Don’t get us wrong, intricate updos and loose locks are great, but there’s something effortlessly timeless about a ponytail.
Whether it’s worn sleek and low-slung, big and oh-so-bouncy or adorned with this season’s must-have ribbon bow, what used to be seen as a humble hairstyle you’d throw together to clean the house or wear to the gym has become a firm red carpet favorite.
In fact, it’s an absolute staple for many of our favorite A-listers – yes, we’re looking at you, SJP, JLo and Ariana Grande.
As hair trends go, 2024 has seen the bob (in all its various shapes and sizes!) take center stage. Big. Time.
However, the ponytail should never be dismissed because it’s always there, not really stealing the limelight, but quietly doing its thing and looking fabulous. Which is something we all want a piece of, right?
So, without further ado, here’s a round-up of eight of our favorite celebrity ponytails so far this year.
1. The Classic, Sleek Pony
When we picture Ariane Grande’s hair it’s almost always in a ponytail. It’s basically her signature look, or her ‘thing’ if you like. And wow, does she wear it well.
The ‘Positions’ singer usually rocks her iconic ponytail slicked back and worn high at the crown of her head – and we love the fact there’s often some flicky ends to give it a modern edge.
The mastermind behind her always-perfect pony is celebrity hairstylist, Josh Liu who offers this advice for anyone wanting to recreate her look at home.
“Start by tying it up loosely and applying a firm hold gel to sleek up the perimeter of the hair,” Josh explains.
“I then like to undo the ponytail, brush the product in and add some extreme hold hairspray to lock it all in place. Then secure it with Útiles Beauty The Hairtie. If you don’t have a strong, tight and secure ponytail, your pony will never be sleek.”
Noted.
2. The Voluminous Pony
Multi-textured ponies are totally our thing and this beauty, seen on Emmy Award-winning TV host and ‘Access Hollywood’ correspondent, Zuri Hall back in May is one we won’t forget fast. Zuri was hosting the Global Fund for Children’s 30th Anniversary Charity Gala in London when she stepped onto the stage in a stunning, floor-length silver dress looking every bit the star.
And that hair! Scraped back into a mid-height ponytail with her beautiful textured locks in all their glory, this pony is big, bold and so freakin’ beautiful!
The key here is to make sure you tame every speck of frizz from your hair as you slick it back and secure it tightly at the crown of your head. Try Oribe Curl Gloss Hydration & Hold to nail that.
3. The Off Duty Pony
When it comes to style gurus who keep getting better, Sarah Jessica Parker is everything. Never one to shy away from fabulous outfits but just as comfortable in low-key lounge gear, SJP is 59 years old, loving life and we love her just as much as we did in the height of her Carrie heydays (wait, did they ever end?!).
A proud advocate of her natural curly hair, SJP often embraces a ponytail and, while she’s donned many a fabulous red carpet pony over the years, this zero maintenance one is doing it for us right now. And it’s such an easy one to copy, it would be rude not to.
Simply tip your head upside down to counteract any parting you may have, then flip it back, grab your hair with your hands and tie it at the nape of your neck with a covered band. If you have straight hair, try adding a little salt spray and scrunching your pony between your fingers to add texture.
4. The Bangs ‘N Bows Pony
Megan The Stallion has become quite the hair icon this year, showing off all manner of fabulous hair colors and styles – and it’s only August! This cute look, which she showcased just a few months ago in June and which was coined ‘Sexyyy’ by fellow rapper, Cardi B was a total winner.
With straight, clip-in bangs and her hair pulled back into a ponytail of thick, tumbling curls, we loved the way her hair stylist, Kellon Deryck matched her do with her dress, finishing it off with a draping, baby pink lace bow. Bows, if you didn’t know, are having a real moment right now and add the perfect finishing touch to ponytails in any shape or form.
And Thee Stallion’s is just on the right side of cute without being too babyish.
To steal her style, check out this very similar hair bow from Revolve – but quick, it’s currently on sale so guaranteed to sell out fast!
