25 Best Bow Hairstyles
Bow hairstyles add a touch of feminine charm and playful sophistication to any look.
These versatile styles incorporate either your own hair shaped into a bow or decorative bow accessories strategically placed for maximum impact.
Ready to add some ribbon-inspired flair to your hair routine?
These 25 bow hairstyles will help you incorporate this whimsical element into everything from casual everyday looks to special occasion styles.
1: Half-Up Hair Bow
This playful style features the top portion of your hair shaped into a bow with the remainder flowing freely.
The structured bow creates a distinctive silhouette while the loose bottom maintains length and movement.
Gather the top section of your hair, form a loop, and split and spread the ends to create bow “wings.” This versatile style works with hair past shoulder length.
Secure with clear elastics and pins that match your hair color for an integrated, natural-looking bow effect.
2: Low Ponytail with Ribbon Bow
This classic style pairs a sleek, low ponytail with a fabric ribbon tied in a bow.
The simple approach creates instant polish with feminine charm perfect for casual and professional settings.
Create a low ponytail at the nape, then wrap your chosen ribbon around the elastic and tie it into a bow.
This quick style works with all hair textures and lengths beyond chin-length.
Choose ribbon width and material based on your desired impact—velvet for luxury, grosgrain for structure, or satin for shine.
3: Bow Braid Crown
This intricate style incorporates a braid that wraps around your head like a crown with a small section shaped into a bow at one side.
The circular arrangement creates a sophisticated dimension with a playful accent.
Create a crown braid beginning at one temple and continuing around your head, then form a small bow with the end section.
This elegant style is perfect for special occasions.
Secure with pins that match your hair color, gently pulling at the braid edges for additional volume and texture.
4: Mini Hair Bows Throughout
This whimsical style features multiple small sections of hair shaped into tiny bows distributed throughout your hair.
The repeated pattern creates playful texture with maximum impact.
Create several tiny bows using small sections of hair, securing each with clear elastics and pins.
This creative approach works particularly well with highlighted or multi-toned hair.
The multiple bows create visual interest from every angle for a truly unique, conversation-starting style.
5: Sleek Top Knot with Bow Accessory
This sophisticated style pairs a smooth, high bun with a strategically placed bow accessory.
The structural contrast between the sleek bun and the dimensional bow creates perfect balance.
Create a polished top knot, then add your bow clip or pin to the bun’s base. This elevated approach works across professional and formal settings.
Choose a bow size proportional to your bun—larger bows for statement impact or smaller bows for subtle accent.
6: Side-Swept Ponytail with Bow
This asymmetrical style features all hair directed to one side in a ponytail accented with a bow.
The side placement creates interesting lines while the bow adds feminine detail.
Create a deep side part, direct all hair to one side in a ponytail, then add either a ribbon bow or form the ends into a hair bow.
This flattering style particularly complements oval and heart-shaped faces.
The side positioning creates natural volume at the crown while the bow adds eye-catching detail.
7: Bow-Wrapped Bun
This elegant style incorporates a ribbon woven through and around a bun in a bow formation.
The integrated technique creates the appearance of a bow cradling your bun for distinctive dimension.
Create your preferred bun style, then weave ribbon through and around it, finishing with a bow tie.
This sophisticated approach elevates everyday bun styles with minimal effort.
Choose contrasting ribbon color for maximum impact or tone-matching ribbon for subtle texture and dimension.
8: Double Hair Bow Pigtails
This playful style features two ponytails, with the ends of each ponytail shaped into a bow.
The symmetrical arrangement creates youthful charm with architectural interest.
Create two ponytails, then form each ponytail end into a bow shape, securing it with clear elastics and pins.
This fun style works particularly well for casual outings and festivals.
Position the pigtails higher for a more youthful effect or lower for a more sophisticated interpretation.
9: Hidden Bow Undercut
This edgy style reveals a bow pattern shaved into an undercut when hair is lifted or styled.
The concealed design creates a surprising element that can be revealed or hidden.
Ask your stylist to shave a bow pattern into an undercut section that your longer top hair can cover.
This versatile approach allows you to showcase or conceal your bow based on the occasion.
Style your top hair up in a ponytail or bun to reveal the bow pattern for edgy events, or wear down for professional settings.
10: Messy Bun with Oversized Bow
This effortless-looking style pairs a deliberately undone bun with a statement-making large bow.
The textural contrast between the messy bun and the structured bow creates an interesting juxtaposition.
Create a loosely arranged bun, then add an oversized bow clip or tie a large ribbon bow around the base. This balanced style offers sophisticated charm with minimal effort.
Choose a bow in a bright color or pattern to maximize its impact against the neutral texture of your messy bun.
11: Bow-Tied Braid
This detailed style incorporates ribbon woven throughout a braid with a bow tied at the end.
The integrated technique creates a dimensional texture with feminine charm.
Create your preferred braid style, weaving ribbon through as you go, then tie the ribbon ends into a bow.
This customizable approach works with all braid variations from fishtail to Dutch.
Choose ribbon width based on your desired impact—thinner ribbons for subtle detail or wider ribbons for more dramatic effect.
12: Half-Up Twisted Bow
This romantic style features twisted sections from each temple that join at the back in a bow formation.
The twisted texture creates refined dimension with a whimsical shape.
Create by twisting sections from each temple, joining them at the back, then forming a bow shape with the joined section.
This elegant style works beautifully for weddings and special events.
Secure with pins that match your hair color, gently pulling at the bow “loops” for added volume and definition.
