18 Christmas Bow Hairstyles for Cute Holiday Looks

Your Christmas outfit is ready, but what will you do with your hair? These 18 Christmas bow hairstyles turn simple ponytails, braids, and half up styles into festive hair you will want to photograph and save.

Holiday mornings can get rushed, and spending an hour on complicated hair is not always practical. A ribbon can change a familiar hairstyle in minutes, whether you are getting ready for Christmas brunch, family photos, a dinner, or a festive party.

I’ve noticed that the right bow placement can make even a simple hairstyle feel thoughtfully finished. From tartan ribbons and velvet bows to delicate gold details, these 18 ideas give you plenty of ways to work with your hair length and texture. Keep scrolling for inspiration you can try yourself and save for your next holiday event

1. Peach Bow Braided Half Up

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 Ever spend time curling your hair only to realize the back still needs something? That little gap between styled and finished can be frustrating, especially when Christmas photos are coming up. A peach bow placed beneath a braided half up section brings attention to the back without hiding those lovely curls.

Two delicate braids travel from the sides and meet beneath a wide peach ribbon. Below them, long blonde curls fall freely, giving the hairstyle a graceful shape. The warm ribbon shade pairs especially well with golden blonde and light brown hair, although darker shades can carry it just as nicely.

For a holiday dinner or a family gathering, this combination has enough detail to stand out without demanding an elaborate outfit. Keep the braids close to the head and let the bow sit just below their meeting point. A little texture spray before braiding can help finer strands hold their place.

Read More : 24 Christmas Hairstyles for Women With Festive Charm

2. Tartan Ribbon Half Up

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 If you are searching for fresh Christmas hair ideas, that red tartan ribbon sitting in your accessory drawer deserves more than another year tucked away.

That red tartan ribbon sitting in your Christmas accessory drawer deserves more than another year tucked away. Paired with long blonde hair, its familiar plaid pattern brings a cheerful holiday touch that immediately catches attention. You can wear it with a cream sweater, a festive dress, or even your favorite winter coat.

Gather the upper section of your hair toward the back and secure it with a small elastic. Position the tartan bow over the gathering point, allowing its long tails to fall between the loose lengths. The combination of a smooth crown and flowing hair keeps the patterned ribbon from becoming too busy.

Christmas markets, afternoon visits, and casual family celebrations are wonderful occasions for this hairstyle. The plaid brings enough personality on its own, so you can skip extra clips or decorative pins. Let the ribbon do the talking while the rest of your hair stays relaxed.

Read More : 23 Christmas Updos to Try for Your Next Party

3. Ivory Bow Wavy Half Up

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 You know those mornings when your hair has lovely waves, but leaving everything down seems too plain for the occasion? An ivory bow can solve that without changing the texture you already have. It brings a gentle focal point to the back while keeping most of your hair loose.

A small upper section is gathered at the crown and secured beneath a wide ivory ribbon. The remaining blonde waves fall down the back, with subtle bends running through the lengths. Against lighter hair, the bow blends into the hairstyle rather than competing with it, making the ribbon shape especially important.

For Christmas brunch or an afternoon gathering, pair this hairstyle with a knit dress or a simple blouse. Keep the ribbon tails slightly shorter than the loose hair so they remain visible. If your waves tend to flatten, refresh only the middle lengths before securing the upper section.

Read More : 19 Christmas Half Up Half Down Hairstyles for Holiday Parties

4. Black Ribbon Ponytail

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Christmas parties can be tricky when your outfit already has enough festive detail and your hair still needs something special. A black ribbon solves that problem without adding another bright holiday color. It brings a stronger edge to blonde hair while keeping the hairstyle simple enough for a busy evening.

Pull the hair into a smooth ponytail and secure it at the back of the head. Wrap a wide black ribbon around the base and form a generous bow, keeping the loops open so they remain clearly visible against the lighter strands. Let the ponytail fall straight below it.

The dark ribbon stands out beautifully against blonde hair, especially in Christmas photos where the back of your hairstyle may be just as visible as the front. Pair it with a black dress, cream sweater, satin blouse, or gold jewelry when you want the hairstyle to carry a little more visual weight.

