Some beauty trends demand a full mood board, a drawer of tools, and a prayer. The Medusa ponytail isn’t one of them!
First seen on the likes of Bella Hadid, Rosalía, and Rihanna, this braided pony has evolved into something of a modern-day power move.
It’s equal parts edgy and wearable, breezy but editorial, and (best of all) surprisingly low-maintenance. In short, it’s the ultimate summer hair flex.
Whether you’re already braiding in your mind or still wondering if it’s worth the hype, here’s everything you need to know about the Medusa ponytail—including how to pull it off like a pro.
So, What Is a Medusa Ponytail?
Visually, it’s striking: a sleek ponytail that breaks off into multiple braids—some thin and intricate, others bold and defined—snaking their way down the back in a textured, sculptural cascade. But it’s more than just a cool take on braiding.
As celebrity hairstylist Danielle Keasling told PureWow, “It cascades down like the serpent-inspired strands from Ancient Greek mythology. It’s a statement style that blends strength, creativity and individuality. Think power, texture and a touch of edge.”
And that’s exactly the energy it brings. The Medusa ponytail walks the line between softness and structure—mythical, but modern. Whether you keep it sleek and minimal or lean into full-on braid drama, it makes an impact without overcomplicating things.
Yes, You Can Pull It Off—Whatever Your Hair Type
One of the most refreshing things about this trend? It plays well with just about every texture.
Whether you’re working with pin-straight strands, natural curls, box braids, or locs, there’s a Medusa ponytail interpretation that suits your vibe.
Length isn’t a dealbreaker either. If your natural hair doesn’t offer enough for a full ponytail moment, clip-in extensions or a drawstring pony can easily fill in the gaps.
The braids themselves are fully customisable—two bold ones, or ten mini ones, depending on your mood.
How To DIY A Medusa Ponytail At Home
You don’t need a glam team to nail this look. Just a few key tools—and a little patience.
Step-by-step:
- Start with brushed, detangled hair. Use a smoothing gel or pomade to slick it back into a ponytail (high, mid, or low—your choice).
- Secure with a strong hair tie, then divide the ponytail into several small sections.
- Braid each section all the way down and tie off with small, clear elastics.
- Optional: Leave a few face-framing tendrils or micro-braids at the front for a softer edge.
- Finish with hairspray or setting mist for hold.
Pro tip: Want more drama? Add clip-in braids or hair cuffs for texture contrast. Or wrap a strand of hair around your ponytail base to hide the elastic and keep it polished.
Styling Vibes, Sorted
Depending on how you accessorise (or don’t), the Medusa ponytail can lean in many different directions:
- Off-duty cool: Clean part, minimal braids, no frills. Just good energy.
- Festival ready: Add beads, colourful elastics, or even metallic thread woven into the braids.
- Evening edge: Pair with a bold lip, structured blazer, or high-neck dress. Instant drama.
- Beach casual: Looser braids with texture spray and a bucket hat. Effortlessly undone.
Don’t Forget the Details: Accessorise (or Not)
While the braids are the main event, details can take your ponytail from good to can’t-stop-staring.
Gold cuffs, pearl pins, or even snake-themed clips (if you’re feeling literal) can dial up the visual interest. That said, the base look is strong enough to stand on its own—sometimes less really is more.
What to Expect: Longevity + Maintenance
A well-executed Medusa ponytail can last all day, especially if you prep with the right products. Use a good edge control around your hairline and finish with a humidity-resistant spray if you’re headed out in the heat.
Tight braids aren’t necessary (or advisable), so avoid pulling too hard at the scalp—comfort is key. At the end of the day, just unravel, brush out, and sleep with a silk wrap to preserve your texture if you’re planning to redo it the next day.
The Takeaway
The Medusa ponytail doesn’t ask for much—but it gives a lot. It catches eyes without trying too hard, perfect for warm-weather days when your hair needs to be out of the way but still in the spotlight.
Stylish, versatile, and unfussy in the best way, this might just be the hairstyle you keep coming back to all season.
