Ariana Grande’s Hair Evolution – From Red Hair to Her Signature Ponytail

Ariana Grande Hair Then and Now — Image credit to PCGameShots

Ariana Grande is one of the biggest pop stars in the world, known not just for her powerful vocals but also for her iconic hairstyle. From her early days as a teen actress with bright red hair to her now-famous high ponytail, Ariana’s hair journey is a story of transformation, struggles, and signature style. Here’s a deep dive into how her hair evolved over the years and the real reason behind her signature look.

The Vibrant Red Hair Era – Victorious Days

Ariana Grande first gained fame in 2010 when she played the role of Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon’s Victorious. Fans immediately noticed her bright red hair, which became her signature look on the show. However, this wasn’t her natural hair color, Ariana had to dye her hair red every few weeks to maintain the vibrant shade.

At the time, Nickelodeon wanted a contrast between characters, and since Victoria Justice (the lead actress) had brown hair, Ariana was asked to go red. While the look was fun and eye-catching, it caused significant damage to her naturally dark brown locks.

Years later, Ariana revealed that years of constant dyeing made her hair extremely fragile and unhealthy. She couldn’t experiment with different hairstyles because her hair was too weak, which would later influence her decision to stick to a specific look.

Transitioning to a Natural Look – The Brown Hair Phase

When Victorious ended in 2013 and Ariana moved on to her music career, she ditched the red dye and returned to her natural brown hair. For a brief period, she experimented with different styles, including curls and half-up, half-down hairstyles.

During this time, she started gaining recognition for her music, with hits like The Way and Baby I. While her hair was no longer red, she still struggled with damage from years of chemical treatments. Fans often noticed her wearing extensions, but it wasn’t until later that she revealed why.

The Birth of the Signature Ponytail – A Practical Choice

By 2014, Ariana had fully embraced the high ponytail, a style that would soon become her trademark. In an emotional Instagram post, she explained that her hair was too damaged to be worn down, so the ponytail became a practical solution.

At first, people criticized her for repeating the same hairstyle. Many questioned why she didn’t change her look, but Ariana stood by her decision. She felt comfortable and confident in her ponytail, and eventually, it became an iconic part of her image.

She experimented with variations, sometimes wearing a half-up ponytail, a sleek version, or adding braids, but the overall look remained the same. It wasn’t just a fashion choice; it was a way for her to manage hair damage while still looking stylish.

Experimenting While Keeping the Ponytail

Over the years, Ariana subtly played with her hairstyle while keeping her signature ponytail. Some of her notable transformations include:

Blonde Ariana (2018-2019): During her Sweetener era, Ariana dyed her hair platinum blonde, giving her ponytail a fresh twist.

Super Long Extensions (2020-2021): She rocked ultra-long extensions, making her ponytail even more dramatic.

The 60s Inspired Flip (2021): Inspired by vintage hairstyles, she added a soft flipped end to her ponytail.

Despite these changes, the high ponytail remained her signature look.

The Real Reason Ariana Still Wears a Ponytail in 2025

Even though her hair has recovered significantly, Ariana continues to rock the high ponytail. In interviews, she has mentioned that she feels most confident with this hairstyle. It has become a part of her brand, just like Lady Gaga’s eccentric outfits or Taylor Swift’s red lipstick.

However, in recent years, Ariana has experimented more. In her personal life, she has been spotted with her natural curls, proving that she is comfortable embracing her true hair. Still, when it comes to performances and public appearances, the ponytail remains.

Ariana Grande’s hair journey is more than just a style transformation, it reflects her career, struggles, and personal growth. What started as a necessity due to hair damage turned into an iconic trademark. Whether she’s rocking her signature ponytail or experimenting with new looks, one thing is clear: Ariana has made her hairstyle just as legendary as her music.