The sleek high ponytail — a hairstyle many are used to pulling together in a couple of minutes before heading out — is returning to fashion this season as a full-fledged part of celebrity looks. According to lifestyle publication WAVE, the trend is actively showcased by celebrities on red carpets and at social events: from strict sleek styles to voluminous looks with soft waves and face-framing strands. The exact same base shape is now interpreted differently depending on height, texture, and accessories.
Sleek Ponytail as an Evening Look Accent
The strictest version of the trend was shown by Kim Kardashian and Dua Lipa. Kardashian appeared with a high sleek ponytail at the Rome Film Festival, while Lipa chose the same hairstyle for the premiere of the musical 'Lincoln in the Bardo' at the Metropolitan Opera. Both options emphasize facial features and look understated yet expressive, without distracting from the outfit and makeup.
Volume, Waves, and a Hint of the 1970s
A different approach was demonstrated by Jenna Ortega in London: her hairstyle, featuring a hint of 1970s aesthetics, stood out with soft volume around the face. According to the publication, this reflects a general trend toward more natural textures instead of overly fixed styling. In the same vein, but focusing on an expressive silhouette, actress Rachel Sennott wore a high voluminous ponytail at the Emmy Awards — an option that visually highlights the neckline and adds lightness to the look.
Accessories and 'Relaxed' Options
Sarah Jessica Parker attended the New York City Ballet gala with a very long ponytail decorated with pink ribbons that echoed the romantic details of her Simone Rocha dress — an example of how accessories turn a simple hairstyle into part of a complex evening look. Princess Kate of Wales opted for a sleek ponytail with wavy ends at an official event, which looked less formal than her usual loose hairstyles, while Grace Gummer completed her evening look with a concise low ponytail at the Emmy Awards in September 2026.
How to Replicate the Trend at Home
The main advantage of this hairstyle is its simplicity. For a sleek effect, it is enough to comb the hair, gather it at the desired height, and fix it with a styling product. For a more relaxed option, you can create light waves beforehand, avoid pulling the hair too tight, and slightly pull out strands at the temples. A high ponytail goes best with evening dresses and expressive makeup, a low one with minimalist looks, and for a festive appearance, the elastic band can be wrapped with a thin strand of hair or given extra volume.
