How to put a drawstring ponytail in easily

The shortcut to looking instantly put-together 

Not every “good hair day” starts with heat tools, hour-long blowouts, or styling hacks you saw at 1 a.m. Sometimes, it’s as simple as attaching a ponytail you can secure in under a minute. That’s the charm of a drawstring ponytail: it does all the heavy lifting while your real hair takes the day off.

They’ve become a go-to for anyone who wants a polished look without committing to a full routine. Whether your hair is shoulder-length, cropped tight, naturally curly, or just refusing to cooperate, a drawstring ponytail doesn’t need much from it—just a small, secure base and you’re done. They work just as well for a Monday morning commute as they do for a weekend wedding or a night where you want to feel a little more “styled” without doing the styling.

The best part? They’re kind to your hair. No tugging, no glue, no tension that leaves you regretting your choices when you take your hair down later. Just a quick swap from “ordinary ponytail” to one that has shape, bounce, length, or texture you didn’t have to create yourself.

If you like the idea of a hairstyle that looks intentional but takes less time than finding your keys, you’re in the right place.

 

What is a drawstring ponytail?

A drawstring ponytail is a ready-made ponytail that attaches to your own hair using a small elastic cord and a couple of hidden combs. Instead of building shape with your own hair, you anchor a tiny bun or ponytail at the back of your head, and the piece wraps over it like a little slipcover of perfectly styled hair. Once you tighten the cord, it locks into place and blends in as if it grew there.

It might sound similar to a clip-in or a wrap-around ponytail, but the setup is different. Clip-ins usually rely on multiple pieces and a bit of technique to keep everything from shifting. Wrap styles look sleek but often need straightening or smoothing beforehand. A sew-in ponytail, on the other hand, requires braids and an appointment. A drawstring skips all of that—it’s one piece, it’s quick, and it doesn’t ask you to have perfectly styled hair underneath.

That’s why so many people choose them: you don’t need to wrestle with your hair to make the ponytail look good. Short? Curly? Frizzy? Doesn’t matter. As long as you can secure a base, the ponytail does the rest. It’s the kind of style that works just as well after a workout as it does before a dinner out. Slide it on, tighten, blend a little around the edges if you want to, and you’re done.

A polished look without a polished routine—that’s the whole appeal.

 

How to put a drawstring ponytail in easily

A drawstring ponytail doesn’t require skill so much as a good base. Once that’s in place, the rest of the process feels more like fastening a button than “doing your hair.” The secret is a small amount of prep, a secure little pony underneath, and a few finishing touches that help your natural hair blend in. Here’s how to make it look like you spent way more time on your ponytail than you did.

Step 1: Prep your natural hair

The prep stage is simply giving the ponytail something smooth and steady to sit on. If your hair is straight, wavy, or relaxed, start by brushing or combing it until it’s detangled and lying flat in the direction you want it to go. If you’re going for a sleek look, a little smoothing gel or cream at the roots will go a long way. You don’t need to create glass-like perfection—just enough control to prevent bumps and wandering strands.

If your hair is naturally curly or coily, you don’t need to flatten it into submission. Defined curls actually create a better base because they have grip and structure. Lightly add gel around the perimeter to smooth the front and sides, but leave the ponytail section as it is. It’s there to anchor the drawstring, not to look perfect.

Short hair can absolutely wear a drawstring ponytail, too. If it’s long enough to gather together, slick it back into a small knot or stub of a bun. If it’s shorter, brush and smooth it into a tight little formation at the back and secure it with a strong elastic or bobby pins. The ponytail you create doesn’t have to be pretty—you’re covering it up anyway.

For long or thick hair, it helps to control volume at the base so the drawstring doesn’t puff out. After putting your hair in a ponytail, twist it into a mini bun, coil it tightly and secure it with another hair tie or a few pins. This keeps your ponytail compact so the drawstring attachment can sit flush and smooth instead of bulging.

Step 2: Tie your base ponytail

Now comes the decision that sets the vibe: where you place the ponytail. A high pony sits closer to the crown and gives you that lifted, “styled” look, especially with straight or wavy pieces. A mid-height pony feels a bit more everyday and relaxed—ideal for curly or textured ponies. A low pony sits at the nape of the neck and tends to read as elegant or understated, especially for formal events.

Whatever position you choose, the base needs to be secure. Use a strong elastic that won’t slide out half an hour later. Avoid rubber bands that snag or pull at the strands—your drawstring will add some weight, so you want something comfortable but firm. Once it’s tied, do a quick check in the mirror. If you’re going for a sleek style, run your hands over the top and sides and smooth flyaways down with a bit more product.

If you want extra stability—especially if you have silky, slippery hair—braid the ponytail before twisting it into a bun. It creates a smaller, tighter shape that holds the combs more securely. The goal is to keep the base from shifting, not to make the bun look presentable. You’re building a foundation, not a finished look.

