The evolution of Ariana Grande's hair, from her burgundy locks to her new purple pony
In the many years she’s been a star, actor and singer Ariana Grande has entranced fans with her iconic hairstyles. For a while, she rocked the most famous slicked-back ponytail the world had ever known, only to shock fans by debuting a low pony this spring. But it hasn’t been always been a ponytail for this lovely lady. Aside from the fact that Ariana recently brought back the ’90s hair clip, she’s constantly surprising fans with her new looks.
Even though we think of her as the ponytail queen, Ariana has tried plenty of standout hair looks throughout her years in the public eye. Remember her early burgundy hair, or her dreamy Rapunzel-length locks from last year? We’ve rounded up these and more of her most legendary styles.
Let’s take a walk down memory lane and check out Ariana Grande’s hair evolution.
2011
During an appearance at Planet Hollywood, Ariana’s then-famous burgundy hair was as sweet as could be: long with soft curls and pulled half-up, half-down. Though soft and slightly messy, her hair is pulled away from her face, which is how she would come to traditionally wear it.
2012
Around the end of her Nickelodeon career, Ariana started gravitating toward a darker, more natural hair color, though she kept the same youthful style.
2013
Ariana’s slicked-back look makes one of its first early appearances in the music video for “The Way.” It’s only a slight deviation from her former look, yet much more grown-up and sexy.
2013
Ariana embraced a lighter, highlighted look at Jingle Ball in Miami. Her full curls are romantic and extra pretty, and she began swooping her bangs to the side–which she still does on occasion to this day.
2014
The slicked-back ponytail made its debut in 2014, and Ariana’s ultra-long locks add a touch of drama to the slightly retro look.
2014
Not only did Ariana Grande sport her now-famous long, highlighted ponytail at the 2014 Jingle Ball, but she topped it all off with a cat-ear headband that would also become a part of her look.
2015
Surprising beauty lovers everywhere, Ariana rocked a high, messy bun at the 2015 AMAs. It was still pulled back tight, but she has uncharacteristic fuzzies around her face that give a soft, beautiful touch. It was a pretty take on the topknot and a cool deviation from her everyday hairstyle.
2016
Ariana’s famous ponytail was on full display while she performed at Madison Square Garden in 2016. It’s tightly pulled back, super straight, and incredibly long.
2017
While Ariana’s high pony was still very much a part of her hair repertoire in 2017, there were a few variations on the theme. This fishtail braid pony is different enough to be eye-catching, but still in the realm of her signature style.
2017
While on tour in Latin America, Ariana embraced the half bun, with long, waist-skimming locks. How soft and silky does that hair look? We need her secrets. (Extensions, probably.)
2017
The first major hair change came in the fall of 2017. Ariana bleached her famously dark hair white, giving fans major Khaleesi vibes.
2018
Ariana’s hair was once again dark, back in the high pony, and as long as we’ve ever seen it.
2018
In 2018, Ariana was spotted out with then-fiancé Pete Davidson with the addition of a tiny french braid running down the top of her head leading to her high ponytail.
2018
In a now-infamous and much-memed picture, Ariana was seen enjoying a lolly with a high ponytail, her bangs tucked to the side with a ’90s-style snap clip.
2018
We’re obsessed with this icy blue look.
2018
We’re loving this lavender hair on Ariana. Not only does it perfectly fit with her new music video for “God is a Woman,” but it fits with her bubbly personality.
2018
Ariana ditched her signature high pony for a loose, low one. She added a messy side bang and waves to her hairstyle for an effortless look.
2019
In June 2019, she performed with her hair down during her Sweetener World Tour, and stans lost their minds.
2019
Ariana sent the internet into a frenzy in July 2019 when she posted a behind-the-scenes photo from a video shoot with her hair styled in a totally new way. She channeled retro vibes with a sleek black headband and dramatic volume that we’re loving. Do we spy a new signature look?
2019
Ariana’s perfect pony just went purple. It’s not the first time the singer has rocked a lavender shade (just scroll back up to her 2018 “God Is a Woman” video look), but it’s the first time we’ve seen it in her signature pony. Grande’s longtime hairstylist Chris Appleton posted this photo of the singer in her monochromatic performance look, and we’re officially in love.
We can’t wait to see what Ari does with her hair next.
QUIZ: What’s Your Red Carpet Style Personality?