Ponytail hairstyles top the list of easy, versatile looks. The reason? From the cute side ponytail to high or low ponytail hairstyles, they can look elegantly messy or sleek and smooth. Our expert hairstylists offer tips to create different simple styles for straight or curly hair, bangs or no bangs and even a few braided and fishtail styles.

Ponytails may be your go-to quick and easy style for spin class and sweat-drenched summer days, but believe us when we say this look gets real elevated real quick. Since the most wonderful time of the year is also sheer chaos played over a loop of Mariah Carey’s Christmas album, any little bit of stress relief helps. Good news for us: that’s where these 30 upgraded ponytails come in. With a bit of ribbon and a few hair clips, you can check “holiday party hair” off your to-do list and breathe a little easier.