Ponytail Cuffs Are the Chicest Way to Upgrade Your Hair This Fall (2024)

I know it's a classic, but the ponytail can be boring. Sorry! It doesn't have to be of course, but when you imagine a regular shemuglar ponytail, you're probably thinking of the one you just swept up on a bad hair day. However, when you think of someone wearing a ponytail adorned with a golden cuff, or maybe a marble stone accent, you might imagine her toting around with an It bag decorated with personalized charms. She's coming from her loft apartment, and is wearing a vintage pair of jeans and a the perfect shade of red lipstick, but even with all of this, you notice the glimmer in her ponytail first. Thats how effortlessly the ponytail cuff trend is giving the hairstyle a much-needed rebrand this fall.

Just like bows, clips, and headbands, the ponytail cuff is the next tiny but mighty accessory in line to make an impact. Perfect for party season, gift giving, or for elevating your lazy day style the ponytail cuff sells itself. The lightweight glimmer of gold, stone, or silver is attached on a regular hair tie, making it so easy to wear all while elevating any updo. Ahead, everything you need to know about the trend, plus some of our favorite options to shop.

The Trend

Co-signed by the street style set throughout New York Fashion Week, the ponytail cuff has been steadily gaining momentum. Nara Smith wore a silver cuff from brand Lelet NY, whose gold-plated pieces and intricate hair accessories low-key kickstarted the trend. The brand posts lots of inspiration on its Instagram, showing gold and silver cuffs styled in braids, updos, and ponytails. While the cuff was gaining momentum, fashion editor Bella Gerard collaborated with New York salon RPZL on a collection of affordable and cute cuffs which earned the co-sign of editors and content creators. All of this, plus a few viral TikToks and Pinterest posts, propelled the cuffs to must-have status.

"Nobody loves an out of the box hair accessory more than me," shares celebrity hairstylist Clayton Hawkins, who has worked with Olivia Rodrigo, Ashley Park, and Kaia Gerber. "You’ll find that I rarely leave a ponytail bare or wrap hair around it. I’m always wrapping velvet or cuffs or even bracelets," he says. "As a hairstylist, sometimes ponytails can be a bit boring." (See, even hairstylists agree!) "So I always use it as an opportunity to spice it up!"

As we head into party and the holiday season, cuffs are bound to have a big moment, and Hawkins agrees: "I think people are looking to sparkle this holiday in a way that doesn’t feel boring," he shares. Updo styles like ponytails are coming-up in popularity (Selena Gomez co-signed the princess pony on the red carpet), and while bows and headbands will always be a cutesy staples, a ponytail cuff feels a bit more grown-up and evergreen.

How to Get the Look

Getting the look comes down to crafting a pony and adding the accessory—it's that simple. The easy styling is part of the trend's charm, making it accessible even for hair beginners. "When it comes to ponies, I’m of two schools; either sleek and snatched or big and voluminous," says Hawkins.

"If you’re going for sleek, use a bungee elastic and a great serum for shine—I’m obsessed with Dove Bond Shield Super Serum," he adds. "If you’re going for volume, double wrap your ponytail for added height. And don’t be afraid to go generous with a texturizing spray," he says, recommending the Dove Volume and Fullness Dry Shampoo.

Hawkins also recommends Lelet's offerings, along with styles from Jennifer Behr and Epona Valley, but adds that "if you’re balling on a budget, look through bracelets or necklaces you already have and get creative with it." Target, J.Crew, and France Luxe also makes options that come in under the $20 mark if you want to test out the trend without investing in a pricier piece.

With boundless inspiration and the opportunity to DIY a cuff straight from your closet, the ponytail cuff trend is so fun to try this season. It'll effortlessly spice up a cozy fall outfit, or it'll make an entrance at all your holiday festivities. No matter how you wear the trend, one things for sure: These aren't your regular ponies.