Bow hairstyles are an elegant and playful choice for any occasion, adding a feminine touch to your look. Whether you’re looking for a chic updo or a fun half-up half-down style, bow hairstyles are versatile and can work with any hair texture or length. From simple and easy designs for everyday wear to elaborate styles for formal occasions, bow hairstyles are making a big comeback. Here are 33 inspiring ideas to try for your next event, all with modern flair and detailed tutorials.
Bow Bun with Satin Ribbon
The bow bun with satin ribbon is a classic yet cute style that brings sophistication to any look. This bow hairstyle is ideal for formal occasions such as a prom, bridesmaid, or Christmas party. It works well on both natural hair and wig styles, making it a great option for black women or anyone with textured curly hair. The satin ribbon adds a touch of luxury, making this hairstyle perfect for oval or heart-shaped faces, while it enhances bright eye colors like blue or green.
To achieve this style, start by gathering your hair into a high bun and securing it with an elastic. Split the bun into two sections, looping the ends to create the bow shape. Use a satin ribbon to wrap around the center of the bow and pin it in place. A hairspray like Tresemmé Freeze Hold will keep the look sleek. To maintain the bow’s neatness, use a silk pillowcase at night.
Double Bow Braids
For a fun twist on a classic, try the double bow braids hairstyle. This look is perfect for school, a casual weekend outing, or even a themed K-pop party. It suits round or heart-shaped faces and enhances hazel or brown eyes. Double bows add a youthful vibe and pair well with colorful or patterned outfits, making this a great look for teens or younger women.
Create this style by dividing your hair into two sections and making low ponytails on either side. Braid each section, then form a bow by looping the braid ends and securing them with hairpins. The bows can be adorned with small accessories for an extra cute touch. To maintain the style, use a leave-in conditioner like SheaMoisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie to keep your braids soft and moisturized.
Half-Up Bow with Braids
A romantic style that’s both simple and elegant, the half-up bow with braids is perfect for a prom, bride, or even a graduation party. 
This style works wonderfully with natural curly hair or black women braids and is best suited for square or oval faces. It highlights light brown or hazel eyes and pairs perfectly with a flowy, boho-inspired outfit.
To create this look, start by braiding two small sections of hair from either side of the head and pulling them back to form a bow in the middle. Secure the braids with pins, and use a curling iron to add soft waves to the rest of the hair. For added hold, a lightweight mousse like Pantene Pro-V Curl Mousse can help maintain volume and shape throughout the day.
Afro Bow Hairstyle
If you have natural hair, the Afro bow hairstyle is a fun way to embrace your texture while adding a statement. This bold look is ideal for black women with Type 4C curls and is a great choice for a party, school event, or even a Christmas gathering. It pairs best with oval or heart-shaped faces and adds volume to any outfit.
To create the Afro bow, gather your curls into a high ponytail and shape them into a bow using a scarf or bandana to hold the structure in place. Define your curls using Cantu Curl Activator Cream, which will give the style bounce and shine. To keep your curls hydrated, use a deep conditioning mask like Mielle Organics Babassu Oil Mint Deep Conditioner once a week.
French Braid with Large Bow
A classic yet playful option is the French braid with a large bow. This hairstyle is perfect for formal occasions such as a bride or bridesmaid, and it works well with long, medium, or short hair. The French braid gives a structured look, while the large bow adds a touch of whimsy, making it great for square or heart-shaped faces.
To achieve this style, braid the hair starting from the crown and stopping at the nape of the neck. Tie a large satin or velvet bow at the end for a soft finish. A firm-hold hairspray like L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray will keep your braid smooth and free from flyaways. For maintenance, ensure your hair stays frizz-free with John Frieda Frizz Ease Serum.
Low Bun with Bow Accent
The low bun with bow accent is a sophisticated style that’s ideal for professional events or formal occasions like a prom or graduation. This hairstyle looks best on black women or those with textured wig styles, and it pairs beautifully with a tailored, minimalist outfit. The style suits all face shapes but enhances round faces particularly well.
