13 Pretty Ribbon Hairstyles with Sweet Bow Accents for Every Occasion

Ribbon hairstyles are the sweetest way to make your hair feel special without any real effort. A simple length of satin, velvet or grosgrain can transform an ordinary ponytail into something charming and photo ready. The coquette trend has brought bows roaring back, and ribbons are now everywhere from runways to everyday street style. What makes ribbon hairstyles so lovely is their versatility: a ribbon works for school mornings, wedding days and everything between. The best part is the price, since beautiful ribbons cost very little but look utterly delightful in your hair.

In this collection you will find 13 ribbon hairstyles, from classic bow ponytails to ribbon woven braids and elegant updos. Each idea shows you how to tie, weave or pin ribbons so they stay put all day long. You do not need any special skills, just a ribbon in your favourite colour and a few minutes. Many of these styles work for both kids and adults, making ribbons a truly timeless accessory. Scroll through, pick your favourite ribbon moment and get ready to tie the prettiest bow of your life.

Classic Bow Ponytail

The classic bow ponytail is the ribbon hairstyle that started it all. A high or mid ponytail gets finished with a large satin bow tied right at the base, instantly making the whole look feel polished and sweet. It works on every hair length from shoulder to waist, and suits straight, wavy and curly textures alike. Choose a black ribbon for timeless chic, or a pastel shade for a softer, romantic mood. This is the perfect everyday ribbon hairstyle, pretty enough for dates yet simple enough for school.

Pull your hair into a ponytail at your preferred height and secure it firmly. Take a ribbon about 24 inches long, wrap it around the base of the ponytail and tie it into a full bow. Adjust the loops so they sit evenly, then trim the ribbon ends at an angle for a clean finish. For extra staying power, wrap a small section of hair over the elastic before tying the ribbon. This two minute style also works as a quick fix, much like the looks in our easy 5 minute hairstyles for busy mornings.

Ribbon Braided Ponytail

The ribbon braided ponytail weaves a ribbon right through your braid for a look that is both playful and polished. The ribbon adds a stripe of colour that runs the full length of the plait, making even a simple three strand braid look special. It is a favourite for school days, cheer practice and casual weekends. Long hair shows off the woven effect best, but medium lengths work beautifully too. Match your ribbon to your outfit for a coordinated look that feels intentional and chic.

Tie your ribbon to the base of your ponytail, then divide the ponytail into three sections with the ribbon joining one section. Braid as normal, keeping the ribbon flat so it shows along the braid. Secure the end with a small clear elastic, then tie the ribbon into a small bow at the bottom. Gently tug the braid edges for a fuller, softer finish. For more braided inspiration, explore our braided hairstyle ideas for every hair length and weave ribbons into your favourites.

Velvet Ribbon Bun

The velvet ribbon bun brings rich, luxurious texture to a classic updo. A neat low or mid bun is wrapped with a wide velvet ribbon, finished with a soft bow at the back or side. Velvet catches the light beautifully, giving the style a plush, expensive feel that is perfect for autumn and winter. This look suits work events, holiday parties and formal dinners. Deep colours like burgundy, forest green and navy look especially stunning in velvet. The soft texture also photographs beautifully, making it a favourite for holiday portraits and seasonal photoshoots.

Create a smooth bun at your desired height and pin it securely. Wrap a wide velvet ribbon around the base of the bun, crossing the ends underneath. Bring the ends around to the front or side and tie them into a soft, full bow. Fluff the bow loops gently, since velvet holds its shape nicely. Tuck any ribbon ends under the bun for a clean finish. Mist with light hairspray and you have an updo that looks far more expensive than it was to create.

Half Up Ribbon Bow

The half up ribbon bow is pure romance. The top section of hair is pulled back and tied with a ribbon bow, while the rest flows loose and free. It gives you the polish of an updo with the ease of wearing your hair down. This style flatters every face shape and works on straight, wavy and curly hair. It is a beloved choice for bridesmaids, first dates and spring garden parties. The ribbon draws the eye upward, highlighting your cheekbones and giving the whole look a lifted, romantic feel.

