How to Create an Ariana Grande Inspired High Ponytail With Clip-In Extensions
Cover：”Ariana Grande during The Honeymoon Tour in Jakarta 2015” by Berisik Radio.com is marked with CC0 1.0. Cropped and adapted by NEWTIMES HAIR.
Independent Styling Inspiration: This article is an independent educational styling guide inspired by a publicly documented celebrity hairstyle. NEWTIMES HAIR is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Ariana Grande or her representatives.
On January 11, 2026, the Ariana Grande high ponytail returned to the Golden Globes as she brought back her signature style. Two weeks later, on January 25, Jacquemus pushed the look further at its Le Palmier Fall/Winter show with sculptural high ponytails. The trend continued as Anya Taylor-Joy and Anne Hathaway each stepped out in their own takes on the high ponytail, at the Dior show and the London premiere of The Devil Wears Prada 2, respectively.
In January 2026, Jacquemus sent sculptural high ponytails down the runway for its Fall/Winter Le Palmier collection, offering a clear sign that the high ponytail hairstyle was back in the spotlight. Soon after, Anya Taylor-Joy at the Dior show, Anne Hathaway at the London premiere of The Devil Wears Prada 2, and Ariana Grande on the Golden Globes red carpet each put their own spin on the look, showing how a sleek high ponytail can still have plenty of movement.
At the 2026 Golden Globes, the Ariana Grande ponytail returned in its instantly recognizable dark, high-slung form. The roots were sleek and smooth, the base sat high on the crown, and the full, curled lengths created a voluminous high ponytail with soft movement. A single face-framing piece was left out at the side. Both Vogue and People described the look as the return of her signature ponytail. With its dark color, high placement, and full shape, the style also echoed her Dangerous Woman-era stage look.
Key Takeaways
- The Ariana Grande high ponytail is defined by high placement, a sleek crown, long lengths, and full, soft movement.
- Clip-in extensions can help create a longer, more voluminous high ponytail without changing the core shape of the hairstyle.
- A sleek ponytail with extensions depends heavily on placement.
- A secure base should support the added length and weight without relying on excessive tension.
- Natural blending is just as important as extra length or volume.
“Ariana Grande during The Honeymoon Tour in Jakarta 2015” by Berisik Radio.com is marked with CC0 1.0.
The Anatomy of the Ariana Grande Signature Ponytail
(Ariana Grande’s 2026 Golden Globes look was created by hairstylist Alyx Liu. The breakdown below of her signature high-ponytail structure draws primarily on professional techniques previously shared publicly by stylists such as Chris Appleton and Aaron Light. It is intended only to explain general high-ponytail and hair-extension techniques. It does not imply that these stylists worked on this specific look, nor does it claim to reproduce Ariana Grande’s actual installation method.)
Ponytail Placement Creates the Signature High Silhouette
Chris Appleton has noted that the overall feel of a ponytail starts with where it sits. Ariana Grande’s signature ponytail is typically secured near the crown, shifting the visual focus upward to create a lifted effect around the eyes while emphasizing the cheekbones and jawline. A high base, sleek crown, and long high ponytail extending back from the head work together to create her instantly recognizable profile.
Concealed Attachment Points Keep the Silhouette Sleek
Much of the polish in Ariana Grande’s signature high ponytail comes from the smooth, uninterrupted shape running from the hairline to the crown. For a sleek ponytail with extensions, proper weft placement and direction are key to keeping clips hidden and preventing visible bumps at the crown. Attachment points should be staggered around the planned ponytail base and fully covered by natural hair, adding volume without disrupting the silhouette. In tutorials on creating high ponytails with extensions, Chris Appleton has recommended layering the extensions to reduce the chance of attachment points becoming exposed when the hair is brushed upward. With clip-ins specifically, placement should also be adjusted based on clip direction, weft width, and how much natural hair is available for coverage.
