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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Jess Cartner-Morley

From Barbie to England’s Lionesses, the ponytail celebrates feminine energy

Barbie Lioness England TikTok Tom J Johnson
‘The ponytail’s latest incarnation is as part of the clean-girl aesthetic.’ Photographer: Tom J Johnson. Styling: Melanie Wilkinson.
‘The ponytail’s latest incarnation is as part of the clean-girl aesthetic.’ Photographer: Tom J Johnson. Styling: Melanie Wilkinson Photograph: Tom J Johnson/The Guardian

Until this summer, footballers’ haircuts were all about fades and braids, undercuts and bleached tips. Jack Grealish’s curtains, Mario Balotelli’s mohawk, David Beckham’s gelled spikes. But when football finally came home it was wearing a swishy blonde ponytail.

Captain Leah Williamson, Chloe Kelly, Alex Greenwood and Ellie Roebuck were just four of the Lionesses who made a ponytail their signature look at the Euros. On the magic day of the final, ponytails bounced through Wembley as England pogoed in delight.

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