How to rock a high ponytail like Ariana Grande

Emily Ratajkowski (left) pulls a power move with a sleek ponytail that's the tip-top of chic, like Ariana Grande's signature hairdo.

Ariana Grande’s signature gravity-defying ponytail is not without sacrifice. The singer recently took to Twitter to commiserate with fellow star Camila Cabello, sharing that she’s “in constant pain always” thanks to the heavy style.

While rocking a back-grazing ponytail through a concert tour seems difficult, pulling it off for a night out, say stylists, is not as tricky (or agonizing) as it appears.

“It’s a go-to look for me, especially if you want to wear your hair up and there’s a lot going on with your outfit,” says celebrity hairstylist and Kérastase ambassador Jennifer Yepez, who recently gave Emily Ratajkowski a sky-high pony. “It adds a sexy touch,” she says, making it perfect for parties.

Yepez starts by prepping damp hair with a handful of mousse (try Living Proof Full Thickening Mousse, $28 at Sephora) for volume, and a spritz of heat-protecting spray, such as Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat & UV Protective Primer ($28 at Sephora). Next, she blows hair straight with a round brush, then coats strands with Kérastase Laque Couture ($28 at Sephora). “This spray is also great to use — with a toothbrush — for taming baby hairs around the hairline or nape of the neck,” says Yepez.

Once hair is dry and straight (curlier types might need a few passes with a flatiron), it’s time to pull hair up and back. “I always draw a line from my client’s chin to the crown of the head to find the exact spot to place the pony,” says Yepez. “Following this line will give the appearance of the ponytail pulling up, accentuating the face profile.” Translation: ultra-defined cheekbones. Secure hair with a strong tie (Invisibobble bands, $8 at Sephora) and smooth strays into place. Run a flatiron over ends, and finish with a few drops of hair oil, such as Verb Ghost Oil ($16 at Sephora).

Short hair? No problem. “Most celebrities use hair extensions,” says Yepez. She suggests using clip-ons toward the nape of the neck. Or, opt for an extension specifically for ponytails, and tuck it in once you’ve gathered hair at the top of your head. Popular among stylists are clip-ins from the Hair Shop, which run between $135 and $205 depending on length and color.

As for enduring the type of pain that Grande and Cabello deal with, that’s hard to predict. “Some people are more sensitive to the tight ponytail, or their head is a bit tender,” says Yepez. If you feel a tug at the front of the scalp, try moving the pony closer to the top of the head. The other option: sucking it up in exchange for a subtle face-lift. Says Yepez, “Most of my girls like to feel the pull!”