to braid, you can also twist the hair. Instead of separating the hair into 3 sections, you use 2 instead. From there, wrap the 2 sections, secure it with an elastic band, and you’ll have a cute twisted pony. These looks will definitely turn heads!
Polished Top Knot
You know how the saying goes, “Sun’s out, buns out!” This super cute top knot is very versatile. For a thicker, fuller bun, wrap the extension around your bun and secure the bun with a few bobby pins. For a smaller, tighter bun, twist the hair before wrapping it around. To really spice it up, braid the extension and wrap it around the hair! Either way, you’ll look super trendy!
Chic Low Bun
This low bun is definitely a go-to look and it’s tres’ magnifique! It makes any outfit look elegant and chic. All you need to do is tie your hair in a low bun, attach the clip of the extension to the base of your mini bun, wrap around the velcro strap and extension pony tightly, and secure it with a few bobby pins. To add more of a messy look, pull some strands of hair out! Voila! You are ready to go!
Classic Low Pony
This low pony is a classic and guess what? What’s old is new again! While your hair is in the low bun, attach the extension, wrap the velcro strap around the hair, and secure with bobby pins! If you want to add extra volume, tease the first layer of hair in the ponytail. Straight, wavy, curly--you could do it all with this style!
Comment below what ponytail extension hairstyle you’d like to see us try next! Or any hairstyle using human hair extensions for that matter. Or add a picture of you styling our ponytail extension and you may be featured on the Perfect Locks Instagram, @perfectlocks!
How to Use Ponytail Extensions: The Basics
Ponytail extensions work by wrapping around or clipping into your existing ponytail, instantly adding the length, volume, and fullness that your natural hair might not provide on its own. They're one of the most underrated extension products because they're so simple - no clips throughout your whole head, no installation time, just a single piece that transforms a ponytail in 60 seconds.
"Ponytail extensions changed everything for a lot of our customers who wanted the impact of extensions on busy days. The setup time is essentially zero - pull your hair into a ponytail, wrap the extension around it, and you're done. It's genuinely transformative for how little effort it requires."
- Priyanka Swamy, Founder of Perfect Locks
How to Apply Ponytail Extensions
Pull your natural hair into your desired ponytail
Create the ponytail at whatever height you want the final style to sit - high, mid, or low. Secure with an elastic. Smooth your hairline and edges with a brush and light edge control if desired.
Clip or wrap the extension onto your natural ponytail
Most ponytail extensions have a clip or comb at the base that attaches to your ponytail. Some wrap-style extensions use a piece of extension hair that wraps around the elastic to cover it. Follow your specific extension's instructions, but the process takes less than 60 seconds once you've done it a couple of times.
Blend your natural hair with the extension
If you have shorter hair around the nape or sides that might show below the elastic, tuck or smooth these pieces upward before clipping the extension on. For the most seamless blend, use a boar bristle brush to smooth the surface hair over the extension connection point.
5 Ponytail Extension Styles to Try
1. The sleek high ponytail: Pull all hair to the crown, smooth with a brush and light pomade, clip on your ponytail extension, and wrap a small piece of extension hair around the base to cover the clip. This is the most dramatic, polished version of the look.
2. The wavy low ponytail: Gather hair at the nape in a low ponytail, attach a wavy extension, and let the combined ponytail fall loosely. Curl or wave the extension hair for a romantic, effortless look.
3. The wrapped ponytail: Create a high or mid ponytail, attach the extension, then use a small section of extension hair to wrap around the entire base, covering the elastic and the clip. Secure the wrapped piece with a bobby pin. This gives a clean, finished look that works for both casual and formal occasions.
4. The side ponytail: Pull all hair to one side at jaw or collarbone height, secure, and attach a sleek or wavy extension. The side ponytail is a distinctly styled look that's easy to achieve and very flattering on most face shapes.
5. The braided ponytail: Braid your natural hair before clipping on the extension. Leave the braid visible as part of the style - braid from the hairline back to the ponytail base, clip on the extension, and let the straight or wavy extension hair fall below the braided natural hair. This creates a beautiful contrast and is a great way to incorporate your natural texture into the look.
Caring for Ponytail Extensions
Ponytail extensions from our collection are made from 100% Remy human hair and can be washed, heat styled, and cared for just like your natural hair. Wash every 15-20 wears with sulfate-free shampoo, air dry or use low heat, and store on a hanger to preserve the style. With proper care, a quality ponytail extension lasts 12+ months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do ponytail extensions work?
Ponytail extensions clip, wrap, or secure around your existing natural hair ponytail to add length, volume, and fullness. Most designs use a clip or comb at the base that attaches to your ponytail elastic, plus extension hair that hangs below. The process takes under a minute to apply and creates an immediate, dramatic change in ponytail length and fullness.
How do you blend a ponytail extension with short hair?
The key is securing all shorter pieces up into the ponytail before attaching the extension. Use bobby pins to tuck any pieces at the nape that might fall below the ponytail height. Smooth your natural hair over the top of the extension connection point. If your natural ponytail is very thin, wrapping a piece of extension hair around the base conceals any visible difference in thickness.
Can you sleep with a ponytail extension in?
It's not recommended. Sleeping with any clip-on extension creates friction and tension that causes tangling and can stress the attachment point. For daily wear, remove ponytail extensions before bed, brush through gently, and store on a hanger. This also gives your natural hair and scalp a break from the elastic and clip tension.
What length ponytail extension should I get?
Choose a length based on how long you want the final ponytail to look. Keep in mind that the extension hair hangs below your natural ponytail, so the visual length of the ponytail extension is added to whatever length your natural ponytail sits at. If your natural ponytail sits at collarbone height and you want the ponytail to reach the middle of your back, measure that distance and choose an extension accordingly.
Author and Founder of Perfect Locks LLC
Priyanka Swamy, the visionary founder of Perfect Locks LLC, is a passionate advocate for empowering women and promoting cultural diversity. With an unwavering commitment to ethical sourcing and quality craftsmanship, she redefined the hair extension market and created a supportive community that celebrates individuality.
Priyanka's dedication to sustainability and social responsibility continues to inspire positive change within the industry. Her journey with Perfect Locks remains an inspiration, unlocking the true potential and confidence of countless individuals worldwide.