5. The Half & Half Pony
Half-up, half-down ponies are never far from any list of current hair trends – no matter the year, or the season. And Khloe Kardashian nailed the look this summer during a trip to India with big sis, Kim and their favorite hair stylist, Chris Appleton.
Because we all take our hairdressers on vacation with us right? Ha, if only!
Like Ari’s high pony, KoKo’s look is all about shine and definition, but this time you need to leave half of your hair down to recreate her do. Use a pin tail comb to divide the top half of your hair from the bottom, starting from just above your ears and working all the way across, then comb it straight up into a high pony and secure with a band.
Wax sticks are great for this sleeker than sleek look so work Kitsch Flyaway Taming Hair Wax Stick directly onto the top section of your hair that’s combed back against your head and use your hands to smooth it down as you go. To finish, run flat irons through the bottom, loose section and finish with shine spray.
6. The Bubble Pony
Did anyone else see Salma Hayek’s hair during the Olympic torch relay for this year’s summer games in Paris, France?
As one of many torchbearers lucky enough to run with the torch, Salma went super-sporty on us for her stint, wearing a white tracksuit with the Olympic rings on the back. Well, we suppose a red carpet frock and sky-high pumps might have been a bit much!
Her hair was also very fitting for the occasion, scraped away from her face and worn in a bubble ponytail, tied with four bands down the length. This look was created by top hair stylist, Anastasia Stylianou and, we don’t know about you, but we reckon it deserved its very own gold medal.
Fancy giving Salma’s bubble pony a go? Then first, secure the top third of your hair into a high ponytail. Next, grab the rest of your hair, including the top pony and secure this into another ponytail.
Finally, grab another couple of bands (always use covered ones to reduce damage to your hair) and place these down the ponytail at regular intervals. Keep it straight and shiny like Salma’s or, to add texture, use your fingers to tease each section just below the hair tie, before moving on to the next.
7. The ‘90s Pony
If you know anything about fashion you’ll be very aware that the ‘90s are well and truly back. From spaghetti strap dresses and leather chokers to hair claws and cycling shorts, the years of mood rings and Tamagotchis has quickly overtaken the ‘80s as the decade du jour. Keep up, yeah;)
Hairstyles in the ‘90s were very diverse, but pulling fame-framing strands out of your updo was everywhere, and who better to bring this back than the gorgeous Gigi Hadid? The supermodel and TV personality showed off this cute ponytail in June while dressed in another ‘90s great, the long-sleeved tube dress!
Her ponytail was worn slightly messy and fairly high, with a center parting and a couple of pieces left loose around her face.
To do this at home, rough-dry your hair after applying mousse or styling spray for volume and texture (try Pacifica Salty Waves Texture Spray), then part it in the middle and scoop it loosely back with your hands into a ponytail at the crown of your head. Grab a small piece of hair from either side of your part and gently pull this out of your ponytail. Classic ‘90s.
8. The Textured Pony
Last, but not least we have another huge ponytail fan, Kate Beckinsale, who crushed it yet again in May, at the King’s Trust Global Gala in New York City. Her dress was really something (think white, structured and rather flesh-revealing!) but it was her hair that turned our heads.
The Pearl Harbor actress wore her shoulder-length locks in a gorgeous high pony embellished, just like Megan Thee Stallion, with a very on-trend bow. She, however, went black and silky which was the perfect way to top off her white dress – lacy would have been way too bridal!
Her hairdresser and close friend, Italo Gregorio created this look using a combination of Unite 7 Seconds Glossing Spray, U Oil and Lé:Play Hairspray for the perfect blend of shine and hold.
If you want to copy it at home, make sure to keep your hair fairly loose (not sleek) and with lots of movement, going for those all-important face-framing tendrils again. You can also make your own satin bow using good old-fashioned black ribbon.
What a gorgeous bunch! Now excuse us while we head off to perfect our ponies.
