25 Iconic Celebrity Ponytails: Styles, Inspiration, and Secrets to Get the Look
Discover the ultimate guide to celebrity ponytails—explore 25 iconic looks, styling tips, and how-tos for your next statement hairstyle.
Ponytails have evolved far beyond their gym-class roots to become one of the most stylish and versatile hairstyles embraced by celebrities worldwide. From red carpet events to Instagram posts, the humble ponytail is constantly being reimagined. In this guide, discover 25 iconic celebrity ponytails, learn expert styling tips, and get inspired to recreate each look at home—whatever your hair type or vibe.
Table of Contents
- Nicole Richie: Bouffant Glam
- Lady Gaga: Supersized High Ponytail
- Selena Gomez: Sultry Side Pony
- Jennifer Hudson: Sleek & Glossy
- Julianne Hough: Effortless Texture
- Anne Hathaway: Messy Chic
- Emma Roberts: Versatile Vibe
- Karolina Kurkova: Plaited Detail
- Jessica Szohr: Punked-Up Pony
- Angelina Jolie: Luxe Frame
- Demi Moore: Goddess Curls
- Amanda Michalka: Hollywood Glam
- Ariana Grande: Signature High Pony
- Victoria Beckham: Low Slung Sleek
- Fergie: Bubble Ponytail
- Bella Hadid: Retro Snatched
- Hailey Bieber: Barbie Pony
- Kendall Jenner: ’70s Inspired
- Simone Ashley: IRL My Little Pony
- Kim Kardashian: Ultra Sleek
- Zendaya: Voluminous Curls
- Gigi Hadid: Textured Height
- Beyoncé: Braided Ponytail
- Kylie Jenner: Color Pop
- Blake Lively: Effortless Quirk
Nicole Richie: Bouffant Glam
Nicole Richie set red carpet trends with her voluminous bouffant ponytail featuring a blunt fringe and twisted sides for an ultra-glam look. This style is perfect for formal events where you want maximum impact.
- Backcomb the crown before pulling hair into a high ponytail.
- Twist the sides for dimension and secure with pins or elastics.
- Add a fake fringe if you don’t have one for that edgy finish.
- Spritz with holding spray for all-night volume.
Lady Gaga: Supersized High Ponytail
Lady Gaga takes the high ponytail to the extreme, adding maximum volume and drama. It’s a look that’s bold and unapologetic, perfect for standout moments.
- Gather hair at the crown using a strong-hold elastic.
- Tease the ponytail for sky-high oomph.
- Wrap a section of hair around the base to hide the band.
- Clip-in ponytail extensions for extra length and weight if needed.
Selena Gomez: Sultry Side Pony
Selena Gomez channels sultry elegance with her side-swept ponytail. It’s versatile for both evening occasions and daytime events.
- Wave hair first for body – curling tongs work best.
- Sweep all hair to one side and secure below the ear.
- Take a thin strand of hair and wrap it around the elastic to finish.
- Let a few curled strands fall around your face.
Jennifer Hudson: Sleek & Glossy
Jennifer Hudson makes a case for long, high-shine ponytails at major events. Invest in hair extensions to achieve a truly deceptive length.
- Blow-dry hair straight and apply a glossing serum.
- Pull back into a mid- to high ponytail; use a fine-tooth comb for a smooth surface.
- Clip-in extensions at the base as needed for drama.
- Finish with extra shine spray for a healthy look.
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Julianne Hough: Effortless Texture
Julianne Hough goes for cool-girl messy with volume and texture. Perfect for festivals or a relaxed brunch.
- Lightly backcomb roots and sprinkle dry shampoo throughout.
- Gather hair at mid-height, but don’t smooth it too much.
- Let some pieces fall out around the hairline for lived-in breeziness.
Anne Hathaway: Messy Chic
Anne Hathaway proves ponytails can be delightfully unpolished. A backcombed root and finger-scraped hair create a casual, bad-hair-day saver.
- Backcomb at the crown for subtle lift.
- Use your hands to pull hair into a medium ponytail; avoid brushing.
- Spray with a flexible hairspray to hold the undone style.
Emma Roberts: Versatile Vibe
Emma Roberts demonstrates how ponytail height and texture truly transform your look. Low pony with fringe is sweetly feminine, while a high, straightened pony exudes confidence.
- Decide the mood: low and loose with a fresh, girlish vibe, or high and tight for adult glamour.
