Remember that two-pony hairstyle that once framed the face of many a 90’s popstar like Britney Spears back in the day? Well, like it or not, pigtails are making a major comeback.
Blame it on the quarantine boredom, what with all of the spur-of-the moment dye jobs and bang cuts (trust me, you’ll regret it!), for the need to spice up your everyday hair ‘do. And who better to turn to for some much needed hair inspiration than the queen of the pigtails herself – none other than resident Spice Girl Emma Bunton (AKA Baby Spice).
Let’s be honest there were very few who had as much influence on the decade’s beauty look as Bunton (and her posse of gal pals) or the ability to inspire major fits of hair envy with their hair alone. I mean, were you even a child of the 90’s if you didn’t recreate her iconic high pigtails at least once?
But the current styles gracing your Instagram feed is far from reminiscent of the pigtails you might have sported on the playground. Thanks to celebrities, influencers, and stylists alike, the throwback style has gotten the ultimate cool-girl update in the form of luscious, bouncy waves and slick strands.
So, if you really, really, really want to see how to try this trend out for yourself this summer, scroll down below.
The New Classic
Take pigtails from the school yard to everyday with this sophisticated and much more grown-up take on the classic hairstyle. Break out your curling iron to add a loose wave to your ponies before placing them high on the back of your head. To finish off the look, slick down those baby hairs into soft spirals with some gel and get ready to rack up the compliments.
Bring the Volume
Big hair is always a big mood! Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton brought J.Lo’s hair to new heights with layers upon layers of big, bouncy curls. To achieve this larger-than-life look, you’ll want to add in some extensions and use a large barrel curling iron on your hair before creating the tight pigtails.
Bold & Bubbly
Up your quarantine hair game with puffed-up pigtails that were just made to be Instagrammed. Totally heat-free and braid-free, all that’s needed to re-create this futuristic masterpiece is a set of clear hair bands. After you’ve divided your hair into two high pigtails, section off each pigtail with the hair band to create a bubble-like effect.
Make It a Mini
Make like Kylie Jenner and trade in your usual space buns with a set of mini pigtails for a next-level-cool version of the traditional half-up, half-down hairstyle. You’ll want to part your hair down the center before brushing your strands into two tight little pigtails at the crown of your head. Complete the look by pulling out some pieces near the front of your head to frame your face.
Beaded Bliss
When in doubt, bead it out! That’s right, break out the beads to upgrade your double pony ‘do. For this elevated bubble pony, which doubles as a great summer protective style for those with textured hair, Hairstylist Susy Oludele added Fulani braids and beads to frame the face of each adorned afro puff pigtail.
To Dye For
Bored in the house? Switch up your signature hair color for a hot new shade a la Lady Gaga to add some edge to this sometimes sweet playground style.
