2023 was undoubtedly the year of Barbie. After the first trailer for Greta Gerwig’s film dropped, Barbiecore took over makeup, style, nail, and hair trends. The hype for the movie was inescapable, and the lead Barbie herself, Margot Robbie, was one of the biggest proponents of the style. While promoting the film, her nails, red carpet ensembles, and everyday outfits all got pinked-out for the era as she channeled different Barbies for each event. However, lately, she has switched gears.
Probably part Barbie fatigue, part seasonal style switch, Robbie has been favoring neutrals for her last few appearances. The last time she walked a red carpet she was wearing a chic green manicure and velvet gown—definitely not something in Barbie’s closet. Though her latest red carpet look was another homage to Barbie—this time the 1964 “Black Magic” Barbie—you would never know, except for her hair.
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On November 27, Robbie attended the 33rd Gotham Awards in New York City to watch as the record-breaking film was honored with a tribute award. She posed for photos with her director, Greta Gerwig, in a head-turning all-black gown paired with a classic Barbie ponytail.
Robbie’s long blonde hair was tied up in a pony on the crown of her head. The pony was sleek and shiny, with Barbie’s signature retro flip at the end, and the elastic at the base was hidden with Robbie’s hair. The side-swept bangs gave the look the perfect Barbie touch.
Robbie paired the timeless, universally flattering hairstyle with a black Prada ensemble. The base of the look was a strapless black satin dress, which was layered underneath a sheer black cape that was the same length as the dress. She accessorized with black leather gloves, open-toed black heels, and a metallic clutch. She finished off her look with some pearl earrings and nude lipstick.
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Olivia Thompson, celebrity hairstylist and Joico ambassador, previously told us that the Barbie ponytail is exactly what it sounds like. “It’s the iconic ponytail our Barbie always wore growing up. The ponytail sits very high on the top of the head and has a hair swoop across the front.” Although Robbie’s Prada ensemble might be hard to replicate, nearly anyone can try out the Barbie ponytail.
Start with dry hair prepped with some leave-in conditioner and volumizing mousse. Then, section out the front side-sweeping bang and clip it away from the rest of the hair you will be pulling back. Then, rake the rest of your hair into a pony, positioning the base at the crown of your head. Secure the ponytail in place with a hair tie, sleeking down the front of your hair in the process.
With the pony complete, go in with gel or hairspray and slick down any bumps or crimps in your hair with a brush—making sure all your hair is even. Then, if needed, undo and redo your ponytail, continuing to slick it down with a brush and gel. Finally, curl the ends of the ponytail to get the flipped-up silhouette and secure it with hairspray.
To finish off, move back to the side-swooping bang and straighten it down as you slick it behind your ear. Using hairspray or gel, secure it in place, then boom, you will have the perfect timeless ponytail for any occasion.