20 days of bow hairstyles 13/20 🎀

I absolutely adore bow hairstyles! There's just something about adding a pretty ribbon that instantly elevates any braid or ponytail into something special. This specific pull-through and bubble braid combo with mini bows quickly became one of my favorites because it looks so intricate, but it’s actually super achievable once you get the hang of it. If you're looking to master this cute look, or just want to add more bow-tiful styles to your repertoire, I've picked up a few extra tips and tricks that I think you'll find really helpful! First off, let's talk about ribbons. The original tutorial mentions cutting two pieces of ribbon and tying them around elastics, which is brilliant for adding those adorable mini bows. But choosing the right ribbon can make a huge difference! I've found that satin ribbons give a lovely, elegant sheen, while grosgrain ribbons offer a more structured, playful look. For everyday wear, a thinner ribbon (about 0.5-1 inch wide) works best as it’s less bulky and easier to tie neatly around those clear elastics. If you want a bolder statement or are making a larger bow for the top of your ponytail, a wider ribbon (1.5-2 inches) can be stunning. Don't be afraid to experiment with colors and patterns too – matching your ribbon to your outfit can really tie your whole look together! Securing your bows is another key step. While tying them directly to the elastic works wonders for mini bows, sometimes for larger bows or more intricate placements, you might want extra security. I often use a small hairpin, discreetly pushing it through the knot of the bow and into the base of my braid or ponytail. This ensures my bows stay perfectly in place all day, no matter how much I move around! For the tiny bows, as mentioned in the steps, twisting thicker ribbon before tying around the elastic is a genius hack to avoid bulkiness – I learned that the hard way with a few lumpy bows in the past! Beyond adding bows within your alternating pull-through and bubble braids, don't limit yourself! The beauty of bow hairstyles is their versatility. You could add a larger bow at the very base of your high ponytail before you even start braiding, creating a focal point. Or, once your braids are done, you could weave a thin ribbon through the entire length of the braid, securing it at the end with a small knot. This adds a continuous pop of color and texture that's absolutely stunning. I've also seen people add multiple tiny bows evenly spaced down a single braid, creating a whimsical effect – imagine trying that with your hair slicked into a neat braid! Finally, for a flawless finish, especially when dealing with a high ponytail and braids, those little details matter. Using a hair wax stick, as suggested in the original article, is a total game-changer for taming any stray baby hairs around your hairline. It gives that super slick, polished look that makes the bow details really pop. And when you're trimming your ribbon, please, please be extra careful not to snip your hair! I usually hold the ribbon taut and trim downwards with sharp scissors for a clean, angled cut. With these extra tips, I'm sure your bow hairstyle tutorials will turn out amazing every time. Happy styling!