Follow this step-by-step guide to recreate Ariana Grande's iconic high ponytail with precision and shine. The look balances sleekness at the crown with smooth volume at the base, and you can master it by focusing on preparation, sectioning, and finishing.
Use the reference plan below to match products, tools, time, and difficulty to your routine, ensuring you choose the right approach for fine hair, thick hair, or updates that last all night.
| Step | Goal | Tools & Products | Time (min) | Skill Level | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brush & prep | Remove tangles and boost smoothness | Boar bristle brush, heat protectant spray | 2 | Beginner | |||||
| High sectioning | Create lift at the crown | Rat-tail comb, clips | 2 | Beginner | |||||
| Smooth blowout | Set straight, glossy foundation | Round brush, blow dryer | 5 | Intermediate | |||||
| Wrap & secure | Form a tight, tall ponytail | Elastic, bobby pins | 3 | Intermediate | Finish & hold | Polish edges and control flyaways | Hairspray, edge-control gel | 2 | Intermediate |
| Full routine | Complete high-volume ponytail | All tools above | 12 | Intermediate |
Section Off the Top Layer
Begin by brushing from roots to ends to eliminate knots, then apply a heat protectant. Use a fine-tooth comb to create a clean part just above your temples, gathering only the top two-thirds of your hair into a high tail. This top section sets the height and keeps the base polished while you smooth the lower layers.
Blow Dry for Sleek Movement
Dry the lower section completely with a paddle brush, focusing on eliminating any natural curls at the nape. Concentrate airflow downward to seal the cuticle, which contributes to shine and reduces frizz. Once the hair is fully dry, release the top section and blend it smoothly over the previously dried strands before moving to the next phase.
Roll and Set for Extra Lift
At the crown, rotate the hair away from your face and roll it toward the scalp while applying tension. Secure the roll with a duckbill clip or pin curl clips, then lightly mist with a flexible-hold setting spray. Allow this to cool completely or use a diffuser on low heat so the shape locks in, giving the ponytail a structured base that looks thick from every angle.
Secure and Polish the Ponytail
Brush all hair into a high position at the back of your head, align the tail with the center of your skull, and fasten with an elastic band. Wrap a thin strand of hair around the base to conceal the band, pinning the ends underneath with bobby pins. Finish with a light mist of strong-hold hairspray and a touch of edge-control gel on the hairline for a sharp, camera-ready finish.
Master the Iconic Look
- Always start with brushed, tangle-free hair and heat protection.
- Section strategically to separate the high ponytail from the rest.
- Blow dry with tension to enhance shine and manageability.
- Roll and clip the crown section to build lasting volume.
- Secure smoothly and hide the elastic for a polished finish.
- Refresh with dry shampoo and targeted pins when needed.
- Finish with strong-hold hairspray for long-lasting control.
FAQ
Reader questions
Why does my Ariana Grande ponytail lose height by midday?
Insufficient root lift and oil buildup at the scalp often cause the style to collapse, so refresh the volume with dry shampoo and gently backcomb the crown before smoothing the surface.
How can I keep the ponytail tight without breaking strands?
Use a soft-covered elastic and avoid pulling the band too close to the scalp; instead, glide the hair smoothly into place and secure it with small, discreet bobby pins crossed at the base for support.
What products work best for fine hair that struggles to stay up?
Choose a lightweight volumizing mousse at the roots, a firm-hold hairspray, and a texturizing spray on the midlengths to create grip without weighing fine hair down or making it look greasy.
Can I recreate this look on second-day hair without washing?
Yes, focus on refreshing the roots with dry shampoo, reviving texture with a sea salt or matte spray, and strategically placing pins at stress points to maintain height and control.