Gabrielle Union, 52, is setting the record straight on speculation about her youthful appearance. During a meet-and-greet at the Glendale Galleria JCPenney on December 3, Union addressed the persistent plastic surgery rumors, crediting her timeless look to a simple but effective beauty hack.
Gabrielle Union Shares ‘Facelift’ Secret
“A high pony for a lady of a certain age is like a facelift,” Union told PEOPLE. “As much as what happens or doesn’t happen with my face is speculated, if you can’t be missing for six months to get a facelift—which I’ve never been missing for six months, get it right—the high pony is going to snatch you here,” she said, gesturing to the top of her head.
The actress explained that the placement of a ponytail can give different lifting effects. “A pony here,” she noted while motioning to the middle of her head, “is going to snatch you here. And a low [pony] will snatch you at the back of the neck.” She added with a laugh, “A high snatched pony is all you need—and it doesn’t cost you a thing.”
Union, who rose to fame in the 1990s, is no stranger to scrutiny about her appearance. Despite the swirling rumors, the Being Mary Jane star confidently denies undergoing any plastic surgery. Instead, she attributes her glowing look to timeless hairstyles and proper self-care.
Union recently celebrated her 52nd birthday with a bold Instagram post, sharing a nude photo alongside an empowering message. “This is 52,” she wrote. “This is grown woman s—. This is being accountable for mess-ups, loving unapologetically, and setting clear boundaries.”
She continued, “This is fierce and compassionate motherhood. This is fighting for my people and yours. This is me at 52. Loving ALL of me.”
Union and her hairstylist, Larry Sims, were in Los Angeles promoting their SimStyled salon experience. Their initiative, launched in partnership with JCPenney, provides affordable, red-carpet-worthy hairstyles in under two hours. “We’re reaching people where they’re at,” Union shared, highlighting their mission to make Hollywood glam accessible.