- Pair with softly swept or pin-straight fringe for added versatility.
Karolina Kurkova: Plaited Detail
Karolina Kurkova keeps it supermodel-sleek by weaving a braid around the base of her ponytail—proof that small details make a big impact.
- Form a small three-strand braid with a section of hair near the nape.
- Secure your pony tightly with elastic, then wrap the braid around to hide the base.
- Fasten with bobby pins and smooth down flyaways.
Jessica Szohr: Punked-Up Pony
Jessica Szohr puts a rock-star twist on the classic ponytail with spiky ends and a disheveled fringe.
- Backcomb the ponytail length slightly and spray for hold.
- Let your fringe fall loose and uneven for that grungy finish.
- Wear it sleek for polished days, messy for adventurous nights.
Angelina Jolie: Luxe Frame
Angelina Jolie‘s red carpet ponytail is luxe and romantic, with soft tendrils framing the face.
- Pull hair into a medium-low ponytail, keeping the overall look smooth.
- Leave out thin face-framing sections and lightly curl them.
- Use color-matched extensions for fullness if desired.
Demi Moore: Goddess Curls
Demi Moore evokes Grecian goddess vibes with flowing, curled ponytails styled with a wand.
- Curl hair thoroughly using a curling wand.
- Gather all hair at mid-level, letting curls cascade down the back.
- Finish with lightweight hair oil for shine.
Amanda Michalka: Hollywood Glam
Amanda Michalka channels Old Hollywood with a low ponytail, swept over one shoulder and styled in soft, luxurious waves.
- Part hair deeply on one side, wrap hair over opposite shoulder.
- Add soft, brushed-out curls for that vintage effect.
Ariana Grande: Signature High Pony
No list of celebrity ponytails is complete without Ariana Grande‘s iconic super-high pony. Slicked, bouncy, and powerfully feminine, it’s a signature statement.
- Blow-dry and straighten hair, then slick back with gel for a glassy finish.
- Position pony at the crown, secure tightly, and wrap hair around the base.
- Use extensions for length and drama.
Victoria Beckham: Low Slung Sleek
Victoria Beckham epitomizes understated elegance with her polished low ponytail—effortless and sophisticated.
- Centre part hair and smooth with a shine serum.
- Secure the pony at the nape and keep flyaways in check with hairspray.
Fergie: Bubble Ponytail
Fergie‘s playful bubble ponytail brings a fun, contemporary edge to any outfit. It’s easy and eye-catching.
- Secure hair in a high ponytail.
- Add elastics every 2–3 inches down the length, gently pulling each section into a “bubble.”
Bella Hadid: Retro Snatched
Bella Hadid leads the retro revival with her snatched ponytail, complete with flipped ends and a chic side part.
- Deep side part using a tail comb.
- Swoop hair up high, tease the base for height, and flip ends out with a straightener.
- Wrap hair around the base, pin side-swept bangs back, and spritz for hold.
Hailey Bieber: Barbie Pony
Hailey Bieber stuns with a Barbie-inspired ponytail—think bouncy, soft, curled ends and a pretty bow accessory.
- Apply mousse to roots for lift.
- Sweep hair up into a high ponytail; tease the base for volume.
- Flip pony ends out with a straightener.
- Top off with a bow or ribbon for that picture-perfect finish.
Kendall Jenner: ’70s Inspired
Kendall Jenner revisits 1970s glamour with a low, centre-parted ponytail and curtain bangs. This look is timeless and easy to dress up or down.
- Part hair in the middle, separate bangs, and brush back over ears.
- Pull into a loose, low pony; let front pieces hang softly.
- Finish with texture spray for a modern feel.
Simone Ashley: IRL My Little Pony
Simone Ashley channels playful energy by teasing her hair at the crown and gathering it into a low, soft ponytail with a bouffant effect, proving that a whimsical ponytail can feel grown-up.
- Tease roots for lift and shape.
- Gather hair at the nape, ensuring smoothness at the crown.
- Lightly curl ends for bounce.
Kim Kardashian: Ultra Sleek
Kim Kardashian is known for her slicked, ultra-sleek ponytails that draw attention to facial features and flawless hair health.
- Use a flat iron for perfectly straight hair.
- Apply gel and comb into a high or low ponytail, smoothing every strand.
- Wrap a small piece of hair around the band for added polish.
