Beyoncé's Much-Admired Met Gala Ponytail Was Totally Unplanned, Created in an Elevator
💁

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, goer to wherever the wind blows, changed her mind.
On her way down to the car that would whisk her away to the Met Gala, to party with other couture-clad famous people, the nonchalant thrower of wrenches into plans vetoed the "Asian-inspired" chignon she was originally supposed to wear, hairstylist Neal Farinahtold Us Weekly.
"She looks at me and says 'Neal, I want to change my hair, will you change my hair?' And I said, 'Honey, there could be cameras in the elevator.'" [Editor's note: Farinah mentally packed a go-bag and moved to Montana shortly after those words left his lips.] "She says, 'You have five minutes.' And I said, 'Girl, what do you want me to do with the hair?' And she wanted a high ponytail. With Beyoncé, she looks at herself and she says, 'This isn't right, let's change it.'"
And Beyoncé said, "Let there be the highest, bounciest, longest-lasting ponytail in follicular history," and there was the highest, bounciest, longest-lasting ponytail in follicular history.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Chelsea Peng is a writer and editor who was formerly the assistant editor at Marie Claire. She's also worked for The Strategist and Refinery29, and is a graduate of Northwestern University. On her tombstone, she would like a GIF of herself that's better than the one that already exists on the Internet and a free fro-yo machine. Besides frozen dairy products, she's into pirates, carbs, Balzac, and snacking so hard she has to go lie down.
-
The Scent of the Summer Is a Little Bit Pool Water, Plus a Lot of Swimsuit Lycra
Vacation’s new body mists are coming in hot.
By Samantha Holender
-
In 'Sinners,' Music From the Past Liberates Us From the Present
In its musical moments, Ryan Coogler's vampire blockbuster makes a powerful statement about Black culture, ancestry, and art.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Kendall Jenner Has the Last Word on the Best Travel Shoes
Leave your ballet flats in your checked bag.
By Halie LeSavage
-
Everything You Need to Know About Marie Claire’s Skin and Hair Awards
Could your brand survive an editor testing session?
By Ariel Baker
-
The 11 Best Spring Makeup Trends Are Sexy, Sensual, and Perfectly Luminous
It's dew or die time.
By Jamie Wilson
-
Simone Ashley’s Indie Sleaze Glam Is a Cool-Toned Dream
The actor was spotted in New York City looking like the epitome of cool-toned beauty.
By Ariel Baker
-
The 10 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2025, Tested by Editors
Expensive and healthy-looking hair on lock.
By Marisa Petrarca
-
New York Fashion Week’s Fall/Winter 2025 Best Beauty Moments Are a Lesson in Juxtaposition
The week's best beauty looks were a maximalism master class.
By Ariel Baker
-
Nécessaire's Extra-Strength Deodorant Outlasts an Editor's Sweatiest Test: Fashion Week
Even with my hectic schedule, I've never smelled better.
By Halie LeSavage
-
Lily-Rose Depp’s Cool-Toned Makeup Is So ‘90s Coded
Clean girl meets grunge.
By Ariel Baker
-
The 15 Best Foundations for Mature Skin, Tested by Women Over 50
It's perfect for mature complexions.
By Siena Gagliano