5 Perfectly Pretty Ways To Style Your Favorite Hair Bows
Step aside, scrunchies and headbands — it's the hair bow's shining moment. Like many of your nostalgic childhood hair accessories, the return of the hair bow is officially back in full swing. And we aren't just saying that because several pretty and polished TikTok influencers are incorporating them into their "OOTDs." Celebrities like Julianne Moore and Sydney Sweeney rocked hair bows on the red carpet at the 2022 Venice Film Festival, per Vogue. Seen on Chanel runway models and the gorgeous heads of "It Girls" Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber, it's safe to say bows are very much in (via Harper's Bazaar).
Now that you've thrown a dozen hair bows in your Amazon cart and ransacked your daughter's hair accessory bin, let's talk about styling. Sure, you could slap that bow on top of your head and call it a day, but we've collected a few ways to incorporate them into your look so that you have a handful of styles to choose from. Want an updo? No problem. Classic braid? We've got you. Here are five perfectly pretty ways to style your favorite hair bows.
In a half-up hairstyle
Ahh, the classic half-up hairdo. Perfect for those who want to throw their hair up but keep the length at the bottom, this versatile 'do is ideal for a bow. There are over two dozen half-up hairstyles to choose from, including a soft low pony or one directly on the top of the head (via Byrdie). You can go messy, sleek, boho... The options are limitless. And the good news is that placing a bow, whether a silk ribbon or structured clip, at the base of the ponytail will be a great addition to any half-up style you choose.
At the base of your ponytail
Collect all your hair and throw it up in a pony. Whether a low, sleek ponytail or a high updo toward the top of your head, securing a bow around the base will give a polished and adorable look, a la Ariana Grande during her stint as a judge on NBC's "The Voice" (per Cosmopolitan). This hairstyle looks extra preppy and pretty with a silk ribbon, so the ends of the bow can lay flat on the rest of your hair. Or, go the messy ponytail route and add a bow for a tussled, relaxed vibe.
With your hair in a braid
A hair bow at the base or the end of a braid will elevate an otherwise ordinary hairstyle. You could opt for a structured silk bow for a glamorous look or go the edgy route with an oversized one (via Glamour). For a fun and sleek style, tie small silk bows throughout the braid as demonstrated in this gorgeous look posted on Instagram by celebrity hairstylist Lacy Redway. Alternately, you could make an elegant loose side braid and tie a silk ribbon at the end like Emily Ratajkowsk at the 2018 Oscars.
With your hair down
Whether you prefer fluffy curls, tight ringlets, or pin-straight hair, a bow can still be worn with your hair down! No need for any updos. You could secure your stylish curtain bangs with a bow or two on the sides of your head. Or, simply tie a ribbon to make a bow and place it near your hairline. Renowned American fashion model Karlie Kloss walked the red carpet while wearing a bow secured on the top of her head like a headband, with her golden waves framing her face — the results are so '60s chic (via StyleCaster).
In a messy or sleek bun
Sleek, messy, at the top of the head or nape of the neck, buns are a versatile hairdo that can also be worn in many ways, depending on the vibe you're going for. A messy bun often looks like you spent two seconds (and little effort) styling it. Add a pretty bow, and it can make your look a little more intentional and put-together. Or, you could pull an Ashely Graham and place little hair bows all over your sleek bun for a lighthearted yet sophisticated look (via Refinery29). Don't be afraid to try different styles and embrace the preppy hair renaissance — hair bows are inherently playful and fun, after all!