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

      Not long ago, Kylie Jenner stepped outside with her hair tied in a ponytail, sparking a frenzy across the internet. This prompted beauty marketers worldwide to race to rebrand this simple hairstyle into the newly coined "partless slick-back" trend. The benchmark for an elegant ponytail should arguably be the hair styled by Sam McKnight for Balmain's spring/summer 2016 show—a high, smooth look finished with a strand of hair wrapped around the elastic to conceal its structure while adding an air of intrigue. In addition to the models showcasing the peak of stylish ponytails at Balmain, I often find myself drawing comparisons to a particular model dog, Samantha. This influencer Afghan hound is a picture of elegance with her long hair and refined features, effortlessly styled with up-dos and silk scarves, demonstrating that instead of reinventing the wheel, one can simply elevate it. So grab your hair ties, as we take a look back at some remarkable ponytails!

      Beginning with the most striking for maximum effect, Guido Palau’s ponytails for Versace’s pre-fall 2019 show made pageant girls look like skinheads. Two models turned heads with oversized brunette ponytails adorned with flashy crystals, falling into the "so wrong, it’s right” category. This collection followed the 2018 tribute where Donatella Versace revived hits from her brother Gianni's archive, and she clearly continued to ride that wave into pre-fall 2019.

      You can’t mention "ponytail," let alone "big ponytail," without referencing singer Ciara. Whether braided, brushed-out, curly, or straight, she has sported them all (and with great style!). At the 2019 Met Gala, themed "Camp," Ciara showcased a ponytail created from six Afro wigs piled high on her head, complemented by a straight center part and two silver barrettes. Styled by Cesar DeLeon Ramirez, her hair soared above her and cascaded down her back.

      Now brace yourself for a bold statement: the Blond Ambition pony might not be Madonna’s finest. In my opinion, her best look is the voluminous cascade of blonde she wore with a striking blue silk Tom Ford shirt at the 1995 VMAs. Furthermore, an even more stunning version appeared in her iconic 1992 book "Sex," photographed by Steven Meisel during her peak Erotica era. That ponytail was even longer, completed with a single pair of hoop earrings. Both bouffant-like ponytails, crafted by hairstylist Garren, could very well descend from the gorgeous Sharon Tate, who fastened her golden ponytail with a black velvet bow, ending with a flawless flick.

      The plastic ring ponytail accessories seen at Dior's spring/summer 2015 show (also by the talented Guido Palau) might be due for a comeback. This style interrupted the natural flow of hair, as if someone had cut off their ponytail and reattached it in a moment of doubt. Color played a crucial role in the perception of this look: the clear and silver rings evoked a sci-fi dream, while reds, yellows, and greens had a more '60s vibe. The connection between '60s flair and futuristic themes is evident here, especially with the accompanying little beehive—don't forget those red glossy boots from that season, very much '60s space-age!

      Janet Jackson is yet another versatile ponytail wearer. She has tried every variation of the style (she really owes it to her cheekbones!). A standout Janet ponytail for me was her high, braided look at the 35th Grammy Awards, styled by celebrity braider Janet Zeitoun. Her hairstyle took center stage, paired with a crisp white suit and a matching wrap around her ponytail, perfectly tying the look together—a true masterclass in red-carpet styling.

      The high ponytail has a perfect partner: the fringe. When the tight pull lifts the face, the blunt fringe acts as a frame. This combination has been worn by icons like Nina Hagen, often cited as an inspiration by celebrity hairstylist Louis Souvestre. Nina’s hair was versatile in color yet always stylishly tousled, leaving a lasting impression on Souvestre. Variations of the fringe-and-ponytail combo were also seen with Janet Zeitoun for Janet Jackson in the "What’s It Gonna Be?!" music video, and Lady Gaga at the 2011 Grammys, where hairstylist Frederic Aspiras styled her hair messily to one side, with her bottle blonde gradually fading into a subtle coral hue.

      Souvestre also highlights the iconic high ponytail of Josephine Baker, sculpted by Jean Clément, featuring three artfully arranged rings of hair that decrease in size. This same look inspired Megan Thee Stallion's hairstyle by Kellon Deryck at the 2025 Met Gala, showcasing that this avant