Curl your hair lightly for extra softness and movement. Gather the top half of your hair at the back of the crown and secure it with a small elastic. Wrap your ribbon around the elastic and tie it into a bow, letting the ends hang down. Pull a few face framing pieces loose for a romantic finish. For more half up inspiration, see our half up half down hairstyles, which pair beautifully with ribbon accents. Fluff the bow loops gently and trim the ends at an angle for a polished finish.

Ribbon Woven Braid

The ribbon woven braid takes weaving to the next level with two or three ribbons laced through a Dutch or French braid. Multiple ribbons create a striped, almost corset like effect that looks incredibly intricate. It is a showstopper for festivals, concerts and creative photoshoots. Long hair gives the most dramatic result, but the technique works on medium hair too. Choose contrasting ribbon colours for bold impact, or tonal shades for a softer, dreamy look. The woven ribbons catch the light as you move, creating a mesmerising effect that photographs beautifully from every angle.

Attach your ribbons at the crown with a small elastic, then incorporate them into a Dutch braid as extra strands. Keep the ribbons flat and untwisted so the colour shows clearly. Braid all the way down and secure the end, then tie the ribbons into a bow. Gently pancake the braid for fullness, being careful not to disturb the ribbons. This style takes a little practice, but the stunning result is worth every minute of effort. Work in front of a mirror so you can see the weaving pattern clearly as you braid.

Silk Ribbon Low Ponytail

The silk ribbon low ponytail is understated luxury. A sleek low ponytail is finished with a long silk ribbon tied in a simple knot or small bow, with the ends left to flow. The silk moves beautifully as you walk, adding graceful motion to the style. This is the ribbon hairstyle for minimalist dressers who love quiet elegance. It suits the office, dinner dates and any occasion where less is more. The flowing silk ends add graceful movement that elevates even the simplest outfit to something special.

Smooth your hair into a low ponytail at the nape, using serum for a glossy finish. Wrap a long silk ribbon around the base and tie it in a knot, leaving generous ends hanging. Let the ribbon ends flow freely down alongside your ponytail for maximum movement. Trim the ends at a sharp angle for a tailored look. This style looks especially chic with a crisp white shirt or a tailored blazer. For evening, swap the silk for a darker shade like espresso or midnight blue to match your mood.

Double Ribbon Pigtails

Double ribbon pigtails are pure playful charm. Two low or high pigtails each get their own matching ribbon bow, creating a look that is youthful, fun and full of personality. It is a favourite for teens, festival goers and anyone young at heart. This style works on all hair textures and looks adorable with waves or curls. Choose gingham or polka dot ribbons for extra retro sweetness. The symmetrical bows frame your face beautifully, and the style stays secure through even the busiest days.

Part your hair down the middle and create two even ponytails. Tie a matching ribbon bow at the base of each ponytail. Curl the pigtails lightly for extra bounce and fun. Make sure the bows sit at the same height for a balanced look. This style is also great for workouts and theme parks, keeping hair secure while looking cute. For more youthful styles, browse our cute school hairstyles for teen girls for easy everyday ideas. A light mist of hairspray keeps flyaways smooth and the style fresh all day long.

Ribbon Tied Ballet Bun

The ribbon tied ballet bun wraps ribbon around a classic bun in a crisscross pattern, like a ballerina’s slipper laces. The ribbon travels up from the nape, crossing over the bun in an X pattern before tying in a bow. It is graceful, unique and surprisingly easy to create. This style suits dance performances, weddings and elegant evenings. A blush pink or ivory ribbon gives the sweetest ballet inspired finish. The laced effect draws admiring glances, since most people have never seen a bun finished quite this way.

Create a smooth bun at your preferred height. Starting at the nape, wrap a long ribbon around the head, crossing it over the bun in an X shape. Continue wrapping until you reach the top of the bun, then tie the ends into a bow. Tuck the ribbon ends neatly under the bow. Pin any loose sections and finish with hairspray. The crisscross detail makes a simple bun look like a work of art. Practice the wrapping once before your event, so the crisscross pattern feels natural on the day.

Satin Ribbon Headband Style

The satin ribbon headband style uses a wide ribbon as a headband, tied in a bow at the top or side. It keeps hair off your face while adding instant vintage charm. This is the easiest ribbon hairstyle of all, requiring no pins and no skill. It works on short, medium and long hair, and looks adorable with bangs. Choose a wide ribbon for bold retro impact, or a narrow one for delicate sweetness. It is also the kindest option for fragile hair, since there is no pulling, no elastics and no heat involved.

