The XXL ponytail hair trend is the sleekest up-do of the moment, and it's so effortless

It's official, updos are headlining this winter because party season look doesn't always have to stop at Hollywood waves and the XXL ponytail hair trend might just be taking over. As restrictions start to get tighter, we are being selective on the events we will show face to, and quite frankly we don't blame you. However, one thing is for certain, whether you're still attending the work Christmas party, or a small gathering with your designated bubble, we are here to serve you with all the hairstyle inspo you may need.

Our take? If you're going to put the effort into an updo, go LARGE. And, we're not the only ones who think so...

XXL ponytails are one of the biggest trends in 2021. They're cool and a little more laidback than a fancy chignon or complicated braid, but they're also mega glam. They also happen to be everywhere this season.

The good news is, you don't necessarily need waist-length hair to pull the style off. We're still fan-girling over the Ariana ponytail trick that blew up TikTok. The secret? Two tactically stacked ponytails (one high, one middy) to give the illusion of even more length.

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We tried the TikTok hack for longer-looking ponytails that promises to give you the Ariana Grande updo of your dreams (without extensions)

No need for extensions ever again.

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If you're after a sky-high, ultra long  XXL ponytail hair, celeb hairstylist, Chris Appleton recommends flipping your head upside down to get it as high as you can and to eliminate bumps, ensuring it's super snatched. And for extra height, he suggests adding a second hairband half an inch up from your original hair tie to give it extra oomf.

Elsewhere, extensions can help create an endless ponytail in seconds, without having to wait around years for your hair to grow out. Chris recommends adding any extensions onto the second hair tie (mentioned above). And to make it look pro, take a small section of your pontail and wrap it around the base to hide any hair ties. We've been living for the inspo from Beauty Works and Luxy Hair.

Of course, you can put your own signature spin on things, whether you're a fan of a poker straight, super sleek pony, or a voluminous, boho rendition.

We've lined up loads of our faves to get you inspired...

Sleek and knotted

You don't need much, just a neat knot and bone straight hair, for a polished finish.

Low and middle-parted

Having your ponytails low will of course add the illusion of length, add sleek middle parting, for some extra va va voom.

Brushed out and voluminous

Volume, volume, volume. This is how you compromise, by adding XXL in width not in length.

Braided

Knottless braids are so versatile. Use one braid to wrap around the rest of the braids for a relaxed ponytail with lots of length.

Booty length

Let the hair touch the top of your crown all the way to your hips!

Wavy mane pony

Give your hair lots of body through loose mermaid waves with max volume.

XXL Pigtails

Why have one when you can have two with a side of parting?

Part plait, part pony

Volume at the top and party at the back.

Sky high and braided

Check out these jet black braids half-up half-down for maximum length.

Sky high Locs 

Use your locs for that sky-high ponytail that is sexy and playful.

Hollywood waves

It's party season afterall, keep it Hollywood glam.

Bubblebraid Max

The bubble ponytail that had Summer 2021 on a chokehold.

Ankle Length Braid

Let your hair touch your ankles…

For more from GLAMOUR's Deputy Beauty Editor, Elle Turner follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk.

For more from Glamour UK Beauty & Features Assistant Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona