Do you like wearing a ponytail but are just tired of the same old boring looks all the time? This half-French braided ponytail is going to be life-changing. A small section of hair is braided on top with the rest pulled back into a high ponytail leaving you with an updated look that is ideal for everyday wear but can easily go right to the workplace and still look professional.

French Braided Ponytail

One of the first things I remember doing with my hair once it got longer was a French braid. But let's face it, the French braid on long hair can be tedious and exhausting to create. So, this is a solution I love. A basic high ponytail with a French braid accent on the top front. It gives your hair volume, adds a little updated look, and is super easy to do.

If you like this, but need more of an updo look, then check out my favorite braided updo styles. You might also like these waterfall braid tutorials or even this list of 5-minute hairstyles. All of these lists give you tons of great ideas to switch up your haircare routine.

What Do I Need to Make a French Braided Ponytail?

All you really need for this look is a couple of elastic hair bands and a brush or comb. Of course, you can add decorative items like combs or pins if you wish. A ribbon or bow could even be added to the top. However, I love the idea of making this just simple with a few supplies.

Tools I Use

While you don't need a lot for this style, I like to share a few of my favorite products with you for future haircare needs. Below are some tools and products I keep on hand all the time. They make styling my longer hair easier on a daily basis.

• Wide-tooth comb
• Detangling brush
• Hair rubber bands
• Satin hair ribbon (optional)
• Topsy Tail braiding tool (optional)

Other Items I Love:

• OGX Dry Shampoo
• Argan Oil
• Paul Mitchell Super Clean Sculpting Gel

Half French Braid Ponytail Tutorial

Before you begin fixing your ponytail, I recommend brushing out your hair and removing any tangles. This look works great for both medium and long hairstyles, but may also work for some shorter hair lengths.

You can create this French braid ponytail with clean hair or dirty hair. However, I recommend hair that hasn't been washed in 1 or 2 days, as clean hair will tend to have more flyaways and not hold as well.

Step 1

Once you have combed out your hair and removed any tangles, brush it all straight back without a part.

Then, you will use a comb to section off a portion in the center of your head. Pull this up and clip out of the way, keeping the side parts on either side even and straight.

Step 2

Now, comb or brush the rest of your hair back and clip or use a hair tie to keep out of the way.

Step 3

Now, go back to the section you pulled out first, and unclip it. Then, begin a French braid by dividing the first part into three sections, but leaving the back as one larger section.

Create a single braid, then pull a small amount in from each side into the outer section of that first braid.

Braid again, and repeat this process until you have pulled all of the hair underneath into the braid and have reached the crown of your head where you want the ponytail to sit.

Tie this off with an elastic hair tie.

Then, loosen the braid a bit on both sides to add volume.

Step 4

Now, remove the clip or tie from the lower portion of the hair, and comb it back to add to the ponytail.

Smooth out the sides and bottom, then secure this portion along with the braided section, with a hair band.

Wrap an extra bit of hair around the hair bands to hide them from view and tuck the end underneath or pin with a bobby pin.

Step 5

If desired, you can then curl or tease the remaining hair of the ponytail to add volume.

How Do I Add Volume to a Ponytail?

While the braid at the front of this style adds volume to the top and forehead area, the ends of your hair can sometimes hang down limp and look blah. If you struggle with your hair being fine or not having any volume, there are a few ways to fix that for this look.

• Plan this style ahead of time and braid your hair the night before so it has volume and body. When its' time to style this, brush or finger comb out the waves to keep the volume. Spray with hairspray to set.
• Use a curling wand, velcro rollers, or hot rollers to curl the end of the ponytail. Once it is curled in large waves, finger curl or brush through it to create extra volume in the ponytail.
• My least favorite method, but one that does work, is to tease the hair. You will carefully back-comb the hair of the ponytail to add volume, then smooth out the edges as needed.

Tips for Creating a Neat French Braid

While this isn't a full French braid, it does have the same general style. One of the biggest struggles with French braiding is that it can be messy or uneven. If you struggle to get an even French braid, below are some tips that make this particular style easier to manage.

• Use a comb to section off this area and create a straight part on both sides. Then, clip the excess hair out of the way so you aren't pulling in anything from outside the parted line.
• Add a bit of mousse or a finishing creme to the hair you are braiding to keep flyaways at bay.
• Braid your hair in front of a mirror with a mirror behind you so you can watch as you line up each section. Alternatively, if possible, have someone else do this portion of the style so they can see easily how to keep things even.

Remember, a French braid tucks the hair under while a Dutch braid pulls the hair over. Both styles can work in this ponytail, but the French braid is the classic look that lays flatter and looks sleek.

More Easy Braided Hairstyles

I love a nice braided look, and even though this one is only a partial braid, it still looks fantastic. If you need more ideas for your long hair, I have you covered. Below are some of my favorite hairstyles that feature braids. You can easily use these for an everyday look or an upscale event. Find the ones on the list that you like and bookmark them. You can also print out the tutorial cards with pictures, or you can just pin them to a hairstyle board on Pinterest so they are handy when you are ready to style your hair again!

• Simple Braid with Ribbon Hairstyle
• Fishtail Ponytail Pigtails with Bow Accent
• Braided Crown Princess Hairstyle
• Braided Dual Top Knot Buns Half Up Hairstyle
• Easy Half Up Side Braids Hairstyle