This Retro High-Ponytail Tutorial Is Perfect for Party Season (And It’s Super Simple!)

We’ve been falling in love over and over with looks from the 2000s and Y2K era for a while now. But as we jump into a new season, we’re starting to look even further back to our favorite retro looks. This 1960s-inspired high-ponytail feels like a style we’ve seen on celebs like Ariana Grande and Lizzo, and definitely has classic Barbiecore vibes. 

Featuring a gorgeous swoop of hair to frame your face and a cute claw clip to give this style a little extra retro glam, this hairstyle would be perfect for a date night, a fancy event like a holiday party or wedding, or just a day of errands where you’re feeling yourself. 

High Ponytail Tutorial

Instructions:

Step 1: Start by blow drying your hair with a round brush. Brush from under your hair, shaping and bending the ends under and toward your face. 

Step 2: Set with a medium-hold hairspray and give your hair a final brush through. 

Step 3: Section out a middle piece of hair from the front of your head and swoop it to one side to create a side-part framing piece. 

Step 4: Pull the rest of your hair back and into a high ponytail close to the crown of your head. Then, secure it with a thick ponytail holder that matches the color of your hair. 

Step 5: Separate the ponytail into two pieces, one on top, and one on the bottom. Flip the top piece up and over your head. 

Step 6: Clip a small claw clip onto the point between the two sections, then smooth the top piece back over the clip, almost creating a “Bumpits” effect on the pony. 

Step 7: Gently brush the ponytail to join the two sections.

Step 8: Side your sides with hairspray and smooth using a comb or brush. 

Step 9: Feeling extra today? Add a cute hair accessory like a bow or hair comb. 

Did you try this high ponytail tutorial? Show us your retro look on Instagram or TikTok @lulus using #lovelulus and shop styles for parties, holidays, weddings, and more in our Dresses Shop!

Erin Ryser is an Atlanta-based makeup artist and hairstylist who makes beauty magic happen whether she’s glamming up brides on the big day or coming up with pretty everyday ‘dos.