The high ponytail is back and bigger than ever, and a long claw clip ponytail gives you the length and swing even if your own hair is fine or short.
There's a reason the high ponytail never really goes away: it lifts your whole face, it shows off earrings, and it looks just as good with a sweatshirt as a party dress. This season it's long, full and swingy. The only problem? Fine or thinning hair rarely has enough length or body to pull it off. Good news: that part is easy to fake.
The short version: To get a full, long high ponytail with fine hair, gather your own hair into a secure high ponytail, twist the ends into a small knot, and clamp a long claw clip ponytail extension over it. A 16-inch straight piece gives a sleek, snatched look; a 14-inch piece with curly ends gives bounce.
Why It's Trending
Ponytails have been dressed up all year. At this year's Grammys, The Zoe Report rounded up red carpet ponytails styled with accessories and creative twists, insisting "these are not your gym sesh updos." On the fall/winter runways, ELLE (via AOL) reported a move toward bigger, softer, more playful hair, including "perfectly imperfect ponytails."
And sporty ponies keep spreading too: Paris Select Book made the "soccer girl pony" a summer must-try, and it's still going strong into the colder months.
Why it's trending: A high ponytail looks polished in about two minutes, and party season is coming. It's the easiest way to look done up without a salon visit.
7 High Ponytail Looks to Try Now
1. The Snatched Sleek High Pony
Smooth at the roots, high on the crown and pin-straight all the way down. This is the polished version, and length is what makes it look expensive.
Get the look: Brush your hair back smoothly and tie it high at the crown. Twist the ends into a small knot and pin it. Open the claw clip, clamp it over the knot and smooth the length with a brush.
Best for: work, dinners, straight or fine hair
For extra length and a glossy finish, our 16-inch straight claw clip ponytail is made for this look.
2. The Bouncy High Pony
Straight at the top with bouncy curls at the ends, this version swings every time you turn your head. It's softer and more playful than the sleek one.
Get the look: Make a high ponytail and leave the front slightly loose. Clamp on a ponytail with curly ends, then scrunch the curls with your fingers so they look lived-in.
Best for: weekends, holiday parties, wavy hair
The 14-inch claw clip ponytail with curly ends gives you that built-in bounce without curling irons.
3. The Bubble High Pony
Small elastics spaced down the ponytail create a row of soft "bubbles." It looks complicated, but it takes five minutes once your pony is in.
Get the look: Put on your high ponytail extension first. Add clear elastics every 2–3 inches down the length. Gently pull each section wider with your fingers to puff it out.
Best for: parties, nights out, making a straight pony look fuller
Straight pieces make the cleanest bubbles. Compare lengths in our ponytail extensions collection.
4. The Wrapped-Base Party Pony
Hide the base with a strand of hair, a ribbon or a metallic cuff. It's the little detail that turns an everyday pony into party hair.
Get the look: Once the ponytail is clamped on, take a thin section from underneath. Wrap it around the clip and pin it underneath. Or slide on a cuff or tie a velvet ribbon around the base.
Best for: holiday parties, weddings, New Year's Eve
Want more party-ready ideas? Our claw clip ponytail how-to walks through placement step by step.
5. The Mid-High Sporty Pony
Not ready for a crown-high pony? Drop it an inch or two, just above the back of your head. This sporty height feels more relaxed and easygoing.
Get the look: Tie your ponytail at mid-height, slightly toward the back. Clamp on the extension and leave a couple of short pieces loose at the temples.
Best for: errands, workouts, fine hairlines
The 14-inch wavy ponytail extension has a natural, easygoing texture for this look.
Pro tip from the Tillstyle team: Twist your own ponytail into a small, tight knot before you clamp on a claw clip piece. The clip grips the knot, so your pony stays high and secure all day, even with fine hair.
6. The Face-Framing High Pony
Leave two soft pieces out at the front before you tie your hair up. They soften the look and help if your hairline is thin at the temples.
Get the look: Section off two thin strands at the front. Tie the rest into a high pony and clamp on the extension. Curl the front pieces loosely with your own tools, then let them fall.
Best for: softening a sleek pony, photos, thin temples
Straight and sleek or soft and curly, pick your texture in our clip-in ponytail shop.
7. The Short-Hair High Pony
If your hair is short, you can still get a high pony. You just need enough length to gather at the crown and twist into a small knot.
Get the look: Gather what you can at the crown and secure it, using pins for shorter pieces at the nape. Twist into a small knot, then clamp on the ponytail. If you want a shorter, chic result, go for a shorter piece.
Best for: bobs, growing-out hair, shoulder-length hair
For a shorter, sleek pony, try our 8-inch straight clip-in ponytail.
14-Inch or 16-Inch Ponytail?
| 14-inch straight wavy ponytail | 16-inch straight ponytail | |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Straight at the top, bouncy curly ends | Sleek and straight |
| Best high pony look | Bouncy, party, sporty | Snatched, sleek, bubble |
| Attachment | Claw clip | Claw clip |
| Price | $98 | $98 |
Shade-matching tip: Match your ponytail to the ends of your hair, since that's where the extension starts. Highlighted shades usually blend more easily than solid ones if your color has dimension.
Don't make this mistake: Don't run a hot curling iron or flat iron over the extension. Our ponytails are made from heat-resistant synthetic fiber, but the care instructions say to avoid high heat styling tools. Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb instead.
Key Takeaways
- The high ponytail is back for party season: long, full and swingy.
- Fine or short hair can get the look with a long claw clip ponytail.
- Twist your own pony into a small knot so the clip has something to grip.
- Choose 16-inch straight for sleek looks, 14-inch with curly ends for bounce.
- Skip high heat on synthetic pieces, and take your ponytail off before bed.
Watch It in Action
See the 16-inch straight ponytail in light blonde highlighted and the 14-inch ponytail in beige blonde highlighted in our most-watched long ponytail videos.
Shop the Look
- Claw Clip Straight Ponytail Extension – 16 Inch: the longest, sleekest option for a snatched high pony.
- Claw Clip Straight Wavy Ponytail Extension – 14 Inch: smooth at the top with bouncy curly ends for a swingy pony.
- Short Clip-In Straight Ponytail – 8 Inch: a shorter, chic pony for short hair.
Free shipping on US orders over $99.
FAQ
How do I keep a ponytail extension high on my head?
Tie your own ponytail securely at the crown, twist the ends into a small knot and clamp the claw clip over the knot. The knot gives the clip a firm base.
Can I wear a high ponytail with thin hair?
Yes. Our claw clip ponytails are designed for thinning and fine hair, adding length and volume in seconds with a secure claw clip.
Which length is best for a high ponytail?
The 16-inch straight ponytail gives the most length for a sleek look. The 14-inch piece with curly ends gives more bounce. For short hair or a chic short pony, try the 8-inch.
Can I sleep in my ponytail extension?
No. Remove it before sleeping, swimming or high-impact activities to keep it comfortable and looking its best.