Create this look by pulling your hair into a low bun at the nape of the neck. Add a bow hairpin or ribbon just above the bun for a chic accent. Use a shine spray like Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine to give the bun a polished finish. To maintain, use a nourishing shampoo like Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo to keep your hair soft and shiny.
Half-Up Half-Down with Ribbon Bow
For a casual and easy style, the half-up half-down with a ribbon bow is perfect for school or everyday wear. This style works well with natural hair or wigs for black women and pairs beautifully with a relaxed, comfy outfit. Best suited for oval or diamond-shaped faces, it enhances eye colors like blue and green.
To create this style, pull the top half of your hair into a ponytail and secure it with a satin ribbon. Let the rest of the hair flow naturally. Add soft waves with a curling wand and finish with a texturizing spray like Amika Un.Done Volume and Matte Texture Spray. For maintenance, use a hydrating shampoo like Mizani Moisture Fusion.
Cute Bow Ponytail
The cute bow ponytail is perfect for younger women or those attending a casual party or school event. This hairstyle is easy to create and works well with small bows or pink ribbon accents for added charm. Best suited for oval or round faces, it pairs perfectly with a casual or preppy outfit.
Start by gathering your hair into a high ponytail and securing it with an elastic. Form a small bow using the ponytail’s ends and secure with pins. Add a ribbon bow for extra detail. Use Herbal Essences Set Me Up Mousse to add volume and bounce to the ponytail. For everyday maintenance, wash with Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Shampoo to keep frizz under control.
Bow with Box Braids
A great protective style for black women is the bow with box braids. This is an eye-catching look for events like prom, graduation, or any formal gathering. The style suits all face shapes and enhances brown or amber eye colors.
To achieve this, braid the hair into box braids and pull them into a high ponytail. Use a few braids to form a bow and secure with elastic bands. For maintenance, use African Pride Olive Miracle Braid Sheen Spray to keep the braids moisturized. To keep your braids fresh, wear a silk scarf at night.
Mullet with Double Bow
The mullet hairstyle paired with double bows is a bold choice for women who love to stand out. It works well for women attending rock concerts or themed party events and suits all face shapes. Pair it with bold makeup and edgy fashion choices for a daring, modern look.
To create this style, cut your hair into a mullet with shorter layers in the front and longer in the back. Add two small bows to either side for a quirky twist. Use Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray to give your hair a tousled, edgy texture. For maintenance, opt for a volumizing shampoo like Big Sexy Hair Volumizing Shampoo to keep the layers full.
Braided Bow Updo
The braided bow updo is a stunning style for formal occasions like a bridesmaid role, prom, or even a graduation ceremony. This intricate style combines elegance and creativity, making it ideal for black women with medium to long natural hair. The bow adds an artistic touch to this traditional updo, best suited for square or oval face shapes and enhancing light or dark brown eyes.
To create this look, start by braiding your hair into two sections. Bring them up into an updo and shape the ends into a bow, securing them with pins. For added shine and hold, use a strong hairspray like Garnier Fructis Style Sleek & Shine Hairspray. To keep the braids neat, apply a bit of Murray’s Edge Wax along the hairline for sleek edges.
Afro Puff Bow
If you’re looking for a cute and easy style for natural hair, the afro puff bow is perfect. This is a playful look for casual outings, school, or even a day at the park. Best suited for oval and round faces, the afro puff bow is ideal for black women with curly hair textures, especially 4B and 4C types. It can be styled with a colorful ribbon to make it even more fun.
To create this style, pull your natural curls into a high puff and shape the ends into a bow. Secure with bobby pins and tie a satin ribbon for decoration. Keep your curls hydrated with Cantu Coconut Curling Cream and refresh the look with a spritz of ORS Olive Oil Sheen Spray throughout the day.
Half-Up Ponytail with Bow
A chic and trendy hairstyle is the half-up ponytail with a bow, perfect for casual events, shopping trips, or school. This style looks great on short hair or medium-length hair, offering a cute way to keep the hair out of your face while still showcasing some volume. It complements round and oval faces, and the addition of a bow can enhance green or hazel eyes.
