Welcome to TressNails.com! I’m Ella Kohn, and I’m so excited you’re here. There’s nothing quite like the energy of cheerleading, right? And we all know a fantastic cheer pony is a must for hitting those routines with confidence. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about keeping your hair out of your face so you can focus on tumbling and stunts. A good cheer pony needs serious volume, height, and hold. Over the years, I’ve seen and tried so many different ways to get that perfect look. That’s why I put together this guide. I want to share my favorite tips and tricks with you. We’re diving into 21 different cheer pony styles. Get ready to find your ultimate pony power!
21 Cheer Pony Styles for Volume, Height, & Hold
Alright, let’s get into the good stuff! I’ve rounded up 21 awesome cheer pony styles for you to try. We’re starting with some simpler options and working our way up to the ultimate look. Each one has tricks to help you get that perfect volume, height, and hold. Get ready to find your new go-to style!
21. The Low & Sleek Pony
Sometimes simple is best, especially for certain routines or younger cheerleaders. A low and sleek cheer pony is super clean. It keeps hair out of the way without a lot of fuss. To get this look really smooth, I always add a little anti-frizz serum before brushing it back. It makes a big difference in keeping flyaways down so you look polished.
20. The Bubble Pony
The bubble pony is just so fun and adds a playful vibe. You make a regular pony and then add elastics down the length, puffing out sections in between. It gives a cool textured look. Using clear elastics makes it look seamless, like magic bubbles! It’s surprisingly secure too for how cute it is.
19. The Side Swept Pony
A side swept cheer pony can look really elegant. It’s a great choice for routines that have lots of turns or floor work because it moves beautifully. Just gather your hair to one side and secure it low or mid-level. I like to use a few bobby pins discreetly along the hairline to keep it locked in place.
18. The Twisted Pony
Adding twists to your cheer pony gives it extra texture and visual interest. You can twist sections from the front and bring them back into the pony, or twist pieces within the pony itself. It’s a simple way to make a basic pony look more special. A light hold hairspray helps keep those twists defined but not stiff.
17. The Criss-Cross Pony
The criss-cross detail at the base of your pony adds a cool pattern and extra security. You take small sections of hair and wrap them alternately over and under the base elastic, crossing them in the back. It looks intricate but is pretty easy. Keeping the sections small makes the criss-cross pattern stand out nicely.
16. The Braided Base Pony
Starting your cheer pony with a braid at the base is a smart move for stability and style. You can do a French braid or a Dutch braid leading back into your ponytail. It adds a secure anchor and looks really sharp. A simple three-strand braid works perfectly and is easy to do quickly.
15. The Half-Up Half-Down Pony with Volume
For cheerleaders who like some hair down but still need control, a half-up half-down pony is great. Adding volume to the half-up section is key here. Tease the crown before gathering that top section into a pony. It gives you height where you need it while letting the rest flow.
14. The Teased Crown Pony
This style is all about getting major height right at the top. Before you even make the pony, you tease the hair at the crown of your head. This creates a cushion of volume. Then, gather your hair into your pony, smoothing the top layer gently. A fine-tooth comb is your best friend for this teasing technique.
13. The High Pony with Wrapped Base
The classic high cheer pony gets an upgrade with a wrapped base. After securing your pony, take a small section of hair from underneath and wrap it tightly around the elastic. This hides the band and gives a polished finish. Use a bobby pin that matches your hair color to secure the end of the wrapped piece underneath the pony.
12. The Double Pony
If you want your pony to look thicker and longer, try the double pony trick! You create two ponytails, one above the other. The top pony covers the base of the bottom one, making it look like one super full pony. It’s fantastic for those with thinner hair. Make sure the ponytails are aligned vertically for the smoothest look.
11. The Volumized Low Pony
Even a low ponytail can have great volume! Instead of just pulling hair back flat, use techniques like backcombing the roots before gathering the hair. Or, spray volumizing product throughout before styling. It gives a more understated volume compared to a high pony but still looks full and healthy.
10. The Sleek High Pony
For a sharp, clean look, the sleek high pony is unbeatable. This requires getting the hair at the crown and sides perfectly smooth before securing it high on the head. Use a strong gel or edge control product along the hairline and brush it back tightly. It’s a powerful, focused look.
