26 Cute Christmas Hairstyles with Bows That Are Fun & Festive
The holidays are a fun time to play with hairstyles, and nothing says Christmas charm like adding cute bows. Whether you’re getting ready for family pictures, school parties, or a cozy night at home, simple bow hairstyles make everything feel more festive. This list gives you easy, affordable ideas that anyone can recreate, even with basic hair tools and dollar-store ribbons.
- Classic Half-Up Bow Curls
Soft curls pulled halfway back always feel cozy for Christmas. Add a bow, and it instantly looks sweet. Try curling just the ends so the style stays quick. If you don’t have a curling wand, wrap small hair sections around your finger and pin them until they cool. Use a simple clip-on bow for a quick finish. Dollar-store ribbon works well. Just tie it, trim the ends, and hot-glue it to a clip. Keep the top section small so the bow sits neatly. This style stays put all day, even during play.
- Low Ponytail with Oversized Ribbon
A low ponytail is simple, but adding a big bow makes it special. Brush the hair smooth and tie it low at the neck. Pull out a few tiny face-framing strands to soften the look. Choose a large bow in red, green, or gold for a holiday feel. You can even make your own with wide ribbon and a hair tie. Stick the ponytail close to the nape so the bow stays centered. Great for last-minute holiday pictures because it takes less than five minutes.
- Side Part with Mini Bow Clips
A deep side part is easy and adds quick charm. Slide in 3–5 mini bows along the part for a cute trail effect. Mix colors like red, plaid, and metallic for a fun holiday theme. This is perfect when you don’t want to spend much time styling. Spray a little water to smooth flyaways before placing the clips. Mini bows often come in packs for a few dollars, so you can switch colors depending on the outfit. Works well on both short and long hair.
- Braided Pigtails with Velvet Bows
Braided pigtails are adorable and hold up through active days. Part the hair down the center and braid each side. Lightly pull the braids to add softness. Tie velvet bows at the ends for a festive finish. Velvet looks rich even when inexpensive. You can find ribbon spools anywhere in December. Cut and tie your own bows to save money. This style keeps hair tidy during parties or school events and looks great in pictures.
- Bun with a Statement Bow
A tidy bun paired with a big bow always feels cheerful. Gather hair into a high or mid bun. It doesn’t need to be perfect—messy buns look just as cute. Secure the bun with a simple elastic, then attach an oversized bow at the front or side. Choose a bow that matches the outfit or go with bold red. If the bow droops, add a bobby pin or two. This is ideal for warm indoor events because it keeps hair off the neck.
- Wavy Bob with a Side Bow Clip
Short hair also works beautifully with bows. Add gentle waves using a flat iron or no-heat overnight braids. Clip a bow on the fuller side of the part to balance the shape. Plaid bows give a classic Christmas look. If the clip slides, spray the section lightly with hairspray first. Kids with thinner hair benefit from bow clips with grippy backing. This style is quick and comfy for all-day wear.
- Criss-Cross Elastic Style with Tiny Bows
Create a small grid of elastic sections on top of the head for a cute holiday touch. Add tiny bows where the elastics meet. Use small, soft elastics to avoid pulling. This looks complicated but takes less than ten minutes once you get the hang of it. Use pre-tied micro bows to save time. The style holds up well for long outings or school programs. You can match the bows to the outfit or use metallic ones for sparkle.
- Fishtail Braid with a Satin Bow
A fishtail braid gives holiday charm without much effort. It doesn’t need to be perfect—loose strands make it look soft. Tie a satin bow at the end for a polished touch. Satin ribbon is affordable and easy to reuse. If braiding feels tricky, braid normally and fluff the sides to mimic a fishtail look. This hairstyle stays secure for parties and still looks neat after hours of play.
- Curly Ponytail with Bow Wrap
A ponytail full of curls looks extra cheerful. Curl the ponytail only, not the entire head, to save time. Wrap a ribbon around the base a few times, then tie into a bow. Choose wide ribbon for a fuller look. Water-spray and curl cream help define curls without making hair stiff. This works well on naturally curly hair or heat-styled curls. Great for holiday dinners and quick outings.
- Crown Braid with a Bow at the Back
A crown braid circles the head like a soft halo. It looks fancy but can be done with two simple braids pinned around the head. Place a bow at the back where the braids meet. This keeps the bow visible in photos. Use ribbon clips so they don’t slip on braided hair. It works nicely for formal Christmas gatherings or photoshoots. Add small sparkly pins for extra holiday charm.
- Waterfall Braid with a Bow Accent
A waterfall braid looks fun and gives movement to the hair. After braiding across the head, tie a bow where the braid ends. This balances the design and adds a festive touch. If the braid feels tricky, do a simple twist instead. Use a small bow to avoid weighing down the section. This style pairs well with loose curls or natural waves. Perfect for Christmas morning pictures.
