JoJo Siwa’s Iconic Ponytail Comeback: A Nostalgic Dance and Deep Dive into Her Evolving Style
In a delightful return to her roots, pop sensation and internet personality JoJo Siwa recently captivated her vast audience by bringing back her signature high side ponytail. This move came on the heels of her much-discussed dramatic pixie cut hair makeover, marking a playful yet significant moment in her ongoing style evolution. On Friday, February 10th, JoJo shared a vibrant video on her Instagram, instantly transporting fans back to the days of “12-year-old JoJo Siwa.”
The highly anticipated clip showcased JoJo Siwa in her element, embodying the exuberant energy that first propelled her to stardom. Filmed in front of a lavish mansion, with a custom car prominently featuring her image in the background, the video opened with JoJo crouched down, meticulously pulling her hair into that familiar, gravity-defying high ponytail, complete with a classic rainbow bow. Once her iconic hairstyle was perfectly in place, she bounced back to the car and launched into an energetic dance routine set to a remix of “Collide” by Justine Skye. A voiceover underscored the nostalgic moment, declaring, “Doing this dance as if I was 12-year-old JoJo Siwa,” as she effortlessly busted out her impressive and characteristically dynamic moves. This deliberate throwback not only thrilled long-time followers but also served as a powerful reminder of the enduring appeal of her original persona.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by JoJo Siwa (@itsjojosiwa)
The Dance Moms alum, now 19, opted for a bright yellow t-shirt, comfortable short shorts, and classic white sneakers to complete her look for the euphoric clip. However, it was her question in the caption that truly captured her followers’ attention: “Sidenote, how does my hair fit in a side ponytail now?” she pondered, accompanied by a “mind blown” emoji. This clever inquiry acknowledged her recent hair transformation while playfully celebrating the improbable return of her iconic style. The video quickly racked up millions of views, with her impressive 11.4 million Instagram followers flocking to the comments section to share their thoughts and delight.
Fans were quick to express their joy and admiration for JoJo’s nostalgic performance. One fan quipped, “Your impression of yourself is spot on,” highlighting JoJo’s self-awareness and playful embrace of her past persona. Another enthusiastically declared, “The Bow is back! You need to keep your hair like that, it’s beautiful,” acknowledging the immense popularity of her signature accessory. Many commenters appreciated the deeper meaning behind the clip, with one remarking, “That connection to your inner child,” speaking to the emotional resonance of revisiting childhood joys. A fourth fan gushed, “I wish I could dance like all the ages of JoJo Siwa lol,” encapsulating the admiration for her unwavering energy and multifaceted journey. The overwhelming sentiment was one of celebration, recognizing JoJo’s ability to evolve while still honoring the foundational elements of her brand.
This playful dive into her past style is not entirely surprising, given JoJo’s consistent messaging about her authenticity and embracing all facets of her identity. She has long maintained that her youthful sense of style is a core part of who she is, rather than a phase to outgrow. In a powerful TikTok video posted in 2020, JoJo directly addressed critics who questioned her choices. “Recently, I’ve been showing myself looking different — not the classic rainbow, sparkles, and side ponytail with a JoJo bow,” she wrote, setting the stage for an important declaration. She continued, “I’ve been hated on for YEARS for dressing ‘young’ and acting ‘childish.’ People think this is me changing. LOL nope! I love who I am!” While dancing to “From Now On” from The Greatest Showman, a song about embracing change and identity, JoJo delivered a defiant message of self-acceptance, proving that her vibrant aesthetic was a conscious choice and an extension of her authentic self, regardless of societal expectations.
JoJo’s journey of self-expression has continued to unfold publicly, particularly through a series of striking hair transformations. In 2022, she made headlines with a dramatic hair makeover, trading her long, flowing locks for a much shorter, edgy style, often seen as a pixie cut. This bold move symbolized a significant shift in her public persona, signaling a new chapter beyond the “JoJo Bow” era. Her experimental spirit didn’t stop there; she later explored various iterations of the mullet, a retro hairstyle that further showcased her willingness to defy conventions. Adding another vibrant layer to her evolving look, she even dyed her hair a vibrant pink in October of 2022, demonstrating her fearless approach to personal style and her desire to continuously reinvent herself. Each of these transformations garnered immense attention, sparking conversations among fans and media about her growth as an artist and an individual.
The return of the high side ponytail, even for a playful dance, therefore holds significant weight. It’s not merely a hairstyle choice; it’s a powerful acknowledgment of her past, integrated with her present identity. For many, JoJo Siwa became synonymous with the colorful bows and the sky-high ponytail that defined her early career, particularly during her rise to fame on *Dance Moms* and subsequent YouTube stardom. This iconic look, coupled with her infectious positivity, created a brand that resonated deeply with millions of young fans worldwide. Her recent style changes, from the pixie to the mullet and pink hair, were perceived by many as a natural progression, signifying her transition from a child star to a young adult exploring new facets of herself.
However, the recent Instagram video demonstrates that growth doesn’t necessarily mean abandoning one’s roots. Instead, it can involve a full-circle moment where past and present identities gracefully converge. JoJo Siwa, now a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and personal authenticity, proves that revisiting an old style can be an act of confidence rather than regression. It shows her comfort in her own skin, unafraid to embrace the different versions of herself that have existed over the years. This ability to authentically connect with her “inner child” while also confidently stepping into her young adult self is a testament to her unique appeal and evolving persona.
Her openness about her personal life, including her coming out journey, has only strengthened her connection with her fanbase, many of whom look up to her as a role model for self-acceptance and courage. By bringing back the high ponytail, even temporarily, JoJo not only offered a delightful dose of nostalgia but also reinforced the idea that identity is fluid and multifaceted. She celebrates the girl who wore the bow and the woman who now explores bold new looks, effectively merging the two without contradiction. This resonates deeply in a world where public figures often feel pressured to leave their pasts behind. JoJo Siwa shows that one can evolve without erasing the beloved chapters that came before.
Ultimately, JoJo Siwa’s return to her iconic high side ponytail is more than just a momentary style choice; it’s a narrative of evolution, self-love, and the enduring power of embracing one’s entire journey. From her early days as a *Dance Moms* standout to her current status as a trailblazing artist and advocate, JoJo continues to inspire with her vibrant spirit and unwavering commitment to authenticity. This latest video serves as a charming reminder that while she may continue to experiment with different aesthetics, the essence of JoJo Siwa – that undeniable energy and connection to her true self – remains as captivating as ever, ready to inspire fans through every phase of her remarkable style evolution.