Achieving the Pop Princess Pony: An Ariana Grande-Inspired Hairstyle
There is something magnetic about a woman who walks into a room with her hair pulled high and sleek, a soft curve cascading behind her like punctuation. It’s more than a hairstyle. It’s a declaration. And for an entire generation of women, that signature look—the one made iconic by Ariana Grande—does not simply say pop star. It says control, precision, polish, and power wrapped in an unapologetically feminine silhouette. The Pop Princess Pony is not about modesty. It is about mastery. And it is no surprise that this style, once reserved for red carpets and arena stages, has become a daily form of armor and expression for women all over the world.
There was a time when ponytails were the stuff of convenience, relegated to gym bags and quick updos between errands. Ariana changed that. She transformed the ponytail into a sculptural emblem of performance, of persona, of aesthetic identity. The height, the shine, the flip—it all speaks to effort, elegance, and a relentless sense of presence. No one forgets the woman in the high pony. She takes up space without raising her voice. She chooses polish over passivity. That sleekness becomes its own signature, a softness that doesn’t ask for permission to stun.
It’s easy to dismiss this style as simple, but the truth is that behind every perfect Pop Princess Pony is a sequence of choices—tools, textures, angles, and attitudes—that turn hair into an extension of personality. It is not about becoming Ariana. It is about discovering what that height and hold unlocks in you. When you pull your hair back like that, with deliberate tension and gleam, something inside you lifts. Your posture adjusts. Your eyes sharpen. Your entire silhouette elongates. It’s not an illusion—it’s alchemy.
This look is not reserved for the stage. You can wear it while running a meeting, walking into a first date, or dancing barefoot in your kitchen. It adapts. It morphs. It flatters nearly every face shape, commands attention from every angle, and brings out an edge in the softest among us. It is an instant facelift. A silent power move. And when paired with the right makeup or outfit—sharp liner, glossy lips, oversized hoops, or a blazer falling off one shoulder—it becomes a total identity moment.
There is also a ritualistic quality to creating the ponytail. Each pass of the brush, each spritz of holding spray, each wrap of the elastic carries intention. Some women braid the base first for extra grip. Others anchor it with gel and a boar bristle brush. Some flip their heads upside down and flip back up like a revival. Whatever your method, the act becomes meditative. You are literally pulling your energy up and back. You are lifting your crown and reinforcing it. That’s not hair—that’s ceremony.
And yet, while the final look is seamless, the construction takes real planning. There are layers to getting it right. Products matter. Placement matters. So does the length and volume you’re working with. Many of the most iconic high ponies you’ve seen—Ariana’s included—are constructed with the help of extensions or clip-ins. Not because natural hair isn’t enough, but because a high pony is a structural style. It’s architectural. It relies on balance and bulk to hit that perfect swing. Luckily, today’s beauty landscape offers endless tools to achieve the drama, whether you’re working with fine strands or thick curls.
But the real magic happens when the look blends seamlessly into your mood. Think about how it feels to have your hair out of your face, completely secure, but still romantic in the way it bounces. That clean hairline, those defined edges, the ponytail draped like a confident flourish—it’s like wearing your ambition. Not everyone will realize what you’re doing. But you will feel it. And it will change how you move through your day.
It’s also no accident that this look has become a staple in both performance and street style. At concerts, it’s practical. You can dance, flip, sweat, and still maintain a clean frame. On the street, it carries glam energy without requiring loose curls or complicated blowouts. It plays well with oversized hoodies, structured outerwear, latex bodysuits, and delicate lingerie tops. It’s just as much at home with thigh-high boots as it is with sneakers. The versatility is infinite. The message is consistent: I know what I’m doing, and I look good doing it.
Ariana herself has admitted that this style is more than vanity. It became a way to feel in control, especially during periods when other parts of her life felt untethered. The ponytail became a shield. A brand. An emotional regulator. It’s no wonder that so many of us adopt the same tactic when we need to steel ourselves for a challenge or channel a specific version of ourselves. This is hair as transformation. As theater. As armor. And the best part is that it’s completely within reach.
You don’t need a team of stylists or a tour schedule to pull this off. You just need a mirror, a few tools, and the mindset that you are worth the time it takes to elevate yourself. This is not about imitation. This is about reclamation. The Pop Princess Pony may have started on stage, but it belongs to anyone who wants to channel presence, precision, and feminine power with the flick of a wrist and the curve of a tail.
What you’re about to dive into isn’t just another tutorial. It’s a beauty ritual that transforms your appearance and your energy. Whether you’re prepping for a night out, a photoshoot, a power lunch, or simply a moment with yourself in front of the mirror, this guide will walk you through every step to achieve the lifted, sculpted, and showstopping look that has captivated millions.
Ready to feel unstoppable?
The steps below will walk you through the process of crafting your own Pop Princess Pony—from prep to final touch—with everything you need to shine.
