Okay, babe, hear me out: the holidays roll around and suddenly everyone’s hair looks boring AF next to the tree lights. Enter ribbon hairstyles – the easiest, cheapest way to look like you stepped out of a Christmas Pinterest board without spending three hours or frying your ends. These festive ribbon hairstyles are literally just your normal hair but with a bow slapped on… and boom, instant holiday magic. Is it even December if you’re not rocking a ribbon somewhere? Exactly. Grab some satin, velvet, or even that random gift-wrap ribbon from last year – these 15 looks are so doable you’ll wear them to the office party, ugly sweater night, or just grab hot cocoa. Let’s get into it, bestie.
1. Classic Red Velvet Bow Ponytail
Girl, start simple because this one slays every single time. Slick your hair into a high pony, wrap a thick red velvet ribbon around the base, and tie it into a massive bow. The velvet screams luxury but feels soft against your hair – no snags, promise. Pro tip: let the bow tails hang long for that dramatic swoop when you turn your head. People will literally stop you to ask where you got that “hair accessory,” and you’re just like… Amazon, duh. Perfect for those “I woke up like this but make it festive” days.
SOURCE: Pinterest.com
2. Half-Up Half-Down with Skinny Satin Ribbon
Half-up styles are my ride-or-die because who has time for full updos? Pull the top section back, secure with a clear elastic, then weave a thin gold or emerald satin ribbon through like a shoelace and finish with a tiny bow. It looks intricate but takes 60 seconds. I tried this last Christmas Eve and got more compliments than the actual presents. Bonus: the ribbon hides any second-day hair sins.
SOURCE: Pinterest.com
3. Oversized Black Velvet Bow Low Bun
Low buns are chic, add a giant black velvet bow and suddenly you’re giving off rich-aunt-at-the-holiday-gala energy. Twist your hair into a messy low bun, pin it, then clip or tie the bow right on top. Go big or go home – the bigger the bow, the more “quiet luxury” it feels. Pair with red lips and everyone thinks you’re fancy. IMO black velvet beats red when you want elegant over cute.
SOURCE: Pinterest.com
4. Ribbon-Wrapped Bubble Ponytail
Yesss, bubble ponytails are still trending and the holidays are the perfect excuse. Section your pony into 4-5 bubbles with clear elastics, then wrap thin red-and-green plaid ribbon around each elastic. Fluff them out for volume. It’s playful, it’s fun, and literally looks like wrapped presents stacked on your head. My friend wore this to a holiday market and went viral on her stories.
SOURCE: Pinterest.com
5. Double French Braids with Crisscross Ribbon
Remember those lace-up braids from a few years ago? Same vibe but Christmas edition. Do two French braids, then weave a wide emerald velvet ribbon in and out like corset lacing. Tie at the bottom with little bells if you’re extra (and we love extra). Looks complicated but it’s just regular braiding with an add-on. Perfect for keeping hair out of your face while baking cookies.
SOURCE: Pinterest.com
6. Side-Parted Waves with Mini Bow Clips
For my lazy girlies who refuse heatless curls in winter – just side-part your natural waves and scatter tiny satin bow clips along one side. Red, gold, cream – mix them. Takes ten seconds and turns “I didn’t do my hair” into “I’m a holiday angel.” I wore this to a work party and my boss asked for the salon name. Lol.
SOURCE: Pinterest.com
7. Ribbon-Tied Space Buns
Space buns but make them festive. Split hair in two high ponies, twist into buns, then wrap shimmery gold ribbon around each like a present. Add a bow on top of each bun for maximum cuteness. This one screams New Year’s Eve countdown or ugly sweater party. Are space buns ever really “mature”? No, and that’s why we love them.
SOURCE: Pinterest.com
8. Long Ribbon Trails from a Low Pony
Take a low ponytail, tie with a super long scarlet satin ribbon, and let the ends trail down your back. Curl the hair first for movement – when you walk the ribbon floats behind you like a cape. Dramatic? Yes. Do people stare? Absolutely. I felt like a Victoria’s Secret angel at my family dinner last year.
SOURCE: Pinterest.com
9. Messy Top Knot with Plaid Ribbon Bow
Messy top knot girls, this one’s for you. Pile your hair up high, leave some face-framing pieces, then tie a buffalo plaid ribbon into a huge bow right at the base. It hides the fact that it’s third-day hair and instantly says “cozy cabin Christmas.” Throw on an oversized sweater and you’re peak holiday aesthetic.
SOURCE: Pinterest.com
10. Ribbon-Woven Fishtail Braid
Fishtail braids already look fancy, add ribbon and you’re golden. Start with a long piece of thin metallic gold ribbon folded into your hair at the top, then braid it in as the third section. The ribbon sparkles every time you move. Great for holiday dinners when you want to look put-together without trying too hard.
SOURCE: Pinterest.com
11. Pigtails with Massive Satin Bows
Yes, pigtails can be chic if the bows are big enough. Low pigtails, slight wave, then tie each with an enormous cream or burgundy satin bow. It’s giving Blair Waldorf meets Mrs. Claus and I’m obsessed. Some people say pigtails are too young – those people are boring.
SOURCE: Pinterest.com
12. Ribbon Crown Braid
Want to feel like holiday royalty? Do a crown braid (or fake it with two Dutch braids pinned up), then weave narrow red and green ribbons all the way around. Pin a tiny bow at the back. Looks like you spent hours but it’s basically just braiding with extras. Perfect for Christmas morning photos.
SOURCE: Pinterest.com
13. Sleek High Pony with Wrapped Ribbon
Sleek ponytail girlies, wrap the entire base with wide black satin ribbon from root to elastic, then finish with a bow. It hides any bumps and makes the pony look thicker. Ariana Grande wishes. Throw on hoop earrings and red lipstick – done.
SOURCE: Pinterest.com
14. Loose Curls with Hidden Ribbon Accents
Curl your hair, then take tiny sections near the front and tie them back with super thin velvet ribbons in different colors. Let the ends blend into the curls. Subtle but when the light hits? Sparkle city. This one’s for my “I don’t want it to scream Christmas but still festive” girlies.
SOURCE: Pinterest.com
15. Giant Statement Bow Updo
Save the best for last. Slick everything into a low chignon, then attach the biggest red grosgrain bow you can find right on top. Think Southern belle meets holiday gala. I wore something similar to a New Year’s party once and felt unstoppable. Go big or why bother, right?
SOURCE: Pinterest.com
There you go, babe – 15 festive ribbon hairstyles that take zero skill but give maximum holiday cheer. Stock up on ribbon (Dollar store, Amazon, your gift-wrapping stash – whatever), because once you start, you won’t stop. These looks are cozy, cute, and so easy you’ll actually wear them instead of just pinning them. Which one are you trying first? Tell me, I’m obsessed already.