- Bubble Ponytail with Ribbon Bows
A bubble ponytail is playful and perfect for the holidays. Section the ponytail every few inches with small elastics. Add a bow at each elastic for a cute touch. Use lightweight bows so the ponytail keeps its shape. Red and green minis work great. This is ideal for active kids because the style stays secure. You can also match the bows to the outfit for a coordinated look.
- Twisted Side Pony with a Bow
Create a side ponytail, but twist the hair before securing it. The twist adds shape without extra work. Tie a festive bow on the side closest to the face so it shows well in photos. Use soft ribbon to avoid pulling. Add a little water spray to smooth flyaways. This style looks cute with holiday sweaters and dresses. It takes less than three minutes.
- Sleek Straight Hair with a Top Bow
Sometimes simple straight hair with a bold bow is all you need. Brush the hair smooth and place a large bow at the top of the head. Choose a color that stands out. Straight hair helps the bow stay centered. This works well when you’re short on time. If the bow clip slips, add a small sectioning clip under it for grip. Perfect for school holiday parties.
- Braided Headband with Bow Detail
Take a small section from behind one ear, braid it, and pull it across the top like a headband. Pin the end behind the opposite ear. Add a bow to one side for holiday charm. Small plaid bows match Christmas outfits well. This style works even on medium-length hair. It keeps hair out of the face while still looking cute.
- High Puff or Curly Bun with a Bow
For curly hair, a high puff makes a perfect base for a bow. Gather the curls gently so they stay fluffy. Tie or clip a bow at the front. Choose soft fabric bows so they don’t press into the curls. This look is quick, comfortable, and perfect for kids who prefer minimal styling. Works well with holiday jumpers or simple dresses.
- Tiny Top Knots with Bow Clips
Two top knots look playful and fun. Part the hair down the middle and twist each top section into a small knot. Clip small bows beneath each knot. Use lightweight bows so the knots stay lifted. This style works great on active kids because it doesn’t fall loose easily. Add seasonal colors like red or green for the holiday feel.
- Ribbon-Woven Braid
Weave a ribbon through a regular braid for a festive touch. Tie the ribbon to the hair elastic at the top, then braid as usual. Finish with a bow at the bottom. Choose soft ribbon so it moves with the hair. This works best on medium to long hair. It’s a lovely look for holiday events and stays neat all day.
- Half-Up Bow Pony with Loose Waves
Tie the top half of the hair and leave the rest loose. Add soft waves to the lower half for movement. Clip a sparkly bow at the base of the ponytail. Sparkly bows catch holiday lights and look great in photos. You can curl just the ends if you’re short on time. This style works on all hair lengths.
- Side Braid with Bow at the Top
Start a braid at the front section and sweep it diagonally to one side. Place a small bow at the top where the braid begins. This highlights the design without adding bulk. It works well with natural texture or loose curls. Choose colors like red, plaid, or gold for the holiday theme. Great for casual gatherings.
- Double Braids with Matching Bows
Two regular braids always look cute, and bows make them festive. Keep the braids loose at the top for softness. Tie matching bows at the ends. You can use ribbon or store-bought clips. This is quick and holds up well for long days. Kids love matching bows, especially when coordinated with their outfits.
- Messy Top Bun with Holiday Bow Clip
A messy bun looks playful and stylish. Pull hair into a high bun, leaving a few strands loose. Clip a large bow to one side of the bun. This gives a relaxed holiday feel. Use elastic that matches the hair color for a cleaner look. Perfect for warm indoor parties or baking sessions at home.
- Loose Braided Ponytail with Bow Tie
Gather hair into a low ponytail, braid halfway, and secure with an elastic. Tie a bow over the elastic. This gives a soft, charming look without much effort. Use fabric bows since they hold shape better. Works well for medium to long hair. This style stays comfy for hours and looks nice in photos.
- Side Sweep with Glitter Bow
Sweep hair to one side and secure with a glitter bow. This takes seconds and looks festive instantly. A little water spray can help smooth the front. Choose glitter bows coated well so they don’t shed everywhere. This is a great option for toddlers who don’t like tight hairstyles. Soft and comfortable all day.
- Ribbon Tied Around a Simple Ponytail
Wrap a piece of ribbon around a ponytail and tie it into a clean bow. This works even on short hair since the ponytail doesn’t need length. Choose cotton ribbon so it stays in place. Trim the ends neatly for a polished look. Perfect for quick mornings before school or Christmas errands.
- Soft Curls with a Back Bow Clip
Curl the lower half of the hair and clip a bow at the back for a simple holiday style. Keep the curls loose for comfort. Use a sturdy clip so the bow stays centered. This works nicely for photos because the bow shows clearly from behind. You can coordinate ribbon colors with the child’s holiday outfit for a cohesive look.
Conclusion
Bows add simple charm to any Christmas hairstyle, and these ideas make it easy to create cute holiday looks without spending much time or money. With a few ribbons, basic clips, and quick styling steps, you can put together festive hairstyles perfect for photos, parties, and cozy family moments. Pick a favorite from the list and start creating a sweet holiday look today.
