A Look Back at Ariana Grande's Biggest Hair Moments (2024)

It's safe to say that Ariana Grande has the world's most recognizable ponytail. But while her signature updo has informed the bulk of the pop star's career, Grande's hair evolution has included a myriad of colors, textures, and styles. What began as a mane of natural brunette curls morphed into a stint of red-tinged interpretations before Grande's entry into the ombré realm, followed by blonde morphing to brunette and back again.

Still, the ponytail provides endless inspiration. Grande's updos are all about high-on-the-head placement paired with long, full lengths. They essentially moonlight as bombshell blowouts, with sleek finishes and cheeky details accenting them along the way. Grande's hair evolution currently culminates in a dreamy blonde donned for her forthcoming film, Wicked, before transforming into a standout platinum shade worthy of full-time wear.

Below, scroll through 29 of Grande's most memorable hair moments.

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Natural Ringlets, 2008

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Grande kicked off her career with a mane of natural curls in her naturally raven brunette. Her ringlets were worn raked and tousled for maximum volume.

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Ironed Red, 2009

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A burgundy phase began with a pin-straight, medium-length red, worn parted and pinned to one side in true aughts fashion.

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Burgundy Mane, 2011

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Extra-long lengths are a hallmark of Grande's and a trend that began with this mane of extended burgundy.

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Half-Up Hair, 2012

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Pulled into a half-up style with bangs secured, Grande's red lengths take on a polish that factors into her beauty approach from this point forward.

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Soft Waves, 2012

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Grande's first brush with long, glossy brunette was shaded a rich espresso. The look featured the same pinned-back fringe favored in years past.

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Gilded Crown, 2013

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And so begins the pop star's penchant for the high-slung updo. This partial pony is sweetened by a gilded and bedecked accessory.

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Side-Swept Bangs, 2013

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Rather than abandoning the '00s side bang entirely, Grande keeps the face-framing fringe sleek, secured neatly in place, and coupled with honey blonde highlights.

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Baby Blonde, 2013

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An icy winter day is offered warmth and lightness via a mane of soft baby blonde, the shade grounded by brunette roots.

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Mod Mane, 2014

A Look Back at Ariana Grande's Biggest Hair Moments (9)

Grande's tie-up is the most quintessential when worn high on the head. This version offers a touch of subtle texture via a finger-raked crown.

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Butterscotch Brunette, 2014

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This cascade of caramel curls toes the line between updo and full-on mane, its brushed-up fullness furthering the tawny hue.

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Blonde Blowout, 2014

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An updo that doubles as a shoulder-spilling blowout? A normal occurrence for Grande and her over-the-top pony.

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Feline Finish, 2014

A Look Back at Ariana Grande's Biggest Hair Moments (12)

Trading a headband for a set of cat ears feels like the correct choice for Grande, who is a fan of cutesy, well, everything.

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Loose Lengths, 2014

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On the rare occasion that Grande does wear her hair down, she does so with aplomb. This center-separated style showcases her glamorous ombré color.

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High Pony, 2015

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Though not yet at its final height, this look finds Grande's brunette pony inching toward its peak position.

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Space Buns, 2015

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Grande's take on the space buns has a cutesy, animal-ears quality, a variation befitting of the pop star's sensibilities.

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Full Fringe, 2016

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While Grande is typically a fan of slicked-back styles, this pony benefits from a full cut of rounded, lash-grazing fringe.

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1980s Ode, 2016

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The pop star ponytail gets an '80s-inspired overhaul via a polished, blown-out bang and soft crimped texture throughout.

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Woven Details, 2016

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This extra-high ponytail features details that demand a closer look, from hair wrapped around the base (a favorite of Grande's) to a trio of delicate braids segmented throughout the crown.

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The Ari, 2017

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This high and highlighted ponytail is emblematic of Grande in every way.

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Icy Blonde, 2018

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Another performance, another ponytail. This one is blonde, exaggerated, and finished with soft waves that offer an extravagant, almost doll-like appeal.

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Bow Bun, 2018

A Look Back at Ariana Grande's Biggest Hair Moments (21)

Once a silhouette is cemented, the hair itself is superfluous. For the 2018 Met Gala, Grande finished a slicked knot with an exaggerated bow, the tails of which mimicked her usual pony.

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Ultra-High Ponytail, 2018

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Worn high atop the head and left to swing straight down her back, this extra-long pony is all about its blown-flat finish.

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Adorned Updo, 2019

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A gleaming headband supplied a stage-ready adornment to this Coachella-ready look.

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Bombshell Blonde, 2020

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While some of Grande's ponytails make their visual impact through length, others (like this one) are defined by fullness. A freed piece at the front harkens back to the pop star's past side bangs, chicly reimagined.

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Midi Pony, 2021

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Taking the ponytail down a notch—aka to midi level—and shading lengths deep chocolate creates a luxurious look that's striking and timeless.

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Y2K Tendrils, 2021

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A pair of face-framing pieces lend this slicked raven updo a chic, playful early-aughts air.

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Monochrome Pony, 2023

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Grande's turn as Glinda in 2024's Wicked mandated a bright blonde dye job that the pop star has embraced wholeheartedly. This pony proves the power of a single-tone moment.

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Sweet Ringlets, 2024

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Some updos are remembered for their romanticism rather than their dramatics. Such is the case with these buttery bleached curls, secured in a saccharine updo and paired with strategic wisps.

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Ethereal Blonde, 2024

A Look Back at Ariana Grande's Biggest Hair Moments (29)

Though her blonde may have been adopted for a role, Grande has made it entirely her own. The color coincided with the release of her fourth studio album, Eternal Sunshine, and shifted to suit her aesthetic.