30 Classy Black Ponytail Hairstyles

Not only is this hairstyle practical, but the 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 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 the pictures below to get inspired.

#1: Long and Sleek Black Ponytail

This is a chic variety of ponytail hairstyles for black hair. Lovely, lengthy, and 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.

#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 super easy to recreate. Start with a routine low pony. Then, apply six more hair ties, evenly spaced, to create the cute, bubble effect.

#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.

#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.

#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.

#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.

#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.

#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.

#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.

#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.

#14: Black Layered Senegalese Twists

Senegalese twists are an extension's 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.

#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.

#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.

#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 hair.

#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 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.

#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.

#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.

#23: Long Braided Ponytail

Black ponytail hairstyles rarely get more unique and interesting than this one. Featuring extremely long braids, this cute ponytail is a head-turner. As the photo shows, several lengthy individually braided pieces 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 intricately 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 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.

#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.

#28: Black Ponytail Hairstyle with a Bouffant

Ponytail hairstyles can be 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.

#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 perfectly as a variety of effortless day-to-night ‘dos you can cope within a matter of minutes.

#30: Neat Ponytail with Voluminous Curls

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

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 learned here. Why not give these fab styles a try?