20 trending ponytail packing gel style ideas for a glamorous look

20 trending ponytail packing gel style ideas for a glamorous look

People have long used their hairstyles as a means of self-expression. Ponytail packing gel styles are becoming increasingly popular among ladies. These trending ponytail packing gel style ideas showcase women's distinct sense of style. Explore the variations of the style and how to wear them.

Women with various ponytail packing gel styles
Ponytail packing gel in various designs. Photo: @ainaoluwatosin.emmanuella, @sthembiso.stheshy.1, @KeamogetsweKMakola on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • Since the 1980s, packing gel styles have been popular and stylish.
  • Some of the best trending ponytail packing gel ideas include; packing gel with crisscross braids, packing gel with accessories and Afro-packing gel styles.
  • Packing gel should last for 48 hours so that your hair can remain healthy.

There are several ponytail-packing gel styles to try. The list below has been inspired by the trendiest ponytail-packing gel hairstyles as provided by various sources on the internet.

1. Packing gel with crisscross braids

Packing gel with crisscross braids
Ladies with gel hairstyles and crisscrossed braids on the side. Photo: @BeautyBeauty on Facebook, @asoebiguest (modified by author)
Source: UGC

To get this look, separate your hair in half horizontally into equal sections and then vertically into as many parts as you would like to apply. Although you may use the crisscross pattern on the entire front area of hair, it typically looks better on a smaller portion.

2. Packing gel with accessories

Packing gel with accessories
Ladies with gel hairstyles and some accessories. Photo: @poppy.seipatimhlotsany, @BellagenteBeautyParlour on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

This is one of the top trending packing gel hairstyles. The look incorporates one or two cornrows or box designs created with little rubber bands. It is then accented with metal beads or other mane decorations.

3. Barbie ponytail

Barbie ponytail style
Two ladies are wearing a lovely Barbie ponytail. Photo: @sincerehair22 on Instagram, @ShakerraBuckley on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

This look is obtained by utilising an extension curled at the tip or manually twisting the extension at the end. The best look will depend on the weaves or extensions you are using.

4. Packing gel with braids

Packing gel with braids style
Ladies showcasing their high ponytail braided style. Photo: @ammicable_empire, @dr_sammyy on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

In this hairstyle, the hair is braided, totally or partially, into a high or standard ponytail, and the weave or extension is inserted. The extension can also be woven to make it appear more natural. This is one of the popular looks among the latest packing gel styles in 2025.

5. Half-up, half-down style

Half-up, half-down style
Two African ladies with a half-up gel hairstyle. Photo: @call4hairs, @shop_layitnow on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

This look is elegant and sophisticated. For this style, the hair is separated horizontally, the rear portion is fashioned into cornrows, the weave is put into it, and the front part is made into a regular ponytail. It is one of the best packing gel styles for round faces.

6. Pigtails

Pigtails
Two kids with a lovely pigtail style. Photo: @ghanaweb, @spacehair.byabby on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

In this design, the hair is divided into equal halves, and an extension is applied to each section. This style is most popular among naturalists, although there is also a version for individuals with relaxed hair. This is one of the simple packing gel styles you can do at home with proper practice.

7. Low ponytail

Low ponytail packing gel style
Two African ladies are wearing lovely low ponytail hairdos. Photo: @stayglam, @rissyoliver (modified by author)
Source: UGC

This style is essentially the inverse of the high ponytail, with all your hair collected towards the rear of your head rather than the front. This hairstyle features fringe when adding an afro bun, making it ideal for the natural hair crew. People with relaxed hair may also pull off this look.

8. Ponytail with swoop

Ponytail with swoop packing gel style
Two ladies with black swoop ponytails. Photo: @jaydexpinz, @swoopponytails on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

This gel hair style differs significantly from the standard ponytail. The hair is parted on the side, and the part with the most hair is gelled and combed forward, forming a circular shape at the forehead.

