Celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons spills the secrets to stars’ perfect ponytails

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This slicked-back style is anything but a one-trick pony.

When stars like Jennifer Lopez and the Kardashian-Jenners want a high-impact power ponytail for a photoshoot or red carpet appearance, they turn to celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons.

"Ponytails have historically been considered a casual look, but I love doing them because I think they can be very fashion and editorial," the mane maestro tells Page Six Style, adding that it's not rare to hear gasps when the "wow factor" extensions get installed.

Even so, you needn't go to great lengths to rock the long-haired look yourself; Fitzsimons recently partnered with Bellami on an at-home, clip-in ponytail extension ($195+), which we tried out at an appointment with the expert himself.

"It is damage-free, as [it's] specifically designed not to affect the growth of your actual hair," he says of the easy-to-install look.

Bellami Shea Moisture

Whether or not you're working with extensions, Fitzsimons recommends slicking back your locks with a product like SheaMoisture Strong Hold Styling Gel ($10), which he says is "great for all hair types" and "will add shine and moisture to the hair without drying it out."

He also keeps boar bristle brushes like Denman's D82M The Finisher ($33) on hand for a "sleek, super-snatched base," plus U-shaped hair pins ($8) to keep extensions secure.

Nordstrom Amazon

In terms of hot tools, Fitzsimons swears by the GHD Platinum+ Styler ($279) for achieving that swingy "glass hair" effect.

"It's my go-to tool for perfecting and elevating straight hairstyles, leaving the hair impeccably smooth and sleek — a must for achieving a flawless, sleek ponytail," he raves.

And when it comes time for finishing touches, Fitzsimons reaches for his own haircare brand's Prism Shine Invisible Shine Spray ($16) to "make the ponytail look healthy and vibrant without weighing it down."

Ulta Beauty GHD

In addition to executing countless ponytails for the Kardashian-Jenner sisters — including a "pierced" version for Kourtney's pitch-perfect Ariana Grande Halloween costume — Fitzsimons has created his signature sleek, pulled-back hairstyles on everyone from Halsey to Shay Mitchell.

And while I typically can't make heads or (pony)tails of hair extensions, I can personally attest that the style pro's guidance has me ready to rock the look on the regular.

I tried out the sleek style for a day. Bellami/Page Six The look stayed in place for a full day at the office — and was surprisingly comfortable. Bellami/Page Six

Sporting the sky-high pony for a day made me feel ready to take on anything — including humidity, as my locks stayed sleek and frizz-free throughout the day.

And while the pony itself may be a 'tail as old as time, Fitzsimons knows it's a classic for a reason.

"[It] really highlights your facial features in a delicate and beautiful way," he says. "With its polished finish, it is the perfect quick and easy style for any occasion."

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This article was written by Hannah Southwick, Commerce Writer/Reporter for Page Six Style. Hannah spies deals on actually affordable celebrity-worn styles, puts Hollywood's favorite labels to the test and finds the beauty products that keep stars red carpet-ready. She consults stylists and industry pros — including celebs themselves — for firsthand product recommendations, trend predictions and more. In addition to writing for Page Six since 2020, her work has been featured in USA Today and Parade.