Place the ribbon over your head like a headband, positioning it just behind the hairline. Tie it in a bow at the top of your head or to one side. Adjust the loops and let the ends fall naturally. Smooth any flyaways with a little pomade. This style is perfect for bad hair days, since the ribbon does all the talking. Keep a few ribbons in your bag for instant style upgrades anywhere. In seconds you can go from gym hair to dinner ready, which makes this the ultimate low effort trick.

Ribbon Accent Bubble Braid

The ribbon accent bubble braid combines two trends in one adorable style. A bubble ponytail is created with small elastics, and tiny ribbon bows are tied at each section. The result is playful, textured and completely Instagram worthy. It suits long hair best, where the bubbles have room to form. This is a brilliant party hairstyle that always gets compliments. Each bubble gets its own tiny bow, creating a rhythm of texture and colour down the length of your hair. The combination looks intricate but takes surprisingly little time to create.

Pull hair into a ponytail and add small elastics every few inches down the length. Gently pull each section outward to create the bubble effect. Tie a small ribbon bow around each elastic, trimming the ends neatly. Use matching ribbons for a cohesive look, or mix colours for fun. Finish with light hairspray to keep the bubbles full. This style stays secure for hours, making it great for long events. Fluff each bubble gently after tying the bows, so the sections look full and even.

Gingham Ribbon Summer Style

The gingham ribbon summer style is picnic perfect. A checked gingham ribbon tied into a bow brings instant sunny, retro charm to ponytails, buns or braids. It pairs beautifully with sundresses, denim and all your warm weather outfits. This is the ribbon hairstyle for farmers markets, outdoor concerts and beach holidays. Red and white gingham is the classic choice, but pastel checks look fresh and modern. The playful pattern instantly lifts your mood, and the bow adds a finished touch that makes the whole look feel styled.

Style your hair into a high ponytail, messy bun or simple braid. Tie the gingham ribbon into a generous bow at the base of the style. Let the checked pattern show by keeping the loops full and open. Curl a few pieces around your face for a relaxed summer feel. This cheerful style takes seconds but looks like you planned your whole outfit around it. Pack the ribbon in your beach bag, since it doubles as a cute way to tame windblown hair.

Sheer Organza Ribbon Updo

The sheer organza ribbon updo is ethereal elegance. A translucent organza ribbon tied into a soft, oversized bow adds a dreamy, delicate finish to any updo. The sheer fabric catches the light in a way that solid ribbons cannot, creating a glow around the hair. This style is made for weddings, proms and black-tie events. Ivory, blush and champagne organza look especially romantic. Because the fabric is sheer, the bow looks light and airy rather than heavy, floating softly above your updo. It moves gently as you walk, adding an almost magical quality to your entrance.

Create a low chignon or twisted bun and pin it securely. Tie the organza ribbon into a large, soft bow and pin it above or beside the bun. Let the sheer ends drape naturally for maximum romance. Use pins that match your hair colour to keep the focus on the ribbon. Finish with a flexible hold spray. The translucent bow photographs like a dream, adding softness to every picture. Ask your stylist to pin the bow last, so it sits perfectly over the finished updo.

Mini Ribbon Braid Accents

Mini ribbon braid accents are the delicate detail your hairstyle has been missing. Tiny braids woven with thin ribbons are scattered through loose hair or pinned into updos. They add a whisper of colour and texture without overwhelming the style. This is perfect for bridesmaids, flower girls and anyone who loves subtle details. The mini braids also work beautifully on short hair that cannot hold a full ribbon style. Think of them as jewellery for your hair, tiny details that reward a closer look.

Take small sections of hair and braid each one with a thin ribbon incorporated. Secure the ends with tiny clear elastics and tie the ribbon into a mini bow. Scatter three to five mini braids through loose hair, or pin them into an updo. Keep the braids small and delicate for the prettiest effect. These little accents take minutes but add a handcrafted, thoughtful touch to any look. Vary the ribbon colours slightly for a playful, confetti like effect through the hair.