9. Packing gel hairstyle with kinky hair

Packing gel hairstyle with kinky hair
Lovely gel styles with kinky extensions. Photo: @naturalgirlwigs, @heblessedqueens (modified by author)
Source: UGC

When choosing hair attachments to add to your packing gel hairdos, there are several things to consider. The two most common hair extensions or attachments used to pack gel are the straight weave and the kinky extension.

Compared to packing gel hairstyles with refined weaves, kinky packing gel hairstyles appear more natural.

10. All black with a short extension

All black with a short extension packing gel style
African ladies with black hairstyles and short extensions. Photo: @hairbymj, @Ponytailspecialist on Instagram (modified by author)
Source: UGC

This style exposes more of a woman's face while highlighting her inherent attractiveness. It is ideal for any event, especially gatherings like weddings. The hairdo is relatively light because of the short extension.

11. African pondo with gel style

African pondo with gel style
African girls with a lovely pondo style. Photo: @RethabileMafole, @Hairandbeautyhub on Facebook (modified by author)
Source: UGC

This is one of the most versatile gel hairstyles, as you can design with different extensions. It has piqued the interest of several black female celebrities. They occasionally hit red carpets with this trendy packing gel hairdo.

12. Sleek high ponytail with braided extension

Sleek high ponytail with braided extension
Ladies with high-braided ponytails. Photo: @kaybeefashionstyles, @Doseofdior (modified by author)
Source: UGC

This design is ideal if you find day-to-night appearances more complex. After washing and drying your hair, use a boar bristle brush to untangle your strands fully. Put your hair in a high ponytail at the rear of your head and add a plait extension after straightening the top and sides of your head.

13. Packing gel hairstyle with curly weave

Packing gel hairstyle with curly weave
Women with curly, weaved hairstyles. Photo: @kaybeefashionstyles, @braidedhairstyles (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Curly weaves are among the trending ponytail packing gel style ideas for weddings. The advent of packed gel hairstyles with curly weave came about because some women thought the straight weave hairstyles were dull.

This is among the best ponytail-packing gel styles with kinky weave that can make you stand out from the crowd.

14. Packing gel hairstyle with straight weave

Packing gel hairstyle with straight weavon
African women with straight weaves. Photo: @kaybeefashionstyles, @kaybeefashionstyles (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Older women with relaxed hair frequently like the packing gel hairdo with straight weave, which is seen as more sophisticated. The straight weave or straight hair extension is put on the hair after it has been packed into an updo to offer it a long tail.

This look is also a great option for anyone looking for trending ponytail packing gel style ideas for long hair.

15. Packing gel hairstyle with attachment

Packing gel hairstyle with attachment
Ladies with low curly attachments. Photo: @kaybeefashionstyles, @thattsniajah (modified by author)
Source: UGC

One of the methods to style your short hair is to employ the use of attachment. Ponytail packing gel styles with attachments offer a more voluminous and longer appearance.

16. Ponytail with side bangs

Ponytail with side bangs packing gel style
Two beautiful ladies with high ponytails and side bangs. Photo: @truegloryhair (modified by author)
Source: UGC

A ponytail with side bangs is one of the best gel hairstyles for ladies. To create the illusion of a natural extension of your locks, the fringe in this style is slicked down and fastened to the side of the head rather than the front.

17. Bridal packing gel

Bridal packing gel style
The ladies are rocking a lovely bridal packing gel. Photo: @indiquehair, @nownAsNy (modified by author)
Source: UGC

One of the best ponytail-packing gel styles for weddings, this stunning bridal gel hairstyle with kinky weave will keep you gleaming while providing you with that lovely appearance all day. So, having it on your wedding day is a good idea. Feel free to accessorise the style with any hair accessory of your choosing.

18. Centre parted gel style with a curly low ponytail

Centre parted gel style with a curly low ponytail packing gel style
African ladies with centre-parted gel styles. Photo: @kaybeefashionstyles, @indiquehair (modified by author)
Source: UGC

A conventional centre-parted gel hairdo with a curly low ponytail is created by laying hair on rollers and drying it to produce waves and curls. This look is best accomplished with newly washed and moisturised hair and may be done with or without a finishing lotion.