A Secure Base Supports Added Length and Weight
Once extensions are added, the extra length and volume place more load on the ponytail base. Aaron Light uses a bungee hair tie with hooks to control the direction and tension more precisely. A well-built base should keep the ponytail high while distributing the weight, rather than relying on excessive tension to keep it from dropping.
Balanced Density and Consistent Texture Create Natural Movement
The impact of Ariana Grande’s signature high ponytail comes not only from its length, but also from a full midsection, substantial ends, and the way the ponytail moves as she walks. For stylists asking how to add volume to a ponytail without making it look heavy, natural hair and extensions should match in color, straightness or curl pattern, and shine, while the overall weight needs to stay balanced so the ends do not look too thin and the ponytail does not become stiff.
How to Re-Create an Ariana Grande-Inspired High Ponytail With Clip-In Extensions
(The exact extension method used for Ariana Grande’s high ponytail has not been made public. The technique below is not a reconstruction of her actual styling process. For stylists learning how to do a high ponytail with extensions, the salon-friendly approach below uses clip-in extensions to achieve similar length, volume, and overall shape.)
Step 1: Plan the Placement and Leave Enough Natural Hair for Coverage
If you’re learning how to do a ponytail with clip-in extensions, start by deciding where the finished high ponytail will sit. Leave enough natural hair around the hairline and ears to cover the clips and section lines. Keep the clip-ins an appropriate distance from the hairline, and leave a thin layer of natural hair between neighboring wefts so the attachment points are not exposed.
Step 2: Layer the Wefts in the Direction of the Ponytail
Lightly backcomb the roots where needed and apply a small amount of hairspray for grip. Skip backcombing on fragile, bleached, color-damaged hair, or hair experiencing active shedding. For clients with average head size and moderate density, a single-piece clip-in extension may provide enough length and volume.
For larger heads, lower density, or a fuller high ponytail, add smaller wefts from a full set strategically to build density without concentrating too much hair in one area. Stagger the wefts around the planned ponytail base based on head shape, natural density, and weft width. Angle or invert some pieces so the hair naturally follows the direction of the ponytail. After each layer, make sure every clip is secure, comfortable, and fully concealed before adding the next section.
Step 3: Smooth the Hair and Secure a High, Stable Base
To secure a high ponytail with extensions, brush the natural hair and extensions in sections toward the same high ponytail anchor point, checking that the crown stays smooth and no clips are visible. Wrap a hooked bungee hair tie around the base to keep the ponytail high and stable. If the ponytail starts to sag or the scalp feels uncomfortable, reduce the extension weight or redistribute the wefts instead of pulling the base tighter. This type of high clip-in ponytail is better suited to photo shoots, performances, or short-term wear. If there is pain, persistent pulling, or discomfort around the hairline, reduce the extension weight immediately, lower the ponytail, or reposition the extensions.
Step 4: Conceal the Base and Blend the Texture
Take a small section of hair from underneath the ponytail and wrap it around the hair tie and attachment area. Secure it with a bobby pin, or use a light mist of hairspray and a blow-dryer to help the ends lie flat. Then blend the natural hair and clip-ins in sections, straightening or curling them to the same finish and checking that the color, shine, and shorter layers transition naturally. Use low to medium heat within the product’s recommended temperature range and apply a heat protectant first. Keep hot tools away from the clips and attachment areas.
An Ariana Grande-inspired high ponytail is not simply about making the hair higher, tighter, or longer. The finished look depends on balancing ponytail placement, concealed attachment points, base support, and seamless blending through the lengths and ends. The right clip-ins can add length and volume, but a natural-looking result still comes down to color matching, weight control, and careful installation.
Create a High Ponytail Clients Will Remember
A standout high ponytail is about more than adding length. The right color match, density, and lightweight movement can turn a basic ponytail into a polished, distinctive, celebrity-inspired look. Explore NEWTIMES HAIR Clip-In Extensions, or contact our team for product recommendations tailored to different hair colors and styling needs.
