The crimp ponytail with bangs combines retro texture with contemporary polish, delivering a look that feels both nostalgic and fresh. It draws inspiration from runway styling and celebrity moments, translating bold texture into a wearable daytime or evening aesthetic. Start with clean, dry hair, and build texture gradually for a balanced result that isn’t overwhelmed by crimped pieces.
Getting the foundation right
Start off with clean, dry hair. When the hair was wet, I added some THICKENING SPRAY all over before blowdrying. Once the hair is all dry, I took small sections, sprayed them with a little HEAT PROTECTION SPRAY and started crimping them with THIS CRIMPER. This is the hair from the back (once we crimped 1 or 2 small strands from top to bottom, of course)! You’ll see there’s not a ton of crimping. A little will definitely do. This iron is cool because it’s small. You can reach in and crimp anywhere!
Technique: how to achieve the look
After crimping a few strategically placed strands, pull your hair back into a nice clear elastic. Wrap a tiny piece of your hair around that clear elastic and pin it in place. The result is a textured ponytail with a hint of sophistication that still reads playful. Honestly, who’s feeling the CRIMP?!
In practice, fewer crimped pieces often read more modern and intentional than a heavy, all-over texture. If you’re into a #tbt vibe, you can opt for more pieces, but the more restrained approach tends to feel fresher and more versatile for different occasions.
Inspiration from the fashion world
Supposedly, change is good, but there are some constants we’ve just come to expect in life. For instance: Sunday scaries, the powers of coffee, and Ariana Grande’s ponytail. Ever since her debut, the talented songstress has never strayed far from her high pony. Sure, sometimes she converts it to a half-updo, but we’ll call that one a variation on her signature style. Remember, this is a look she’s so devoted to that she once cut a hole in her baseball cap to accommodate it. So no, she didn’t exactly abandon her go-to ‘do last night - the world may have stopped turning if that were the case - but we caught an upgrade that was both unexpected and adorable.
Remember when hair crimpers were all the rage at your middle school sleepovers? Our girl Ari just brought them back in a major way, crimping a few strands in the bottom half of her ponytail (but leaving the top strands untouched) to create some super cute texture. Paired with blunt bangs and a huge scrunchie, the finished result is basically resurrecting all your childhood beauty dreams. Plus, with the additional volume the crimper imparts, her hair truly looks larger than life.
Practical tips for longevity and finish
To keep the style lasting through wear, opt for a light hold finishing spray and avoid weighing the ponytail down with heavy products. If you’re crimping, focus on a few key strands rather than the entire head to preserve a modern balance between texture and smoothness. A clear elastic helps secure the ponytail subtly, while a tiny hair wrap around the elastic conceals the band for a polished look.
Variants: how to personalize the look
- Keep the top layers smooth and only crimp the bottom layers for a refined texture contrast.
- Add a large scrunchie for a bold, retro vibe or use a sleeker elastic for a more minimal aesthetic.
- Incorporate a few crimped pieces around the face to frame bangs and soften facial features.
- Experiment with height: elevate the ponytail slightly for a statement silhouette or keep it lower for everyday wear.
Notes on texture balance
Textural balance is key. A little crimp goes a long way, and too much crimping can overwhelm the look and read as dated rather than modern. The goal is a “very un-boring ponytail” with intentional texture that complements bangs and facial structure.