19. Afro-packing gel style

Afro-packing gel style
African ladies with chunky afro extensions. Photo: @naturalgirlwigs, @atsavvy (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Afro packing gel styles are a terrific look for kinky hair and are easy to achieve. Elongated knots are used in this style by wrapping portions of hair around itself to make it tight.

The knots are covered with gel and dried overnight. The result is a beautiful texture and voluminous hair. This look is among timeless packing gel styles with Brazilian wool.

20. Side braids with gel styling

Side braids with gel styling
Two ladies with lovely side braids. Photo: @sveltemag, @hadviser (modified by author)
Source: UGC

This gel style will make you look stunning and radiant, so going for it on your special day will be a good decision. You can experiment with French or loose braids.

What's the best gel to use for a ponytail?

You can try Afro for a fuller look or straight hair if you want less volume. Alternatively, you could curl the end of the ponytail for a sophisticated look.

Which hairstyle is best for a ponytail?

The looks above are among the best options for a ponytail if you want to use packing gel. On the other hand, you can get Ghana weaving styles or box braids with a ponytail.

How long can packing gel last?

Hair styling gel can hold your look for anywhere between two days to a full week, depending on the specific product and how it is applied. If you are using gel regularly, it is best to shampoo your hair at least every 48 hours to maintain scalp and hair health.

Ponytails are having a major moment, with a variety of styles rising in popularity. Sleek high ponytails, bubble versions, and tousled, textured looks are among the favorites. Braided and twisted ponytails are also enjoying a stylish resurgence.

Which gel is good for ponytails?

For a flawless ponytail, opt for a firm-hold gel that offers excellent control and sharp definition without leaving residue or flaking. Popular choices include Eco Style Olive Oil Styling Gel and Redken Max Sculpting Gel, both praised for their strong grip and sleek, polished finish.

What face shape looks best with a ponytail?

A high, smooth ponytail tends to enhance oval and round face shapes, whereas a low, sleek ponytail suits long and oval faces nicely. Ponytails worn at mid-level heights often flatter square and heart-shaped faces. Due to their versatility, oval faces can confidently rock a wide range of ponytail styles.

What ponytail makes you look younger?

Wearing a high, polished ponytail can create a subtle lifting effect that highlights your cheekbones and adds a youthful glow. By sweeping the hair away from the face, this style brightens your features and gives a fresh, rejuvenated look.

Above are some of the best trending ponytail packing gel style ideas for a glamorous look. Packing gel hairstyles are among the simplest techniques that African women can achieve. The style looks good on relaxed and textured African kinky 4c hair. All you need to achieve this look is hair styling gel and extensions.

Yen.com.gh recently released a fantastic list of twist hairstyles for men. Men's haircuts are frequently uncomplicated, yet they may also be stylish and sophisticated. The best hairstyles for guys are low-maintenance and require little styling labour.

Two-strand twists are easy to maintain and may last for weeks. Your hairstyle may seem as lively as possible for an extended amount of time with periodic moisturising and a thorough nighttime regimen.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Tatiana Thiga avatar

Tatiana Thiga (Lifestyle writer) Tatiana Thiga is a content creator who joined Yen in 2022. She is an English literature graduate from Kenyatta University. She has amassed sufficient knowledge working on a variety of topics, including biographies, fashion and lifestyles, guides, and more. In 2023, Tatiana finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can reach her at tatianathiga@gmail.com

Sharon Boit avatar

Sharon Boit (Lifestyle writer) Sharon J. Boit is a creative writer and researcher with over 10 years of experience. She began her career as a project manager and researcher at the Center for Urban Research and Innovations, University of Nairobi. Sharon has written articles and blog posts for MSN News, Ihamba Adventures, and Industry Biz. She joined Yen.com.gh as a Lifestyle Writer in October 2024, covering entertainment, sports, education, and finance. You can reach Sharon J. Boit by email at boit@gmail.com.

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