MENU
SEARCHCheck out these inventive styles on celebs like Nicole, Jennifer, and more.
Summer officially kicks off this weekend with Memorial Day, and one hairstyle in particular is sure to make its triumphant return to a sidewalk near you: the ponytail.
The classic look is often thought of as a necessity in warmer weather or as a last resort for a bad hair day. But celebs and starlets have shown on the red carpet just how much impact a perfect pony can have on an overall look with some seriously inventive and not-at-all boring styling. Check out these recent ponytails that caught our eye and use them for inspiration for your next special occasion style.
Getty Images
Nicole Kidman
Nicole sky-high and perfectly polished pony was the talk of the red carpet at Cannes, with its tightly pulled back chignon and frizz-free, sky-high top.
Salon tip: David Babaii tweeted recently "Higher pony's are flattering & pull features up, accentuating facial angles & contours." Keep this in mind when consulting with a client on an updo style.
WireImage
Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer is no stranger to a high ponytail--the extra sleek and chic one of hers is practically iconic--but this look may go down as one of the sexiest ponytails of all time. Tongues were wagging for this voluminous and textured style to make for a fun and flirty look for a night out.
Salon tip: Ever use dry shampoo in your updos? It can provide some needed grip for freshly washed strands, says Joico's Damien Carney.
AFP/Getty Images
Kate Beckinsale
This one is borderline updo, but there's just enough of a bouncy tail to make it count, here, right? We're in love with this style from Kate, the queen of the romantic and elegant updo, and it's the perfect style to recreate for a client looking for a slightly edgy and not-too-done-up look for the occasion.
Salon tip: Shine is key in copy-catting one of Kate's looks. Suggest a shine spray for your client to take with her and use on-the-go throughout her evening.
WireImage
Olga Kurylenko
We love a classic look with a modern twist--and literal twists. The Oblivion star rocked this simple, sleek pony with a side part and the added detail of two large twists on either side of her head. Definite head-turner.
Salon tip: Uh, hairspray. A good one. Keep an eye out for the new Oribe Thick Dry Finishing Spray launching in June.
Celebrating 60 years in haircare, Dippity-Do is honoring its styling heritage with its Girls with Curls collection, a reimagined Light Hold Gelée inspired by the brand's original 1965 styling gel.
Covet & Mane has expanded its Pro Color System with the launch of Color Boost Drops, completing what the company says is the first professional color system engineered specifically for hair extensions.
The 2026 Beauty Changes Lives Legacy Award has been awarded to Sam Villa for his trailblazing contribution, advocacy and mentorship that has profoundly transformed and elevated the professional beauty industry.
CND is relaunching its SHELLAC system with a new CND Visible Light Lamp, updated packaging, and an expanded shade offering.
Curl Cult founder Janine Jarman, a hairstylist, salon owner, educator, and product creator, is opening a community investment round that gives hairdressers and clients the opportunity to own a stake in the company they helped grow.
The night honored the artists and collections shaping the future of professional beauty during PBA NAHA 2026.
The ultra-lightweight, handle-free dryer is designed to reduce wrist strain while delivering powerful performance behind the chair.
Aura Salonware is proud to announce its 2026 scholarship recipients. This first-time scholarship in partnership with the Professional Beauty Association awarded three different scholarships to support beauty professionals at every point in their professional journey.
SalonCentric has announced its expansion into Alaska, marking the distributor’s presence across all 50 states and bringing additional access to professional beauty products, education and business support to licensed salon professionals in the region.
The 2026 Faces of Sola Visionaries encompass industry leaders driving innovation and meaningful change on their own terms.
Though their Astronaut of Hope collection of brushes and clips, ERGO Styling Tools raises $33,000 to support HairToStay, the first and only national nonprofit dedicated to making scalp cooling treatments affordable for cancer patients.
A new professional smoothing collection designed to help stylists control frizz and humidity while maintaining natural-looking results.
At the America’s Beauty Show press conference—hosted in collaboration with Cosmetologists Chicago—these standout professionals were recognized for their contributions to the industry.
A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.
A new report criticizes the regulations' impact against students and entrepreneurs.
As rich red-violet tones continue trending, the brand introduces two new demi shades designed for depth, shine, and dimensional color.
amika's new Stylist Circle is a community-first model designed to reflect and support the full spectrum of today's working stylists. Find out how you can join.