Achieving the Pop Princess Pony: An Ariana Grande-Inspired Hairstyle
@hairflairaffair Get that pop star flair with an Ariana Grande-inspired ponytail! Perfect for those who want to add a touch of celebrity glam to their everyday look. #HairInspo #ArianaHairstyle #HighPonytail #GlamUp@nea.borenius #StyleInspo #PonytailGoals #BeautyTrends #ArianaGrandeLook #TikTokFashion ♬ original sound - Hair Flair Affair
Achieving the Pop Princess Ponytail is not about rushing. It’s about taking the time to sculpt something that feels as strong as it looks. This ponytail may seem simple at a glance, but every glossy sweep and polished edge is built with precision. Below, you’ll find a full, detail-rich walkthrough on how to create your own version of this iconic, high-shine, confidence-charged look. Whether your hair is long or short, thick or fine, natural or enhanced with extensions, the method can be tailored to make your ponytail stand tall and stay there.
Step 1: Start With the Right Prep
Clean hair isn’t a requirement for this look—in fact, a little grit helps with grip—but it should be detangled and manageable. If your hair was recently washed, apply a light mist of dry shampoo or texture spray at the roots to give it some hold. Use a wide-tooth comb to loosen any tangles, then go in with a paddle brush to smooth everything out. Heat protection is a must if you plan to straighten or blow dry first, so coat your strands with a heat protectant and make sure it’s evenly distributed.
For those working with natural curls or waves and aiming for a sleek result, blow drying with a round brush can help set the stage. You want your hair to be smooth and relatively flat to the scalp at the crown. If you prefer to maintain your natural texture, use curl-defining cream and stretch your curls with a low-heat dryer and diffuser before gathering them up.
Step 2: Choose Your Tools and Products
To achieve the height and clean structure of a true pop princess ponytail, you’ll need a few essential tools:
A boar bristle brush for sleekness and control
A rat-tail comb for precise parting and sectioning
A strong, thick elastic band or bungee tie for securing the ponytail
Edge control gel or pomade for the hairline
A toothbrush or edge brush for detailing
Firm-hold hairspray for setting
Optional: flat iron, curling wand, or hot brush depending on final styling
And if you want volume or drama:
Clip-in ponytail extensions
A small section of weft hair to wrap the base
Teasing comb
Bobby pins
Set your tools within arm’s reach before you begin. Once you start working your ponytail up, you want to move fluidly and efficiently.
Step 3: Create Your Base
Flip your head upside down and brush your hair upward with your boar bristle brush. This method helps you achieve height while avoiding bumps. The ponytail should sit just above the crown—imagine the highest point on your head if you were wearing an invisible crown. This position elongates the neck, lifts the cheekbones, and adds an instantly youthful contour to the face.
Once you’ve gathered your hair in your hand, hold it firmly. Use your other hand to brush out any rough spots along the sides and back. If you spot stubborn ridges or uneven tension, now is the time to correct them. Take your time here—this is the part that sets the tone for the whole look.
Use your rat-tail comb to smooth flyaways and perfect the lift at the crown. If needed, lightly spritz the roots with firm-hold hairspray and press them down with your brush to lock the shape. Once the ponytail looks tight and sculpted, secure it with your elastic. If using a bungee cord, wrap it around the base and hook both ends to ensure a strong hold.
Step 4: Conceal the Base for a Seamless Finish
No Pop Princess Pony is complete without the illusion of effortlessness. Concealing the elastic is essential to give your style that finished, photo-ready quality. Take a small section of hair from the underside of your ponytail, about a half inch wide. Wrap it tightly around the base of the ponytail to cover the elastic, then secure the end with a bobby pin tucked underneath the ponytail to keep it hidden.
To lock this section in place, mist with hairspray and press gently with your fingers to blend it into the base. This step elevates the look and makes it red carpet worthy—even if you’re just heading out for coffee.
Step 5: Sculpt the Tail
Now that your ponytail is anchored, it’s time to style the tail itself. The look you go for will depend on your vibe—super straight for sleek chic, curled for drama, or waved for a soft bounce. If you’re using a flat iron, take small sections of hair and run the iron slowly from base to ends, flicking slightly at the ends to create a gentle curve.
If you want a more dramatic wave or flip, use a curling wand and alternate directions for a voluminous, flowing texture. Be sure to comb through each curl while they’re still warm to keep them from clumping. Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray that preserves movement without making the hair crunchy.
For added volume, gently backcomb the underside of the ponytail. Hold sections straight up and use your teasing comb to build volume toward the base. Once you’re satisfied, brush just the top layer to smooth the surface. This creates that signature swing without sacrificing shape.
Step 6: Define the Hairline and Edges
This is where the pop star polish comes in. Apply a bit of edge control or pomade along your hairline using your fingertip. Then, use an edge brush or a clean toothbrush to sculpt your baby hairs. You can keep them slick and sharp or go for delicate swoops depending on your personal style.
