Bows have been a staple in hairstyles for generations, adding a touch of whimsy, femininity, and elegance. Whether you’re dressing up for a formal event or simply elevating your everyday look, incorporating a bow into your hairstyle can instantly add charm. In this article, we’ll explore different hairstyles with bows that are perfect for women of all hair types, from straight hair to curly hair, short to long, and everything in between.
High Ponytail with a Bow
The high ponytail with a bow is a fun and energetic style that suits almost any face shape. It works well with long hair or medium-length tresses. This style gives a youthful, energetic vibe, making it perfect for casual outings, gym sessions, or even a date night. For women with black hair or natural curls, adding a colorful bow can make the style pop even more, enhancing the texture and adding a playful touch.
To achieve this look, gather your hair into a high ponytail at the crown of your head, securing it with an elastic band. Then, wrap your favorite bow around the base of the ponytail. You’ll need a good hairspray to keep the ponytail in place, especially if you have curly hair that tends to frizz. For long-lasting shine and control, try using Living Proof’s Flex Hairspray, which works well for both straight and curly hair.
Braided Crown with a Ribbon Bow
For an ethereal look, a braided crown adorned with a ribbon bow is perfect for weddings, parties, or any occasion where you want to exude elegance. This hairstyle works best for those with long hair but can also be adapted for short hair with the help of hair extensions or wigs. Oval and heart-shaped faces look particularly stunning with this style, as it accentuates the natural curves of the face.
Begin by creating two Dutch braids on either side of your head and wrap them around like a crown. Secure the braids with bobby pins and tie a delicate ribbon bow at the back for a sweet touch. Use Briogeo’s Farewell Frizz Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioning Spray to keep your braids smooth and frizz-free.
Messy Bun with a Velvet Bow
For those days when you want to look effortlessly chic, the messy bun with a velvet bow is a go-to hairstyle. This look is perfect for black women with natural or curly hair, as the texture adds extra volume and character to the bun. It’s a great everyday style for work, brunch, or running errands, and it works best for round or square face shapes.
To achieve this look, loosely gather your hair into a bun at the back of your head. Don’t worry about making it too neat – the beauty of this style is its imperfection. Add a velvet bow for a touch of elegance. You can use a texture spray like Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray to give your hair more body and hold.
Half-Up Half-Down with a Bow
The half-up half-down style is incredibly versatile and works well with both straight and curly hair. It’s an ideal choice for medium to long hair and is perfect for a range of occasions, from casual coffee dates to more formal settings. A bow placed where the hair is pulled back adds a romantic, vintage vibe to the look. This style is particularly flattering for heart and oval-shaped faces, drawing attention to the cheekbones and eyes.
To create this look, pull the top half of your hair back and secure it with a clip. Then, tie a bow where the clip is. To keep your curls defined and frizz-free, you can use DevaCurl’s SuperCream Coconut Curl Styler, which works wonders for natural and curly hair.
Low Bun with a Satin Bow
A low bun with a satin bow offers timeless elegance, making it the perfect hairstyle for formal events like weddings or dinners. This style works best for those with straight hair, as the sleekness of the hair complements the smooth satin texture of the bow. However, it can also be adapted for black women with natural hair or box braids, by creating a bun with twists or braids for added texture.
To create this look, gather your hair at the nape of your neck and twist it into a bun. Secure the bun with pins and tie a satin bow around it for an elegant finish. Use a shine serum like Paul Mitchell’s Super Skinny Serum to give your hair a sleek, polished look.
Fishtail Braid with a Bow
The fishtail braid is a fun and intricate hairstyle that works beautifully with a bow. It’s ideal for long hair but can be adapted for shorter lengths using extensions or wigs. The fishtail braid gives a bohemian, carefree feel, making it perfect for festivals, beach outings, or casual summer days. This style is especially flattering for oval and long face shapes.
To create this look, part your hair down the middle and create a fishtail braid by weaving small sections of hair over each other. Secure the end with a small elastic band and add a bow for a charming touch. To maintain your braid and prevent frizz, try Ouai’s Hair Oil, which helps to smooth flyaways and add shine.
Halo Braid with a Bow
The halo braid with a bow is a sophisticated style that exudes regality and grace. It’s perfect for black women with natural hair, as the braids can be shaped beautifully to complement the natural texture. This hairstyle is great for formal events like galas or weddings, and it pairs well with minimal makeup and bold earrings.
Start by creating two French or Dutch braids on either side of your head and wrapping them around to form a halo. Secure the braids with bobby pins and finish the look with a small bow at the back. Use Camille Rose’s Almond Jai Twisting Butter to keep the braids moisturized and sleek.
Ponytail with a Scarf Bow
The ponytail with a scarf bow is a chic, retro-inspired hairstyle that works well for both casual and formal occasions. This style is especially great for short hair and curly hair, as the scarf adds an extra layer of style and texture. It suits all face shapes and can be worn by women of all ages.
To achieve this look, pull your hair into a mid or high ponytail and wrap a colorful scarf around the base, tying it into a bow. You can use Bumble and Bumble’s Thickening Dryspun Volume Texture Spray to add volume and fullness to your ponytail.
Twists with a Bow
Twists are a protective hairstyle that works beautifully for black women with natural hair. Adding a bow to twists can elevate the style, making it more playful and stylish for any occasion. This look is particularly flattering for heart-shaped faces as it draws attention to the upper part of the face.