Read More : 18 Christmas Ponytail Ideas for Holiday Parties

5. Velvet Bow Twisted Crown

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 When you want your hair away from your face during Christmas dinner, a full updo can seem like too much work. Among simple holiday hairstyles, a twisted crown gives you that lifted feeling while leaving the rest of your long hair loose.

Take sections from both sides of the head and twist them backward toward the center. Let the sections meet at the back, then secure them beneath a rich velvet bow while the remaining lengths fall freely over your shoulders. Keep the twists close to the head so the ribbon has a clear place to sit.

A deep burgundy ribbon brings a strong Christmas mood against blonde or brunette hair. For finer strands, secure each twist underneath with small pins before placing the bow. That hidden support keeps the crown together while allowing the loose lengths to remain relaxed and touchable.

6. Burgundy Statement Bow Ponytail

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 Sometimes your hair does not need complicated styling at all. If your Christmas outfit is simple and you want one detail that immediately catches attention, an oversized burgundy bow can turn an ordinary ponytail into the centerpiece of your hairstyle.

Gather the long hair into a sleek ponytail and secure it at the back of the head. Place the large ribbon directly over the elastic, allowing its long tails to fall down the ponytail. Keep the hair underneath straight so the bow remains clearly visible rather than getting lost among curls.

The rich burgundy shade brings a strong holiday mood while the clean ponytail keeps attention on the ribbon. This hairstyle suits Christmas portraits, evening dinners, and family gatherings where your hair will be photographed from behind.

7.  Burgundy Rose Bow Half Up

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 Holiday photos have a way of catching the back of your hair when you are least prepared for it. If your hair is already long and wavy, there is no need to reshape every strand just to make it festive. A burgundy bow placed at the back can turn those loose waves into a more intentional Christmas hairstyle.

Gather the upper sections from both sides and bring them together at the back of the head. Secure the hair neatly, then place a burgundy ribbon over the joining point and form a medium bow. Keep the lower waves loose so they remain the main part of the hairstyle.

The deep red ribbon stands out against lighter hair while still working with classic Christmas colors. For a dinner or family gathering, this hairstyle pairs well with cream, black, burgundy, or green clothing. Keep the upper section slightly lifted rather than pulled tightly against the scalp for a more flattering shape.

Read More : 22 Christmas Hairstyles for Short Hair for Christmas Photos

8.  Double Red Bow Pigtails

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Christmas mornings rarely leave much time for complicated hair, especially when everyone is already waiting for breakfast, gifts, and family photos. Two low pigtails can take the pressure off because the hairstyle comes together quickly while the matching red bows make it instantly festive.

Part the hair cleanly down the center and divide it into two sections. Gather each side into a low ponytail just below the ears, then secure a small red bow around each base. Keep the lengths loose so the hairstyle retains its playful shape.

Wavy or curly hair works especially well here because the natural texture brings character to both sides. Position the bows slightly behind the ears rather than directly beside the cheeks if you want more space around the face. Short ribbon tails can also keep the hairstyle from becoming too childish.

9. Plaid Ribbon Pony Wrap

There is always one Christmas ribbon that sits unused because you are not sure how to wear it. A red plaid design deserves a place in your hairstyle, especially when you want something festive without covering your hair in multiple accessories.

Gather the hair into a medium height ponytail and secure it firmly at the back. Wrap the plaid ribbon around the base several times, then finish with a small bow and allow the remaining tails to rest over the ponytail. The pattern becomes especially noticeable against darker hair.

For thick hair, a wider ribbon can hold its shape and remain visible among the strands. Fine hair usually suits a narrower version because the accessory stays proportional to the ponytail. Keep the ends slightly wavy if you want a cozy Christmas feel for brunches, markets, or family gatherings.

10. Double Bow Pigtail Waves

By the time Christmas plans begin, your hair may be the last thing you have time to think about. Two low pigtails keep the styling manageable while matching bows bring enough holiday detail to make the hairstyle feel intentional rather than rushed.

Part the hair down the center and divide it into two sections. Gather each side just below the ears and secure the ponytails with small red bows. Keep the lengths loose and let the existing waves or curls remain visible instead of brushing them completely smooth.