9. The Ponytail with Face-Framing Pieces
Leaving out a few pieces of hair around your face can soften a high-energy cheer pony. Just section out two small pieces near your temples before gathering the rest of your hair. You can leave them straight or give them a slight curl. It adds a nice touch and gives a little movement around your face.
8. The Ponytail with Undercut Braid
Want something a bit edgy? Try adding a braid underneath your cheer pony. This usually involves braiding a section of hair at the nape of your neck upwards into the base of the pony. It adds a cool detail that’s visible from the back. Keep the braid tight so it stays put during your routine.
7. The Crimped Pony
Crimping your hair before creating the ponytail adds incredible texture and volume. Use a crimping iron on sections of your hair before gathering it into a pony. It gives a fun, retro vibe and makes the ponytail look much fuller. Always use a heat protectant spray before using any hot tools!
6. The Ponytail with Accessorized Base
This is where you can really show off team spirit! Once your cheer pony is secure, add a large bow, ribbons, or a scrunchie in your team’s colors around the base. It’s a simple way to add flair and match your uniform. Make sure your accessory is secured firmly so it doesn’t go flying during a stunt!
5. The High Pony with Extensions
For maximum drama and length, clip-in extensions are a game-changer for your cheer pony. You can add so much volume and length Instantly. Blending them is key – make sure the color and texture match your natural hair well. Place the clips strategically under sections of your own hair before gathering the pony.
4. The Ponytail with Backcombed Length
This technique focuses on making the actual ponytail itself look huge. After securing your pony, take sections of the ponytail and backcomb them gently from ends towards the base. This creates incredible fullness. Use hairspray layer by layer as you backcomb to hold that volume in place.
3. The High Pony with Bump
This is a classic cheerleading look! You create a defined “bump” of volume at the crown before pulling the rest of your hair into a high pony. You can use teasing or a tool like a bump-it underneath a smoothed layer of hair. It gives great height and that iconic cheer silhouette.
2. The Extreme Volume Pony
This style pulls out all the stops for the biggest cheer pony possible. It often involves combining techniques like teasing the crown and the length, using volumizing products generously, and sometimes adding extensions. It’s for those high-energy routines where you want your hair to make a statement. Layering strong hold hairspray is essential to keep this beast in place!
1. The Power Pony
Okay, this is my top pick, the ultimate cheer pony! The Power Pony has it all: maximum height, incredible volume, and bomb-proof hold. It sits high on the head, right at the crown or slightly above, giving you that powerful lift. You achieve this with a combination of aggressive teasing at the roots and potentially using a volumizing spray throughout. I always use a super strong elastic and often add a few bobby pins around the base for extra security. Then, I backcomb the length of the pony for fullness and lock it all in with a heavy-duty hairspray. I remember watching a team nail their nationals routine, and every single pony was a perfect Power Pony. They looked so unified and strong! It’s the style that stays put no matter how many flips or stunts you do.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheer Ponies
Got questions about getting your cheer pony just right? You’re not alone! Here are some common things people ask me.
How do I make my cheer pony stay up?
Use a really strong elastic first! Then, add bobby pins strategically around the base, pushing them in towards the center. Finish with a generous amount of strong hold hairspray all over.
What products are best for cheer ponies?
I swear by strong hold hairspray for locking everything in. Gel or edge control smooths down any flyaways. Volumizing spray adds oomph, and dry shampoo gives roots extra grip before styling.
Can I do these styles with short hair?
Some styles like the half-up pony work well. For others, especially high ponies, clip-in extensions are your best friend for adding the needed length and volume. You can definitely adapt!
Ready to Rock Your Cheer Pony?
Now that you have 21 awesome cheer pony ideas, it’s time to start practicing! Don’t worry if the first few tries aren’t perfect. Finding the right style and technique for your hair takes a little time. Experiment with different products and placements to see what gives you the best volume, height, and hold. The most important thing is feeling confident when you step onto the mat or field. Your cheer pony is part of your performance look! You’ve got this!
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