To create this look, part your hair and twist small sections, securing each twist with a band. Once your twists are complete, gather them into a ponytail or bun and tie a bow around the base. Keep your twists hydrated with Taliah Waajid’s Curly Curl Cream, which helps to lock in moisture and define curls.
Bantu Knots with a Bow
Bantu knots are a bold and beautiful hairstyle that works for all hair types, but they look especially stunning on black women with natural hair. Adding a bow to one or two of the knots can create a fun, quirky style that’s perfect for festivals, parties, or a night out. This style is ideal for round and heart-shaped faces, as it elongates the face.
To achieve this look, part your hair into sections and twist each section into a small knot. Secure each knot with a hair tie and add a bow for a playful touch. To keep your knots moisturized, use SheaMoisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie.
Side Ponytail with a Bow
A side ponytail with a bow is a playful and flirty style that’s perfect for a casual day out or a summer event. This hairstyle works for all hair lengths and types, from curly hair to straight hair, and it’s particularly flattering on square or round face shapes. Adding a bow gives the ponytail a fun, youthful vibe.
To achieve this look, sweep your hair to one side and secure it with an elastic. Tie a bow over the elastic to finish the look. For added texture, use Ouai Wave Spray, which enhances natural waves and adds volume to the ponytail.
Low Ponytail with a Bow
A sleek low ponytail with a bow is an elegant and timeless look, ideal for formal events like weddings or dinners. This hairstyle works well for straight hair or curly hair, and it flatters most face shapes, especially oval and heart-shaped. A satin or velvet bow adds a touch of sophistication to this classic style.
To achieve this look, brush your hair back into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck and secure it with a hair tie. Add a bow over the tie for a sleek finish. To maintain a smooth, frizz-free look, use John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Serum.
Twisted Half-Up Half-Down with a Bow
The twisted half-up half-down hairstyle is a versatile and romantic look, perfect for both casual and formal events. This style works well with curly hair or straight hair, and it’s especially flattering for heart-shaped faces. A bow adds a whimsical touch to the hairstyle.
To create this look, take two small sections from either side of your head and twist them toward the back. Secure the twists with a hair tie, and then add a bow over the tie. For added volume and texture, use Not Your Mother’s Plump for Joy Dry Shampoo.
Box Braids with a Bow
Box braids are a protective hairstyle that can be styled in various ways, and adding a bow gives them a fun, unique touch. This look is perfect for black women with natural hair, and it’s great for casual outings, festivals, or a day at the beach. A bright or patterned bow can be used to contrast the braids, making them pop even more.
To achieve this look, style your box braids into a high ponytail or bun and add a bow at the base. To maintain your braids and keep your scalp moisturized, try using Cantu’s Shea Butter Tea Tree & Jojoba Hair & Scalp Oil.
Pigtail Braids with a Bow
Pigtail braids with bows are a youthful and charming hairstyle, perfect for a fun day out or a casual event. This style works well with short hair or medium-length hair, especially for those with curly hair or wavy hair. Pigtail braids are particularly flattering for round and heart-shaped faces, as they add a playful frame to the face.
To achieve this look, part your hair down the middle and braid each side into a loose braid. Secure the braids with elastics and add bows at the ends for a playful touch. Use Pantene’s Curl Affair Curl Reshaping Cream to keep your curls defined and frizz-free.
Dutch Braid with a Bow
The Dutch braid is a gorgeous, eye-catching hairstyle that adds depth and dimension to any look. It’s perfect for long hair and works well for both straight and curly hair. Adding a bow at the end of the braid gives the style a polished, feminine finish. This hairstyle is great for special occasions like weddings, proms, or formal dinners.
To create this look, start by Dutch braiding your hair from the crown of your head down to the nape of your neck. Secure the braid with an elastic and add a bow for decoration. Use Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum to keep the braid sleek and smooth.
Double Buns with a Bow
Double buns with a bow are a quirky and fun hairstyle, perfect for festivals, concerts, or casual days out. This look works well for women with short hair or long hair and is ideal for those with round or oval-shaped faces. Adding bows to each bun enhances the playful nature of the style.
To create this look, part your hair down the middle and create two buns on either side of your head. Secure each bun with hair ties and add a bow to each one for a fun twist. To add volume, use Big Sexy Hair Powder Play for a fuller look.
Braided Low Bun with a Bow
A braided low bun with a bow is a sophisticated and elegant hairstyle that’s perfect for formal events or office settings. This style works beautifully for long hair or medium-length hair and can be styled with both straight and curly hair. The braided element adds texture, while the bow adds a soft, feminine touch.
To achieve this look, create a braid with the lower section of your hair and twist it into a low bun at the nape of your neck. Secure the bun with bobby pins and add a bow for a chic finish. For added shine and control, use L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray to keep the style in place all day.
Conclusion
Bows can be the perfect accessory to elevate any hairstyle, adding charm, elegance, or even a bit of fun. Whether you have short hair, long hair, curly hair, or straight hair, there’s a bow hairstyle that’s perfect for you. We’d love to hear which style you’re excited to try—share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t hesitate to add your own twist to these ideas!
Hi! I’m Alena Forushchenko, and I’ve been passionately creating beauty for over 8 years. My journey into the world of beauty started with an unexpected twist—I was studying art and realized my true canvas wasn’t paper or paint, but people. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to help others see the best versions of themselves.