This hairstyle works especially well for Christmas brunch, family gatherings, or casual holiday photos. If your hair has natural waves, use a small amount of curl cream before tying the bows so the texture stays defined. For straighter hair, loose bends through the lengths can give each side more character.

11. Cranberry Bow Twist

When a half up hairstyle starts to feel too familiar, changing the way the side sections meet can make all the difference. Twisting them toward the center gives the back of the hair a detail worth noticing, while a cranberry bow marks the exact point where everything comes together.

Take one section from above each ear and twist both pieces backward. Bring them toward the center of the head and secure them together before placing the cranberry ribbon over the joining point. Leave the lower hair loose so the twisted detail remains visible against the longer lengths.

For naturally wavy hair, keep the existing bends rather than brushing them away. Straight hair can be given a few loose waves through the lower section before styling. A hairstylist trick here is to pin each twist from underneath, which keeps the hardware hidden while giving the ribbon a clean base.

12. Gold Bow Braided Crown

A holiday dinner does not always call for a large bow or elaborate accessory. Sometimes the braid itself should be the main feature, with a small gold ribbon quietly finishing the hairstyle at the back.

Create a center part and form a loose braid from each side of the head. Bring both braids toward the back and secure them together slightly above the nape, leaving the remaining lengths loose. Place a narrow gold bow directly where the braids meet.

The gold ribbon works especially well with warm blonde, brunette, and honey toned hair because the color catches light without competing with the woven sections. For wavy hair, leave the lower lengths untouched so the braid and loose texture sit together naturally. Loosening the outer braid edges slightly can also make the woven pattern easier to see.

13. Bow Tied Side Braid

There are days when wearing your hair down feels distracting, but a full updo seems too formal for the plans ahead. Sweeping the hair over one shoulder solves that middle ground, while a small bow at the braid ending brings in the Christmas detail without covering the whole hairstyle.

Start with a deep side part and bring the longer section over one shoulder. Braid the lengths loosely, keeping the weave visible rather than pulling every strand tightly into place. Once the braid reaches the lower section, secure it with a narrow satin ribbon and form a compact bow.

Burgundy, cherry red, and deep green ribbons work nicely against brown and blonde hair. Keep two fine pieces around the face if you want the hairstyle to frame your features. For a holiday photo session, place the braid toward the side that will face the camera so the ribbon remains easy to notice.

14. Tinsel Ribbon Half Up

You can have a full day of Christmas plans and still want your hair to stay mostly down. Among ribbon hairstyles, a half up arrangement works well because it keeps the front controlled while allowing the lower lengths to remain the star.

Take two sections from the temples and bring them toward the back of the head. Secure them together before placing a slim metallic ribbon over the joining point. Let the ribbon tails fall into the loose hair, keeping them slightly uneven for a relaxed finish.

Silver works especially well with cool blonde or ash brown hair, while champagne and gold suit warmer shades. Fine hair benefits from a narrow ribbon because it keeps the accessory proportional to the gathered section. If your waves lose shape during the day, refresh only the loose ends instead of restyling the entire head.

15. Velvet Bow Bubble Pony

By the time the Christmas party begins, a regular ponytail can seem a little too ordinary for the occasion. Turning that ponytail into rounded sections changes its shape completely, while a velvet bow at the base brings in the holiday detail without requiring a complicated updo.

Gather the hair into a high ponytail and divide the length into several sections with small elastics. Gently pull each section outward so the bubbles become rounded and distinct. Finish the base with a wide velvet ribbon, choosing burgundy, forest green, deep red, or ivory according to your outfit.

The placement matters if your face is longer, since keeping the ponytail around the middle or upper middle of the head can suit the proportions better than placing it extremely high. For thick hair, slightly larger sections can show the bubble pattern more clearly. A light mist before shaping each section can help the rounded sections hold their form through holiday photos.

16. Side Bow Ponytail Sweep

Some hairstyles photograph beautifully from the front but lose their charm from the side. Moving the ponytail slightly off center solves that problem while giving the bow a more unexpected place to sit, especially when you want your Christmas hairstyle to stand out in pictures.