Step 3: Attach the drawstring ponytail

Once your base is set, grab the ponytail piece and open it up like a small pouch. You’ll see two combs: one near the top and one near the bottom. Slide the top comb into your natural ponytail first, anchoring it into the hair just above your bun. The goal isn’t to jab your scalp—just to secure it into the base hair so it doesn’t budge.

Next, pull the ponytail piece down and hook the bottom comb into the base from beneath. You should feel it grip gently, not poke. Once both combs are in, pull the drawstring just enough for the piece to hug your bun tightly. Think “secure handshake,” not “blood pressure cuff.” It shouldn’t pull at your scalp or feel tight around the edges.

If your scalp is sensitive or you prefer less tension, loosen the drawstring slightly and secure the base with a couple of pins instead. This gives you security without pressure, which is ideal if you’re planning to wear it all day.

Step 4: Blend + finish

Most drawstring ponytails come with a small strand of hair you can wrap around the base to hide the seam. If yours does, wrap it once or twice and pin it underneath so the hair falls naturally. If it doesn’t, you can use a small section of the ponytail hair and wrap it the same way. This step is what makes the pony look intentional, not attached.

Match the textures around your hairline and the ponytail. If your natural hair at the front is curly, encourage a few curls or define baby hairs so the styles look cohesive. If the ponytail is sleek, smooth your edges with a small amount of gel or cream—enough to tidy them, not freeze them into place.

Finish with a soft-hold hairspray that keeps everything neat without turning your hair into a helmet. Drawstring ponytails look best when there’s movement.

Bonus tips for beginners

The most natural ponytails don’t rely on perfect matching—they rely on good blending. If your hairline’s texture doesn’t fully match the ponytail, soften the transition by styling your edges or pulling wisps around the face. For curly ponytails, define small curls near the front so they echo the ponytail’s texture.

Avoid over-tightening; the ponytail shouldn’t feel like it’s holding your thoughts in place. Secure with pins if needed, but keep tension minimal. And remember: you don’t need a perfectly slick base. A drawstring ponytail is meant to do the work for you, not demand perfect styling from your own hair first.

Drawstring ponytail styles

Now you know how to put in a drawstring ponytail easily, it’s time to talk styling. We’ve rounded up our favorite ones below.

Sleek high pony

A high drawstring ponytail gives you the clean, lifted look usually associated with hours of styling, but you can snap it on in minutes. Think Ariana Grande without the tension headache. It’s especially great for thin or short hair because the ponytail provides the length and structure, while gel and a satin scarf smooth the base.

Curly/voluminous ponytail

A curly drawstring ponytail turns minimal effort into big texture. You don’t need to match every curl perfectly—just define a few pieces near your hairline, let the ponytail do the rest, and enjoy instant bounce without heat. Perfect for embracing your natural curls or adding volume that your real hair doesn’t feel like giving today.

Mid-height everyday pony

If you want something believable for everyday wear, a mid-height pony sits naturally and doesn’t shout for attention. It adds fullness without going full glam, making it ideal for work, errands, or any day you want to look put-together without shifting into “special occasion” territory. Simple, lifted, and easy to blend with your own texture.

Low ponytail elegance

A sleek or softly waved low ponytail looks polished in seconds, especially with a clean part and a neat wrap around the base. It’s a go-to for weddings, formal photos, or occasions where you want your hair to look intentional without effort. Low placement means less tension, more comfort, and a chic, grown-up vibe.

Messy textured pony

The messy ponytail works best when you don’t overthink it. Tousled waves, loose pieces around the face, and a slightly undone finish give that “cool without trying” look. It’s the kind of ponytail that pairs with jeans, sunglasses, and confidence. Nothing too perfect—that’s what makes it stylish.

Curly puff or afro pony

A curly puff or afro pony is a protective style that celebrates texture instead of flattening it. You don’t need to stretch your curls or straighten anything—smooth the hairline, tie your base, and let the pony do the talking. Add edge control or baby hairs to personalize the look.

Braided ponytail

Once the drawstring ponytail is secured, braiding it transforms the vibe completely. A long rope braid, fishtail, or mermaid-style braid works for both dressed-up events and sporty days when you want hair out of the way. The extension gives consistent thickness from root to tip, so the braid looks neat and intentional.

 

A recap: how to put a drawstring ponytail in easily

Smooth your hair just enough to anchor it, choose a ponytail height that matches your style, attach the combs, tighten the drawstring without tension, and blend the edges so your own hair and the ponytail work together. When the texture and placement make sense, the ponytail does the rest. 

If you love the idea of low-effort, high-payoff hair, our team at The Lauren Ashtyn Collection can help you find a ponytail that looks like it actually belongs to you. We design premium extensions—including ponytails—with natural movement, custom blends, and lightweight comfort.