To achieve this look, gather the top half of your hair into a ponytail and tie it with a ribbon or clip it with a bow. You can curl the rest of your hair for added texture. For maintenance, use a texturizing spray like Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1 to give your ponytail volume and hold. To keep your hair smooth and frizz-free, try L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Shampoo.
Box Braids with Double Bow
If you’re wearing box braids, adding two bows is a great way to make the style pop for a special occasion like a graduation, Christmas, or formal party. This look is best suited for black women with braids, and it pairs well with oval or heart-shaped faces. The bows can add a festive touch to any event.
To get this look, pull your box braids into two high ponytails and form bows at the ends of each ponytail. Secure with elastic bands and add decorative ribbons. Use a braid spray like African Pride Olive Miracle Braid Sheen to keep your braids hydrated and shiny. To keep your scalp clean and fresh, opt for Cantu Apple Cider Vinegar Root Rinse.
Wig with Bow Headband
For black women who wear wigs, adding a bow headband can instantly elevate your look. Whether you’re dressing up for a prom, Christmas party, or casual dinner, this easy addition works with any wig style. 
It suits all face shapes and works particularly well with straight or wavy wig textures.
To achieve this, style your wig as desired—whether straight, wavy, or curly—and add a bow headband to the crown of your head. You can find satin or velvet bow headbands to match your outfit. Use a wig detangler like Jon Renau HD Smooth Detangler to keep the wig sleek and frizz-free. For storage, keep the wig on a stand to maintain its shape.
Curly Afro Bow
For a bold look that embraces natural curls, the curly afro bow is an eye-catching style that’s perfect for a formal occasion, bride, or bridesmaid role. This look works best for oval or round faces and adds volume to any look, enhancing darker eye colors.
To create the curly afro bow, pull your natural curls into a puff and form the ends into a bow using a satin scarf. Pin the bow in place and fluff out the curls around it. Keep your curls hydrated with DevaCurl One Condition Decadence and use Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Refresher Spray to freshen up the curls throughout the day.
Pink Satin Bow Updo
For a playful and modern take on the classic updo, try the pink satin bow updo. This style works for special events like a prom, bride, or party and adds a pop of color with a pink bow, complementing fair to medium skin tones and bright eye colors like blue or green.
To get this look, sweep your hair into a high bun and secure it with a pink satin ribbon. The contrast of the bold color with a sleek updo makes it stand out. For added shine, use Redken Diamond Oil Glow Dry before styling. To maintain the look, sleep with a silk scarf to prevent flyaways.
Low Ponytail with Ribbon Bow
The low ponytail with a ribbon bow is a timeless and easy hairstyle that works for both casual and formal occasions. This style is especially flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces, adding an elegant touch with a satin or velvet ribbon. It’s ideal for brides, bridesmaids, or even a graduation party.
To create this look, pull your hair into a low ponytail and secure it with a satin ribbon tied into a bow. Add a bit of wave to the ponytail using a curling iron for a soft finish. To maintain the smoothness of the style, use a serum like OGX Nourishing Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum.
Half-Up Bow for Short Hair
If you have short hair, the half-up bow is a fun and flirty option for everyday wear or a school event. This style adds dimension to short hair while keeping the look cute and polished. It works best with round or heart-shaped faces and enhances light brown or blue eyes.
To create this style, gather the top half of your hair into a small ponytail and tie it with a ribbon, shaping it into a bow. Use a texturizing spray like Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray to add volume and texture to the lower half of your hair. To keep the look fresh, use Batiste Dry Shampoo in between washes.
Bow hairstyles add charm, elegance, and personality to any outfit or occasion. Whether you’re opting for a low bun, a cute ponytail, or an elaborate style with braids, the versatility of the bow can elevate your look. Let us know in the comments which style you’re planning to try next and share your own creative bow hairstyles!
