Hair

The Jawline Rule Is The Secret To The Perfect High Ponytail

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Rose Hartman

A high ponytail can be transformational. Elegant and timeless, the look isn’t just about pulling hair back – it also brings a slight lifting effect to the face for a “snatched” look. We’ve seen it on Madonna (it was the signature look for her Blonde Ambition Tour in the ’90s), Naomi Campbell, Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, and more.

But how do you get the perfect sleek, face-snatching high ponytail? When creating your ponytail, factors to consider include the shape of your face, your hair length and texture, but also where you gather the hair. In fact, you should take a look at where your jaw is to find the best placement.

Called “The Jawline Rule”, start at your jawline and draw an imaginary diagonal line that continues the upward trajectory above the ears and toward the back of the head. This is the exact spot where you should gather your hair into a ponytail. This allows the hair to be positioned just above the occipital bone, enhancing the cheekbones and chin. Instant lift!

Madonna, 1990.

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Naomi Campbell, 2003.

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Ariana Grande, 2016.

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Claudia Schiffer, Chanel couture autumn/winter 1995.

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Beyoncé, Met Gala 2015.

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Selena Gomez, 2024.

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