Zoë Kravitz, Madonna, and Lauren Conrad: These Are the Most Legendary Ponytails Ever

      Not long ago, Kylie Jenner stepped outside with her hair styled in a ponytail, causing quite a stir online. In response, beauty marketers globally began a rush to promote this seemingly simple hairstyle as the new and supposedly enhanced "partless slick-back" trend. The epitome of a sleek ponytail could arguably be found at Balmain’s spring/summer 2016 show, where Sam McKnight showcased hair that was high, smooth, and elegantly finished with a strand wrapped around the elastic band for added intrigue. The models at Balmain's show set the standard for showcasing exceptional ponytails. When I think of great hair, I also recall a particular model dog named Samantha. This influencer Afghan hound, with her graceful long hair and elegant demeanor, showcases effortless updos and silk scarves, demonstrating that there's no need for innovation when adjustments can elevate a classic look. So grab your hair ties, because it's time to revisit some memorable ponytails!

      Beginning with a significant statement, Guido Palau’s ponytails for Versace’s pre-fall 2019 show made even pageant girls look understated. Two models captured attention with oversized brunette ponytails adorned with flashy crystals, perfectly embodying the "so wrong it's right" aesthetic. This collection followed the 2018 tribute to Gianni Versace's archive, showcasing that Donatella was still inspired by that momentum for pre-fall 2019.

      You can't discuss ponytails, especially large ones, without mentioning singer Ciara. From braided to brushed-out, curly to straight, she's done it all (and with flair!). At the 2019 Met Gala, themed "Camp," Ciara featured a ponytail crafted from six Afro wigs placed high on her head, complemented by a straight center part and two silver barrettes. Created by Cesar DeLeon Ramirez, her hair rose high and flowed down her back.

      Now, brace yourself for this bold opinion: I believe Madonna's Blond Ambition pony is not her finest. In my view, her best look is the voluminous cascade of blonde she wore with a blue silk Tom Ford shirt at the 1995 VMAs. She even showcased an even more stunning version of this pony in her iconic 1992 book "Sex," photographed by Steven Meisel during her Erotica era, featuring longer hair and simply a pair of hoop earrings. Both bouffant-like ponytails designed by stylist Garren could be seen as descendants of the classic beauty, Sharon Tate, who styled her golden ponytail with a black velvet bow and a perfect flick at the end.

      The plastic ring ponytail accessories from Dior's spring/summer 2015 (also by the renowned Guido Palau) seem poised for a resurgence. These styles created an interruption in the hair's natural flow, as if someone's ponytail had been abruptly cut and reattached in regret. The colors used significantly influenced the perception of this style: the clear and silver rings evoked a sci-fi vibe, while the vibrant reds, yellows, and greens offered a more '60s aesthetic. The connection between the '60s and futuristic styles remains evident, particularly emphasized by the accompanying beehive hairstyle that accompanied the abstract ponytail. And let's not forget the red glossy boots from that season—a true nod to the '60s space-age theme!

      Janet Jackson also exemplifies the versatility of the ponytail. She has sported nearly every version of the style, which would be a disservice to her striking cheekbones not to. One of my favorite Janet ponytails is the high, braided look she showcased at the 35th Grammy Awards, crafted by celebrity braider Janet Zeitoun. Her hair and beauty took center stage against her crisp white suit, beautifully finished off with a matching wrap around her ponytail—a true masterclass in red-carpet styling.

      The high ponytail pairs beautifully with a fringe. The tight pull may lift the face, while the blunt fringe serves as a framing element. This combination has been worn by icons like singer Nina Hagen, whose ever-changing hair color and carefree style left a notable influence on celebrity hairstylist Louis Souvestre. Variations of the fringe-and-ponytail duo were also seen with Janet Zeitoun for Janet Jackson in the "What’s It Gonna Be?!" music video, and with Lady Gaga at the 2011 Grammys, where hairstylist Frederic Aspiras styled her hair in a messy look that transitioned to a slightly coral-toned bottle blonde.

      Souvestre also references Josephine Baker’s high ponytail, which was designed by Jean Clément and featured three sculpted rings of hair decreasing in size—a true iconic style. This same image inspired Megan Thee Stallion’s hair at the 2025 Met Gala, illustrating that this avant-garde look has remained a part of fashion’s collective inspiration since its introduction in 1951 at the Havana Club, showcasing how hairstyling can reach artistic levels beyond just runway presentations