I love a loose Bohemian-style look. Whether it is clothing, jewelry, or in this case, hair, there is something so calming about the style. This loose half-braid high ponytail is a great idea for taking the boring ponytail up a notch or two. This style is casual enough for every day but can be upscale enough for an event.

Half Braid High Ponytail

This style has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. A ponytail seems basic, but adding the twist of a partial braid on top really elevates the look. If you haven't tried this process before, this is the perfect style to choose. It's easy to create and ideal for almost any hair length or texture.

If you aren't familiar with a fishtail braid, you may want to check out this fishtail ponytail pigtails tutorial. It helps to understand the basics of the fishtail style of braiding. If you like braids, you might also like this list of braided updo styles. So many ways to make your hair look beautiful with just braids!

What Do I Need to Create This Braided Ponytail?

While you really only need a comb and ponytail holder, I do recommend a few other items to keep on hand. In particular, this style looks best with curly or wavy hair that provides volume in the bottom of the ponytail.

Our model has lovely wavy hair that looks great like this. If you are blessed with stick-straight hair like I am, then you may want to do some curling or even tease the hair to add volume. A simple curling wand can add loose curls you can then comb through, or you can do this style with slightly dirty hair that may have been braided and taken out of braids so it has waves and texture in the hair as shown.

Tools I Use

Below are a few more items that I keep on hand for styling my hair. While you may not need all of these, they are a good investment. Check them out and add them to your hair care routine if needed.

Other Items I Love:

Loose Half Braid High Ponytail Tutorial

To make this look come together, you only need to comb out your hair first. If you want to add texture to the bottom of the hair, you can plan ahead and braid your hair the night before so it already has some waves. Alternatively, you can use a curling wand or crimper after the style has been put into place to add that texture.

While you can do this style with clean hair, I recommend doing it with slightly dirty hair. It will have more texture, and body, and will hold just a bit better.

Step 1

Part and pull back the center section on top of your head. This is just a small area that will be braided, but you will leave the sides and back hanging down.

Pin this section up on top of your head.

front section of hair clipped on top of head

Step 2

Now, comb or brush back the sides and back of your hair into a ponytail. Use the brush to smooth out the sides. You want this to be sleek but the hair hanging and the braid will be loosened some or texture added.

Add a hair tie here to hold this into place.

Step 3

Next, you will remove the clip from the hair you separated first. Comb it out to remove any tangles.

Step 4

Now, divide this section of hair into two sections. Let one hang on each side of the main ponytail.

hands holding two sections of hair on head

Next, you will begin a loose fishtail braid by pulling a small section from each side and laying over the middle existing sections.

Repeat this process until you reach the area right below the existing ponytail. Watch the video for a better step-by-step look at this process if you are unfamiliar with the fishtail style of the ponytail.

pulling braid tight against high ponytail

Step 5

Now, push this braid up a bit so it is looser along the top of your head, and wrap the ends around the base ponytail.

Secure the braided section into place by wrapping the ends around the ponytail and then adding another hair tie over this.

bobby pin sliding into high pionytail to secure braid

If desired, you can now tease or curl the hair as it hangs down to give it more texture and volume.

What Can I Add to This Ponytail To Make it More Elegant?

I absolutely love how this takes a boring ponytail and makes it look special. While this is great for casual days, you can definitely elevate it into a style appropriate for any event or work occasion. Below are some ideas to add to the ponytail that will make it just a bit more elegant and that don't take much work on your part.

Curl the hanging ponytail into ringlets for a more sophisticated look.
Add a decorative comb at the top of the ponytail behind the braid.
French braid this section instead of the fishtail braid for a more structured look.
Wrap a ribbon around the ponytail for added color.
Insert beaded pins or clips into the front braid or top of the ponytail.

More Easy Braided Hairstyles

Braids are a go-to option for my long hair, but I get tired of the same thing every day. If you are the same way, then you might like some of the ideas below. For medium-length or long hair, these ideas are a great choice to give you variety in your routine. Take a look and bookmark the ones you like. You can also print out the tutorials or pin them to a hairstyle board on Pinterest so they are easy to find when you are ready to style your hair.

Bohemian Loose Half Braid High Ponytail Hairstyle

This loose half braid high ponytail is a perfect hairstyle with Bohemian flair! Easy to create and ready in minutes!

Active Time 15 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Materials

Elastic hair tie

Tools

Comb or detangling brush

Instructions

Section off a portion on top of your head and clip it up and out of the way.
Then, use a comb or brush and comb back the sides and back of your hair up into a high ponytail. Secure this with a hair band.
Now, unclip the portion you separated, and begin creating a fishtail braid by laying the sections over each other as shown.
Once the braid is a bit below the main ponytail holder, scoot it up so it is loose on top, and wrap the ends around the main ponytail.
Wrap this with an elastic band and secure into place.