Easy Braided Ponytail Tutorial

Our favorite sweet and simple braid—and all the tools that make it even easier!

With Adelaide in kindergarten, I’m all about hairstyles that are both quick and adorable. Mornings can feel like a whirlwind, and I treasure the little moments we still get—like brushing her hair, adding a special clip or bow, and chatting while I braid. This easy braided ponytail has quickly become one of our go-to styles. It’s fast, it holds up through a full day of school and play, and it’s so cute.

All of my girls love braided hairstyles, and this one is especially fun because it has a little extra visual interest while still being simple enough for a weekday morning. It would be just as perfect for a birthday party, family outing, or even church.

Let’s walk through how to create this look—and I’ll share the products we love that help us pull it off in minutes.

What You’ll Need for the Easy Braided Ponytail

Over the years, I’ve found a few favorites that make styling little girls’ hair so much smoother—less fuss, fewer tears, and a finished look that actually holds.

+ Clear Elastics +

These clear elastics are a staple in our bathroom drawer. I usually use about 10 for this style, depending on how long their hair is. They’re gentle and won’t pull or snag, but they hold everything in place beautifully. I love using clear ones because they blend into the hair and let the braid be the star of the show.

+Pony Picks +

Pony Picks might just be one of my favorite hair tools ever. They don’t help create the style, but they do make taking it down so much easier. These clever little tools are designed to safely cut through elastics without damaging the hair—which is a lifesaver when you’re dealing with multiple bands and a wiggly kiddo at the end of the day. No more painful tugging or endless unraveling.

+Spray Bottle +

A good spray bottle makes a big difference! A light mist of water helps with sectioning and makes braiding easier. This one gives a fine, even spray that tames flyaways and preps the hair without soaking it.

+ Hairstyling Tool Set +

This hair styling tool set has everything you need—sectioning clips, a rat tail comb, and all the little tools that help get those crisp, clean parts. It’s perfect for making a braided ponytail look neat and polished, especially on days when you want that extra touch of perfection (like picture day!).

+ Detangling Set +

We never brush without the Fairy Tales Detangling Spray. It smells amazing and works like magic to get rid of knots. I also love that it’s made with clean ingredients—Adelaide calls it her “princess spray,” and we use it daily!

+Tangle Teezer +

The Tangle Teezer for Curly Hair glides through even the trickiest tangles. It’s gentle on the scalp, doesn’t yank, and works beautifully whether your child has straight or curly hair. This is our go-to for pain-free brushing every time.

+ Hair Gems +

These hair gems are such a fun way to add a little sparkle. We love popping them into a finished braid for birthdays, holidays, or just a “fancy day.” They stay put and make any hairstyle feel magical.

+ Ouai Hair Oil +

A little bit of Ouai Hair Oil goes a long way! I use a drop or two at the end to smooth flyaways and add shine. It smells heavenly and gives the braid a polished, finished look. (And yes—I totally use it on my own hair too!)

+ DryBar Finishing Spray +

The final touch is a mist of DryBar Finishing Spray. It gives the braid great staying power without making the hair feel stiff or crunchy. It’s our secret to making styles last through recess, lunch, and all-day adventures.

Recreate Our Favorite Easy Braided Ponytail

Step 1: Prep the Hair

Start by lightly misting the hair with water from your spray bottle and brushing it through using the Tangle Teezer. A spritz of Fairy Tales Detangling Spray makes brushing even smoother and keeps hair shiny and soft.

Step 2: Section It Out

Divide the hair horizontally into 4 sections—starting from the top of the head and working your way down:

+ High pony +

+ Mid pony +

+ Middle-low pony +

+ Low pony +

Secure each section with your clear elastics. If their hair is shorter, you can do just three sections.

Step 3: Start Braiding

Take the top ponytail and divide it into two. Pull the second ponytail up through the center of those two pieces, and secure it again with another elastic. Repeat the process: separate the section above, pull the next one through, and tie it off again. It’s a simple loop-through technique that gives the appearance of a braid—no actual braiding required!

Step 4: Fluff and Finish

Once all sections are secured, gently pull each one a bit to add fullness and volume. Then, smooth any flyaways with a tiny bit of Ouai hair oil and lock everything in with DryBar finishing spray. For an extra fun touch, add a few hair gems or a seasonal bow.

Why We Keep Coming Back to This Style

The best part about this easy braided ponytail is that it turns a hectic morning into a memory. It’s a few minutes of connection, of sweet conversation and creativity, and of watching my girls smile at their reflection before heading off to start their day.

It’s simple, yes—but it feels special.

If you give this look a try, tag me so I can see your sweet braids! And if you need more kid-friendly hairstyles, just say the word—I love sharing the little tricks and tools that make mom life just a bit easier.