The Barbie aesthetic is making a comeback, thanks to the highly anticipated Barbie film directed by Greta Gerwig. This trend has captured the interest of many, but unlike some other trends, it is inclusive of Black hair. While the Barbie ponytail has been a long-time favorite for some, the release of the new film has sparked a surge in Barbie-inspired style. Collaborations with brands like Crocs and Aldo, as well as an increase in searches for “Barbie-inspired outfits,” have brought magenta mini dresses and rose-colored heels into the spotlight.
However, it’s Barbie’s hair that stands out the most. The high, slick Barbie ponytails have evolved over the years with slight modifications, but their inspiration still primarily revolves around the original doll and Caucasian hair types. The first Barbie doll, introduced in 1959, featured a ponytail with bumped ends and a mullet-like fringe. In the new film, Margot Robbie is seen with a revised version of the original look: a sleek half-up, half-down hairstyle with a braided low ponytail. This playful twist on a classic up-do has gained attention, leading to a significant increase in searches for “Barbie ponytail” on platforms like Pinterest and TikTok.
The hype surrounding the Barbie ponytail has given rise to new variations of the style, such as the side-swoop pony, a tightly slicked-back pony, and styles with artistic baby hairs framing the hairline. The most popular look for summer 2024 involves flicking out the ends of the hair for the full Barbie effect. However, the question arises whether this trend is inclusive for all hair types. Barbie has faced criticism over the years for lacking diversity and promoting unhealthy societal stereotypes of desirability. In response, Mattel released a line of Barbies in 2016 that aimed to represent a more diverse society.
When it comes to recreating the Barbie ponytail, it is typically easier on caucasian hair due to its malleability and fewer curls. However, many women of color have embraced the trend regardless. TikTok has played a positive role in challenging stereotypes about the versatility of certain hairstyles.
As the Barbie brand embraces a new era of inclusivity, with the film featuring dolls of various races and body types, the Barbie ponytail trend has also become more diverse. Black users on TikTok have gone viral with embellished and creative interpretations of the Barbie ponytail. While similar styles have been worn by Black celebrities in the past, this trend feels significant as it becomes part of a broader hair trend that is inclusive of Black hair.
The popularity of the Barbie ponytail is due to its simplicity. Many people are attracted to something that is simple yet fashionable. Unlike other fashion trends or self-care routines that require extra effort and new skills, creating a ponytail is something that the majority of people can easily do.