13: Bow-Accented Waterfall Braid
This flowing style features a waterfall braid with small bow accessories placed where strands “fall” from the braid.
The strategic placement creates beautiful dimension with playful detail.
Create a waterfall braid, then add small bow clips where the waterfall strands descend.
This romantic style particularly complements special occasions and feminine outfits.
Choose tiny bows in colors that complement or contrast with your hair for customized impact.
14: Giant Statement Hair Bow
This bold style shapes a substantial portion of your hair into a large bow positioned at the crown.
The dramatic silhouette creates maximum impact with architectural precision.
Gather a significant section of hair at the crown, form a large loop, then split and arrange the ends to create bold bow “wings.”
This showstopping style works best with thick hair or extensions.
Secure with multiple pins and strong-hold hairspray for reliable structure that lasts throughout events.
15: Bubble Ponytail with Bow Finish
This textured style features a ponytail divided into “bubbles” with a bow as the final accent.
The segmented approach creates an interesting dimension with a playful finishing touch.
Create a ponytail, place covered elastics every few inches to form bubbles, then finish with either a ribbon bow or by shaping the end into a hair bow.
This contemporary style offers a unique texture with feminine detail.
Pull at each bubble for maximum volume and rounded definition before adding your bow finish.
16: Bow-Tied Space Buns
This playful style features two buns positioned on either side of your head with ribbon bows tied around each.
The symmetrical arrangement creates a balanced charm with youthful energy.
Create two buns on either side of your head, then wrap ribbon around each and tie into bows.
This fun style works beautifully for festivals, casual outings, or themed events.
Choose matching ribbons for a cohesive style or different colors for a playful contrast between the buns.
17: Low Bow Chignon
This elegant style incorporates a sleek chignon at the nape with a ribbon bow wrapped around it.
The sophisticated placement creates timeless refinement with feminine detail.
Create a smooth chignon at the nape, then wrap your chosen ribbon around it and tie into a bow.
This classic style transitions perfectly from professional settings to formal events.
The low placement ensures comfort throughout wear while maintaining a polished, refined appearance.
18: Twisted Bow Updo
This architectural style incorporates twisted sections arranged to form a bow shape within an updo.
The integrated technique creates a sophisticated dimension with a unique structure.
Create multiple twisted sections, then arrange them in a bow formation within your updo, securing with pins.
This distinctive style makes a statement for special occasions and formal events.
The twisted texture adds interesting dimension while the bow shape creates recognizable but sophisticated whimsy.
19: Ribbon-Woven Fishtail Braid
This detailed style incorporates a ribbon woven through a fishtail braid with a bow tied at the end.
The intricate combination creates a beautiful texture with a feminine finish.
Create a fishtail braid, weaving ribbon through as you go, then tie the ribbon ends into a bow.
This elaborate style showcases both your braiding technique and your chosen ribbon.
The ribbon adds color and shine throughout the braid while the bow creates a perfect finishing touch.
20: Bow-Topped Topknot
This elevated style features a high bun with a bow positioned at the top or front.
The height creates elegant proportion while the bow adds playful sophistication.
Create a high bun, then add a bow accessory at the top or front where it will be most visible.
Depending on your bow choice, this versatile style transitions from casual to dressy.
The high placement draws attention upward while the bow creates a perfect focal point for your style.
21: Side Braid with Multiple Bows
This playful style features a side braid with small bows attached continuously. The repeated accent creates rhythmic detail with maximum charm.
Create a side braid, then attach small bow clips every few inches along its length. This whimsical style works beautifully for casual outings and youthful events.
Choose bows in graduating sizes or colors for additional visual interest and dimension.
22: Twisted Rope Braid with Bow
This elegant style features two sections twisted together in a rope braid finished with a bow.
The twisted texture creates sophisticated dimension with a feminine accent.
Create a rope braid by twisting two sections together, then finish with either a ribbon bow or by shaping the end into a hair bow.
This refined style offers elegant texture with playful detail.
The rope pattern creates natural shine and definition that complements the bow accent perfectly.
23: Bow-Wrapped Ponytail Braid
This detailed style features a ponytail that transitions into a braid with ribbon woven throughout and tied in a bow.
The combined techniques create a rich texture with a feminine finish.
Create a ponytail, braid the length while weaving ribbon through, then tie the ribbon into a bow at the end.
This multidimensional style offers sophistication with playful charm.
The ribbon adds color and shine throughout while the bow creates a perfect endpoint for the style.
24: Half-Up Bow with Curls
This romantic style features the top portion of hair shaped into a bow with the bottom section styled in curls.
The textural contrast creates beautiful dimension with feminine appeal.
Gather the top section of your hair, form it into a bow, then style the remaining hair in uniform curls.
This balanced approach offers the bow’s structure with the softness of flowing curls.
The combined textures create perfect harmony between the architectural bow and the romantic curls.
25: Braided Crown with Bow Accent
This regal style features a braid that wraps around your head like a crown with a bow accent positioned at the front or side.
The circular arrangement creates elegant sophistication with playful detail.
Create a crown braid, then add a bow accessory at your preferred position—front for maximum visibility or side for interesting asymmetry.
This majestic style elevates everyday looks with minimal effort.
The braided texture provides secure styling while the bow adds distinctive charm to the crown formation.
Conclusion
Bow hairstyles offer the perfect combination of feminine charm and distinctive style.
Whether you choose subtle bow accents or statement-making arrangements, these playful yet sophisticated styles add personality and whimsy to your hair with memorable, eye-catching detail.
