A bow is one of the fastest ways to make a simple hairstyle look finished, and it works on far more lengths than people expect. This gallery covers a big bow tied around a low ponytail, a black ribbon at the end of a fishtail braid, a bow placed at the front of a high pony and small bows on half-up styles for cropped hair. There is also a braided red-carpet ponytail, a headband-style bow from a film premiere and a bun shaped into a bow using nothing but hair.
Scale matters more than anything else. Large bows suit long, thick hair and low ponytails, where they have room to sit; smaller bows look proportionate on bobs, pixies and mini ponytails. Silky ribbon slides out of very fine or slippery hair, so secure the style with a band first and tie the bow over it.
Bows also carry a lot of mood. Black velvet or satin reads polished and grown-up, while a coloured ribbon matched to your outfit feels playful, so pick the fabric for the occasion rather than the hairstyle alone.
1. Large Bow on a Low Pony
Big bows are easiest to wear on a ponytail. Gather the hair low, just under the bump at the back of the head, and fasten it with a small elastic. Then tie a large ribbon bow around the band and you are ready to go in under a minute.
Inspiration: @jill901
2. Fishtail Braid with a Bow
A smaller bow works on almost any length, including this braid. It starts with a side part and an inverted French braid that travels across the head, then switches to a fishtail for the remaining length. A black ribbon ties off the end neatly.
Inspiration: @jill901
3. Chic and Sleek
Bows are not only for casual days. Celebrity hairstylist Bridget Brager created this sleek braided ponytail for a red-carpet appearance, finishing it with a bow that turns a simple shape into a polished evening look.
Inspiration: @bridgetbragerhair
4. Short and Sweet
Short hair can wear a bow too. Make a mini ponytail or a small braid on one side and tie the bow around it. If your hair is too short for either, band a small section where you want the bow and tie it on there.
Inspiration: @jill901
5. Paris Ready
Lily Collins, who plays the title role in Emily in Paris, chose a black headband-style bow for her red-carpet premiere. It fits the character’s fashion-led aesthetic and shows how a bow can make sleek, simple hair feel special.
Inspiration: @lilyjcollins
6. Messy Ponytail
Second-day hair is perfect for this one. Pull everything into a loose, slightly messy ponytail and add whichever bow suits your outfit or mood. The undone texture keeps the bow from looking too sweet. A velvet bow suits cooler months, while cotton feels right in summer.
Inspiration: @jill901
7. Keep it Edgy
Sleek, structured ponytails are having a moment, and this one adds an edge. Braid a small section of the pony, band the braid and loose hair together, then wrap beads, string or a chain near the end. A bow and ribbon complete it.
Inspiration: @jill901
8. Too Cute
Placing the bow at the front of a high ponytail instead of behind it gives this style a fresh twist. It holds up during a workout and looks equally good on the way to a meeting.
Inspiration: @jill901
9. Short and Chic Short Hairstyle
Accessories are a big help when you have just cut your hair short. Sweep the sides up and band them loosely at the back, keeping the finish soft, then clip or tie a small bow over the elastic for an easy, polished look.
Inspiration: @jill901
10. Half Up with a Black Bow
Simple and pretty, this half-up style is made for busy days. Take just the crown section, leaving the fringe or face-framing pieces loose, and band it low. Add soft waves to the hair below and finish with a small black bow.
Inspiration: @jill901
11. Red Bow in Hair
Tying your own bows means the ribbon can match your clothes. A red ribbon picks up the colour of this outfit and looks elegant against dark hair. The same idea works with white or navy blue ribbon.
Inspiration: @glambynatalie
12. Bow out of Hair
Thick hair and a bit of practice let you form a bow out of the hair itself. Here it sits on top of a bun in a Minnie-style shape. You can also make a small hair bow on one side, behind a bun or on a half-up ponytail.
Inspiration: @missysueblog
Tying a bow that stays put
- Always anchor the hair with an elastic first. The bow is decoration, not the thing holding the style.
- Tie the ribbon in a single knot around the elastic, then form the loops; a knot underneath stops the bow from sliding down.
- Pull the loops so they are even and angle them slightly outward so they hold their shape.
- Trim ribbon ends on a diagonal or in a V so they do not fray.
- On fine hair, a small bobby pin through the knot keeps the bow from drifting.
Choosing ribbon for the occasion
Grosgrain ribbon has grip and keeps its loops crisp, so it is the easiest for everyday ponytails. Satin and silk look dressier but slip, so they work best on textured, second-day hair or tied over a braid. Velvet is a natural fit for autumn and winter events. For weddings or formal dinners, keep the bow small and place it at the nape or behind a low bun; for casual days, a larger bow on a high ponytail or a messy pony is part of the fun.