The Best Back-to-School Ponytail Inspirations Featuring Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, Lizzo, and More
A ponytail, much like your favorite pair of jeans or a trusty backpack, is a necessity for any and all of your back-to-school style needs. When it comes to hairstyles that can be pulled off in minutes, or hours if you want to get precise, the ponytail, in all its many forms, is a style standby. Before you settle into a back-to-school routine, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite celebrity-inspired ways to get your ponytail game an A+.
From the always-iconic style of Ariana Grande to a sleek low bun care of Selena Gomez that can go from study hall to a night out with friends, there’s no limit to how creative you can get with the style. A new school year gives you plenty of opportunities to try out new things and take on a whole new identity, and with styles inspired by Hailey Baldwin, Lizzo, and even a newly unveiled Disney princess, we’ve got at least one part of your back-to-school prep list covered. Grab a pen and paper and get ready to take notes, because Teen Vogue is here to school you on the best back-to-school ponytails.
Jesse Grant1/9Ariana-inspired ponytail
Ariana Grande’s ponytail is the stuff of hairstyle legends. Although Ari has confessed that her signature style causes some pain, we’re thinking a back-to-school routine isn’t complete without a stylish, and much less painful version. To get this look, add some fun jeweled accessories to your head, and a touch of wave to your ponytail. You can pull your ponytail up high like Ari, and add some length via extensions if you wish.
Anadolu Agency2/9Go low
During this red carpet appearance, Selena Gomez made a case for the always-classic low bun. This is one pony iteration that will go with any of your BTS looks, and its chic but fun vibes can really bring an entire outfit together. Once you’ve tightly pulled back your hair into its lower state, you can tuck it all together into a bun or pull it out for a ponytail.
Theo Wargo3/9Or go high
Of course, you can always go much higher with your ponytail like Hailey Baldwin. This look seems a bit more fun than your average low bun, and you can always add a classic black Hailey-inspired scrunchie, or find your own Eleven-inspired hair accessory that’s pulled straight from the ’80s.
Dia Dipasupil4/9Bedazzle it
Extend your accessorizing to your hair, and bedazzle your ponytail like Ashley Graham. Hair clips are seriously on trend right now, and the ones spotted on Ashley’s hair at the Met Gala have already made their way to Sephora shelves. The best part about this trend is there’s no limit to how many or how much sparkle you decide to add. This ponytail is all about expressing your individual style, and having fun.
Juan Naharro Gimenez5/9Twist it up
Rosalía jazzed up the traditional high ponytail with some beads and braids. To create the look at home, select a few pieces of your ponytail to turn into twisted works of hair art or take a cue from the singer and add some accessories to select sections. In keeping with the Rosalía-inspired look, you could add a choker for some serious ’90s vibes and top it off with statement earrings.
Rodin Eckenroth6/9A royal topknot
Rule the halls with this royal topknot inspired by Naomi Scott. Whether you choose to embrace a lazy bun or curl pieces into an elegant updo remains entirely up to you, but don’t forget that you can always rock a half version of this trending style or leave a few wisps out for a fun frame to your face.
Victor VIRGILE7/9Stylish side part
For a quick but drastic change in your BTS look, just switch up your part. Kaia Gerber’s runway-ready ponytail featured a deep side part that kept the focus on her winged eyeliner.
Amy Sussman8/9A half pony
Marsai Martin is our entire BTS-hair mood board with this half ponytail. She kept her natural curls out, and pulled just a section of her hair into a bun that sat atop her head. Pair this look with your fave denim for an outfit made for first-day selfies.
Dimitrios Kambouris9/9Tie it with a bow
Maisie Williams’s perfect shade of purple hair isn’t necessary to achieve this fun and formal look. Pull your ponytail up to the height you desire, and then add a black bow. Like Maisie, you could take this look up an elegant notch by pulling out a few pieces and curling them.