Zendaya: Voluminous Curls
Zendaya embraces her natural curls with high-volume ponytails that show off rich texture and movement.
- Add curl cream while hair is damp and diffuse dry.
- Sweep curls up high for a playful, anchor-of-attention look.
- Shape curls with your fingers for an even, bouncy silhouette.
Gigi Hadid: Textured Height
Gigi Hadid achieves maximum impact with tousled body at the roots and a slightly messy pony, perfect for runway or every day.
- Start with dry shampoo for lift at the crown.
- Pull back loosely, leaving face-framing strands for softness.
Beyoncé: Braided Ponytail
Beyoncé‘s signature braided ponytail is both bold and practical, ideal for high-energy events.
- Ponytail secured high, then plaited tightly along the length.
- Wrap the finished braid with metallic or jeweled accessories for added flair.
Kylie Jenner: Color Pop
Kylie Jenner shakes things up with brightly colored ponytails—think pastels, neons, and ombre effects. Ponytails are a great way to experiment with color without full commitment.
- Use colored extensions or temporary spray color.
- Opt for high or low—just make sure to let the color shine.
Blake Lively: Effortless Quirk
Blake Lively‘s ponytails are deliberately imperfect—think loose, tousled, and full of movement.
- Finger-comb hair into ponytails to keep the natural texture.
- Incorporate loose braids or knots for an undone effect.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I make a ponytail look more voluminous?
A: Tease the crown, use volumizing powder or dry shampoo at the roots, and consider clip-in ponytail extensions for instant fullness.
Q: How can I hide my hair tie in a ponytail?
A: Separate a small section from your ponytail, wrap it around the elastic, and pin it underneath with a bobby pin for a seamless look.
Q: What should I do to keep my ponytail sleek all day?
A: Use a gel or smoothing serum when pulling hair back, and finish with a strong-hold hairspray to set the style and control flyaways.
Q: Is it okay to wear a ponytail every day?
A: Yes, but vary your placement and tension to avoid stress on your hairline or breaking strands.
Q: Can I achieve these looks with short hair?
A: Many styles can be adapted—use extensions, creative pinning, or focus on front and side details to fake length and fullness.
Celebrity Ponytail Comparison Table
| Celebrity | Ponytail Feature | Best For | Accessories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nicole Richie | Bouffant volume, blunt fringe | Glam events | Faux bangs, volumizer |
| Lady Gaga | Extremely high, dramatic volume | Performances, parties | Extensions, extra strong band |
| Selena Gomez | Side-swept, soft curls | Date nights | Barrettes, curling wand |
| Bella Hadid | Flipped ends, side part | Fashion statements | Flat iron, pins |
| Hailey Bieber | Bouncy, bow accessory | Gala, playful shoots | Bow, ribbon |
| Kendall Jenner | ’70s low, curtain bangs | Classic, understated | Texture spray |
| Kylie Jenner | Color accents | Experimentation | Colored extensions |
Expert Styling Tips for the Perfect Celebrity Ponytail
- Refresh Day-Old Hair: Ponytails hold better on hair that hasn’t been freshly washed. Use dry shampoo for volume and grip.
- Optimize Height: Higher ponytails lift the face; lower ponies create a softer, more sophisticated impression.
- Hide Hair Ties: Always wrap a small section of hair around the band for a red carpet feel.
- Protect Hair: Avoid using the same tight elastic daily—switch it up to prevent breakage.
- Add Extensions: For length, drama, or to switch styles instantly, use clip-in ponytail extensions in your shade.
Conclusion: Find Your Ponytail Personality
From voluminous bouffants and braided lengths to polished low ponies and whimsical accessories, the celebrity ponytail is endlessly adaptable. Experiment with heights, textures, and embellishments to discover your own signature—there’s a ponytail for every personality, occasion, and mood.
References
- https://hairextensions.co.uk/blogs/stranded-blog/7-celebrity-ponytail-styles-get-the-look
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/celebrity-hair-makeup/g2287/Celebrity-ponytails/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/celebrity-hair-makeup/a43481249/simone-ashley-my-little-pony-hairstyle/
- https://beachwaver.com/blogs/blog/tagged/cosmopolitan
- https://www.whowhatwear.com/90s-celebrity-hair
- https://gb.readly.com/magazines/cosmopolitan-uk/2024-05-21/664863ac193b83f3b7df8c49
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