Okay, babe, real talk: is there anything that instantly levels up your look for holiday parties, family dinners, or that sneaky office festive brunch like a perfectly placed bow in your hair? No, there isn’t. Bows are having a major moment—think coquette core meets Blair Waldorf elegance—but these classy hairstyles with bows keep it grown-up, not kindergarten. You tie one on and suddenly you’re the main character at every Christmas market. Ready to add that festive touch without trying too hard? I got you. These 10 hairstyles with bows are stupidly easy, work on pretty much any hair length, and will have people asking “wait, where’d you get your hair done?” when you literally did it in five minutes before Uber arrived.
1. The Classic Half-Up Half-Down with Oversized Velvet Bow
This one hits different when you want to look polished but still flip your hair dramatically. Gather the top section like you’re doing a mini ponytail, tease the crown a tiny bit for volume (because flat hair is a crime), then secure and wrap a thick velvet ribbon into a massive bow right at the base.
Pro move: Go for burgundy or black velvet—satin screams “I tried,” velvet whispers “I woke up like this.” Pair it with wavy ends and red lip? Instant festive touch. People stop mid-conversation to compliment you, guaranteed.
SOURCE: Pinterest.com
2. Sleek Low Ponytail with Statement Silk Bow
Low ponies are already chic AF, but slap a huge silk bow at the base and boom—old money holiday vibes unlocked. Smooth your hair back with a brush (shine spray is your bestie here), tie low at the nape, then loop a long silk ribbon around the elastic and tie the bow slightly off-center for that effortless French-girl twist.
I tried centering it once… looked too prom queen. Off-center keeps it classy. This hairstyle with bow works even if your hair is being a brat that day—zero flyaways allowed.
SOURCE: Pinterest.com
3. Messy Bun with Tiny Bow Accents
Who has time for perfect buns during the holidays? Not us. Twist your hair into a low messy bun, pull out a few face-framing pieces, then pin three mini satin bows along the side or scattered like you just threw them in.
The chaos of the messy bun + the sweetness of tiny bows? Chef’s kiss. It’s giving “I have presents to wrap but still look expensive.” Bonus: lasts through three glasses of prosecco.
SOURCE: Pinterest.com
4. Side-Parted Hollywood Waves with Barrette Bow
Old Hollywood waves already scream glamour, but clip a rhinestone-edged bow barrette right above one ear and suddenly you’re serving 1940s festive realness. Use a curling iron, brush out for that S-wave, loads of hairspray.
I wore this to a Christmas party last year and someone thought I was an influencer. Little did they know I did it watching Real Housewives. Works on medium to long hair like a dream.
SOURCE: Pinterest.com
5. Bubble Ponytail with Bows Between Each Section
Okay hear me out—this looks complicated but takes literally six elastics and ribbon scraps. Section your ponytail into bubbles with clear elastics, then tie a tiny ribbon bow under each one. Fluff the bubbles for volume.
It’s playful but the satin ribbons keep it classy, not cheerleader. Perfect when you’re wearing a simple black sweater and want your hair to do the talking.
SOURCE: Pinterest.com
6. French Twist with Bow Wrapped Around the Base
The French twist is peak classy hairstyle territory. Roll your hair upward, pin like a pro (YouTube is free, babe), then take a long piece of wired ribbon and wrap it around the entire twist, finishing in a bow at the bottom or side.
Wired ribbon holds shape all night—no sad droopy bow by dessert. Some girls do pearls, but bows? Next level festive touch.
SOURCE: Pinterest.com
7. Braided Crown with Delicate Ribbon Woven In
Two loose Dutch braids from the front, meet at the back into a low bun or just pin them like a crown, then weave a thin gold or cream ribbon through the braids and tie into small bows along the way.
It’s giving ethereal ice queen but cozy. I did this for a winter wedding once and felt like actual royalty. Works amazingly on long hair, decent on medium too.
SOURCE: Pinterest.com
8. Short Bob with Giant Side Bow
Short hair girlies, this one’s for you. Curl or straighten your bob, part deep on one side, then attach a massive organza bow right at the part or temple with clips.
Looks intentionally dramatic and so chic with hoop earrings. People with long hair are jealous, trust me. Zero heat damage if you clip-in a fake bow piece.
SOURCE: Pinterest.com
9. High Ponytail with Wrapped Bow Tail
Pull your hair into a sky-high pony, wrap a scarf or long ribbon around the base multiple times, then let the ends hang long and tie a bow halfway down the tail.
It’s Ariana meets Audrey Hepburn. The movement when you turn your head? Lethal. Perfect for New Year’s Eve when you need drama without an updo that falls by midnight.
SOURCE: Pinterest.com
10. Double Buns with Matching Mini Bows
Space buns but make them elegant. Two high or low messy buns, then clip matching mini velvet bows on top of each. Add some gold hair rings if you’re extra.
I thought this would look childish but nope—paired with a slip dress and blazer? Unexpectedly cool. Great for second-day hair when you’re over washing it during December chaos.
SOURCE: Pinterest.com
Girl, there you have it—10 classy hairstyles with bows that turn basic holiday outfits into “where is she going? Vogue?” territory. The secret? Confidence and a good ribbon (Amazon has the best velvet ones, fight me). Pick one, snap a selfie, tag your bestie—because festive season is short and bows are forever. Which one are you trying first? Tell me, I’m obsessed already.