This detail makes a dramatic difference, especially in photos or under lights. It softens the look and gives the ponytail that snatched but glamorous vibe. Once the edges are set, give them a light mist of setting spray for durability.
Step 7: Lock It In Place
To keep everything secure, mist your entire head with a strong-hold hairspray. Use your hands or the flat side of your boar bristle brush to gently press the top and sides of your hair so the spray sets without frizz. If you’re going to be performing, dancing, or just living your most extra day, go in with one more round of spray after 5 minutes for long-lasting reinforcement.
If you're styling for photos or events, lightly mist shine spray on the ponytail tail and ends. This gives that ultra-glossy finish that reads like silk in motion.
Step 8: Optional Enhancements for Extra Drama
To go full pop princess mode, consider these advanced styling tips:
Add a second elastic halfway down the ponytail and wrap another hair strand around it to create a stacked bubble effect.
Use clip-in extensions for added length or volume. Insert them before securing your final ponytail to blend naturally.
Add hair jewelry or rhinestone bobby pins at the base of the pony for glam sparkle.
Wrap a velvet ribbon or leather tie around the base and let the ends trail. It’s a stylish nod to performance accessories without feeling costume-y.
Step 9: Troubleshooting and Tweaks
If the pony feels too tight or is pulling on your scalp, slide the elastic down just a few millimeters and rewrap the base.
If your ponytail sags or flattens during the day, stick a couple of upward-pointing bobby pins underneath the base, vertically into the pony. This adds invisible lift.
Got flyaways or frizz at the crown? Rub a tiny amount of pomade between your fingers and pat gently along the top.
If the elastic slips, especially on silky hair, use a textured ponytail holder or a bit of dry shampoo at the root to create friction.
Step 10: Own the Energy
Now that your look is complete, you’ll feel the shift. There’s something about this style that awakens a version of yourself that is sharp, graceful, and unwilling to dim. It’s more than how you look. It’s how you carry yourself. When your hair is this precise, everything else starts to feel intentional too. You walk taller. You sit with confidence. You become the main character, regardless of your setting.
Whether you’re headed to a high-stakes meeting, brunch with friends, a rooftop date, or simply want to transform your Tuesday into something more cinematic, the Pop Princess Ponytail delivers. It’s high glamor with everyday wearability. It’s rooted in girlhood and elevated for grown women who know the value of looking put together—on purpose, with purpose.
The most beautiful part? You can recreate this as often as you like. With practice, your hands will remember every motion, every flick, every angle that flatters your face and expresses your style. The ponytail will stop being Ariana’s, and become entirely your own.
And once you’ve mastered the structure, you can remix it endlessly. Add texture. Braid the base. Make it bubble, twist it into a fauxhawk, or anchor it with a scarf. The silhouette is just the beginning. What you build with it is the real story.
Now that you know every technique and secret, you’re ready to craft your own pop princess moment, one brush stroke at a time.
Achieving the Pop Princess Pony: An Ariana Grande-Inspired Hairstyle
The Pop Princess Pony is more than a beauty routine. It’s a transformation ritual. It’s the quiet ceremony of sculpting your mood into a masterpiece, of taking a few strands of hair and turning them into a crown that doesn't just sit pretty—it reigns. In a world that pulls us in a million directions, this style centers you. It sharpens your silhouette, clarifies your expression, and tells the world exactly how you want to be seen.
Every brushstroke, every twist of the wrist, every flick at the ends is a choice to take ownership of your energy. And when you look in the mirror and see that ponytail sitting high, gleaming under the light, you’re not just seeing hair. You’re seeing control. Precision. A woman who crafts herself with intention.
So whether you're channeling Ariana’s glamour or simply refining your own signature edge, this style doesn’t just elevate your look—it elevates your mindset. It turns ordinary moments into entrances, routines into rituals, and hairstyles into declarations.
If you’re ready to make the ponytail your power move, the step-by-step guide below will walk you through the process from start to finish. Every tip and technique has been crafted to help you build a ponytail that holds its shape, turns heads, and makes you feel like your highest self. Let’s begin.
Step into the spotlight with “Achieving the Pop Princess Pony: An Ariana Grande-Inspired Hairstyle,” a blog post that will guide you through emulating the iconic high ponytail of the beloved pop sensation. This guide is your backstage pass to creating a hairstyle that’s as glamorous as it is recognizable. To support your styling journey, we’ve curated a list of sources, each linked by a keyword, to provide you with expert techniques and tips. Let these resources be your guide as you channel your inner pop princess.
Pop Princess Pony Inspirational Sources:
May these sources inspire you to create a hairstyle that’s as show-stopping as it is stylish. Enjoy your transformation into a pop princess!
