Hey, have you guys heard about that little indie movie, Wicked? Obviously, the musical blockbuster has crept into every crevice of our collective existence, and I don’t even mind because one, it turned out to be a fantastic movie, and two, the 17 million press and premiere events have given us countless memorable beauty moments from its stars, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. And while Grande has historically been the ponytail princess, this Wicked tour has delivered endless updos on the singer and beauty brand founder. Her appearance at the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s screening of Wicked is no exception—but her hairstylist employed a surprisingly casual detail in her otherwise lavish-looking style.
Grande participated in a Q&A on Wednesday, December 4, wearing a black dress for what feels like the first time in forever. (She’s been decked out in pastels—mostly pink—to channel her role as Glinda throughout these months of promotional appearances.) And while she’s still wearing the very soft makeup and swept-up blonde hair we’ve become accustomed to recently, there’s something a little different about the latter.
Grande’s hair is side-parted and, as per usual, tightly slicked back. Her long hair is in a stunning, full bun—something you might see in old photos of Grace Kelly. But there’s one thing you’d never see on a royal updo: one of those inexpensive snap clips that, frankly, even I haven’t worn since I was 16.