You probably remember the look. It was everywhere. High, tight, pulled to the side, and anchored by a bow so large it looked like it had its own zip code. For years, the jojo siwa pony wasn't just a hairstyle; it was a global brand. It was the uniform for millions of "Siwanators" who wanted to channel that specific brand of neon energy.
Honestly, it’s wild to think about how much traction a simple ponytail got. We aren't just talking about a kid from Dance Moms wearing her hair up. We're talking about a multi-million dollar accessory empire built on the back of a hair tie. Even now, as JoJo Siwa has transitioned into her "Karma" era with mohawks and black face paint, people are still searching for that classic pony.
Why? Because for a whole generation, that side-slung look was the ultimate symbol of confidence.
The Anatomy of a Perfect JoJo Siwa Pony
If you ever tried to DIY this at home, you know it’s harder than it looks. It’s not just "hair in a rubber band." JoJo herself has explained in multiple tutorials that the secret isn't one hair tie. It's usually four.
Yeah, four. You’ve got to get it tight.
Basically, you brush the hair up to the side—it has to be the side, usually the left—and you secure it until there are zero bumps. Bumps are the enemy. JoJo used to say you have to hold it like your life depends on it. Once it's smooth, you stack the elastics. This gives the ponytail that "fountain" effect where it sticks out instead of just hanging limp.
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Why the Side Placement?
Most people do a high pony in the middle. JoJo went for the side because it’s more "in your face" when you’re on stage. It moves differently when you dance. It’s asymmetrical. It's loud. It also provided the perfect shelf for the JoJo Bow. Without that specific angle, the bow would just sit flat on the head. By putting the pony on the side, the bow acts like a crown.
The Physical Toll Nobody Talks About
We need to be real for a second: that hairstyle was brutal.
For years, fans speculated about JoJo's hairline. If you pull your hair that tight for a decade, you’re looking at something called traction alopecia. It’s a real medical thing where the constant tension pulls the hair follicles out.
JoJo has been pretty open about it recently. She’s shown the spots where her hair thinned out because of the "JoJo Siwa pony" years. It’s the price of a signature look. When she finally ditched the ponytail on her 18th birthday, it wasn't just a style choice; it was probably a huge relief for her scalp.
- Tension Level: Extreme.
- Maintenance: High (lots of hairspray).
- Cultural Impact: Massive.
More Than Just Hair: The BowBow Connection
You can’t talk about the pony without talking about BowBow. No, not the accessory—the dog.
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JoJo’s teacup Yorkie, BowBow, basically became the mascot of the ponytail era. They even had an animated show together on Nickelodeon. It was a whole ecosystem. You’d buy the bow, get the ponytail extension (often with rainbow highlights), and maybe a BowBow plushie.
The jojo siwa pony became a product. You could buy clip-in versions at Claire’s or Target. If your hair wasn’t long enough or thick enough to get that "boom" effect, you just clipped in a 16-inch sequin braid and called it a day.
The 2021 Shift: When the Pony Died
It happened in May 2021. JoJo posted a video where she took out the ponytail and let her hair down. The internet went into a total meltdown. It was like seeing a superhero without their mask.
She later explained on her podcast JoJo Siwa Now that she simply outgrew it. She was 18. She’d been wearing that style since she was a little kid on Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition.
"I literally was like, 'I don't want to wear it today.' And my mom was like, 'OK, so don't.' And I was like, 'Alright. That feels right.'"
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Since then, she’s experimented with everything. Pixie cuts, slicked-back looks, and the "rockstar" aesthetic. But the ghost of the ponytail still haunts her brand. Even when she’s doing edgy choreography, people are still looking for the bow.
How to Get the Look (The Safe Way)
If you're doing this for a costume or just for nostalgia, don't destroy your hair. Use a thick scrunchie instead of four tight elastics.
- Dampen the roots. This helps get rid of the "bumps" without having to pull as hard.
- Use a boar bristle brush. This is the only way to get that sleek, mirrored finish JoJo always had.
- The "Lean Over" Method. Flip your head sideways. Gravity is your friend here. It helps you gather the hair at the correct angle.
- Hairspray is mandatory. Not just a little. You want that hair to stay put during a hurricane.
If you’re worried about the weight, go for the clip-in extensions. They give you the volume of a jojo siwa pony without the headache. Honestly, it's the smarter move.
What the Pony Represented
At its core, that hairstyle was about being unapologetically yourself. In a world where "cool" usually meant being understated or "VSCO girl" effortless, JoJo was the opposite. She was neon, she was glitter, and she was loud.
The ponytail was a signal. If you saw another kid with a side pony and a massive bow, you knew they were part of the same club. It was a "believingness" symbol, as JoJo once put it in an interview with CBBC. It meant you weren't afraid to stand out in a crowd, even if the "cool kids" were making fun of the giant ribbon on your head.
The "JoJo Siwa pony" era might be over for the star herself, but it remains a case study in how a simple grooming choice can define a decade of pop culture.
To recreate this without the hair damage, focus on using "telephone cord" hair ties which distribute pressure more evenly. You can also find modern, "muted" versions of the oversized bow if you want the vibe without the 2016 neon palette. Start by practicing the side-sweep on dry hair to find your best angle before committing with product.