Start with a deep side part and sweep the longer section toward the opposite side. Gather the hair into a medium height ponytail and secure it near the back of the head. Tie a medium ribbon where the hair gathers, then angle the bow slightly upward instead of keeping it completely straight.

Wavy hair can keep its existing bends through the ponytail, while straight hair can be left sleek for a sharper finish. A hairstylist trick is to leave two narrow pieces near the cheekbones when the ponytail is pulled tightly back. They break up the clean sides and can make the placement around the face more flattering.

17. Bow Accent Messy Chignon

After wearing your hair loose through several holiday events, you may want something tucked away without committing to a rigid updo. A low chignon gives you that change while leaving enough texture visible to keep the hairstyle relaxed and interesting.

Gather the hair at the nape and twist the lengths into a loose chignon. Pin smaller sections underneath rather than forcing everything into one tight coil. Leave a few strands around the face and place a narrow burgundy ribbon around the base, shifting the bow slightly off center.

Wavy and curly hair can keep its existing pattern through the loose pieces, while straight hair can be given a few bends beforehand. That preparation helps the pinned sections hold their shape without making the hairstyle appear too controlled. The small bow becomes a quiet Christmas detail against the textured bun.

18. Red Ribbon Fishtail Braid

When Christmas plans stretch from morning gatherings to evening photos, wearing your hair loose can become one more thing to manage. A fishtail braid keeps the long lengths together while still showing plenty of texture, and a red ribbon brings the holiday detail without making the hairstyle complicated.

Bring all of your hair over one shoulder and divide it into two equal sections. Take a thin piece from the outside of one section and cross it into the opposite section, then repeat from side to side until you reach the ends. Secure the braid before weaving a narrow red ribbon through selected sections.

Finish with a small velvet bow near the bottom of the braid, letting the remaining ribbon tails fall alongside the hair. The red stands out against brunette and blonde shades, while the woven pattern keeps the back interesting for photos. For thicker hair, loosen the outer edges slightly so the fishtail pattern becomes easier to see.

How to Choose the Right Christmas Bow Hairstyle

The best Christmas hairstyles with ribbons depend on your hair length, texture, outfit, and where you are going. A large bow can become the main detail, while a smaller ribbon works better when your outfit already has festive details.

Consider these simple options:

• Long hair: Try a bow ponytail, fishtail braid, bubble pony, or long half up style.
• Wavy hair: Choose a half up bow or twisted crown that lets your texture stay visible.
• Fine hair: Use a smaller ribbon so the accessory does not overpower your hairstyle.
• Thick hair: Wider velvet or tartan ribbons can remain visible through fuller hairstyles.
• Shorter hair: Place a small bow near a half up section or behind one side of the head.

Christmas Bow Hairstyles for Different Occasions

Not every holiday event calls for the same hairstyle. For a family breakfast, casual gathering, or Christmas market, simple Christmas hair ideas with small bows can work well. A dinner or party may call for a larger ribbon, velvet bow, or more detailed braid.

For Christmas party hairstyles, consider a statement bow ponytail, twisted crown, or velvet bubble pony. For family photos, half up styles and side braids keep the hair interesting from the back while leaving your face visible.

How to Make a Christmas Bow Hairstyle Last

Ribbon hairstyles can stay neat for longer when the hair has enough grip before the accessory is added. Start with completely dry hair, secure the hairstyle firmly, and choose a ribbon that matches the amount of hair you are working with.

A few simple steps can help:

• Use small hidden pins beneath bows when needed.
• Secure ponytails before tying the ribbon.
• Avoid placing heavy bows on very fine sections of hair.
• Use light hairspray after styling rather than soaking the hair.
• Carry a few extra pins for quick fixes during parties or photos.

FAQs

Conclusion

Christmas hair does not need complicated tools or hours of styling to make an impression. These Christmas bow hairstyles show how a simple ribbon can transform braids, ponytails, buns, and half up styles into festive hair for different occasions.

Choose a bold velvet bow, a delicate ribbon, or a playful pair of bows based on your outfit and hair texture. I’ve seen how one small accessory can completely change a familiar hairstyle. Save this post on Pinterest, try your favorite idea, and share it with someone planning their holiday hair. Your next Christmas hairstyle might be waiting here.