How to Make a Bow out of Your Hair

A hair bow is a chic style that looks impressive, but it is actually quite simple. Sported by Lady Gaga, it looks like a bow made entirely out of hair. The basic style pulls all of your hair up into the bow, but if you prefer a more romantic style, you can try a half-up bow instead! Your hair must be long enough to pull into a looped bun in order for this to work.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Creating a Basic Bow

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1
Brush your hair to remove any knots or tangles. This technique will be easier on straight hair, but you can do it on wavy or curly hair too. It is more important that your hair is nice and smooth, as it will be easier to work with.
- If you have wavy or curly hair, you can also blow dry it straight.
2
Pull your hair into a high, looped bun on top of your head. Gather your hair and start to pull it into a high ponytail on top of your head. Wrap a hair tie around your ponytail however many times it is necessary to keep it secure. On the final wrap of the elastic, however, pull your ponytail only halfway through to create a looped bun.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Make your bun tight against your head, but not so tight that it causes tension.
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3
Split the bun in half to create 2 loops. Find the middle of the bun, then divide it in half to create 2 loops. Pull the left loop towards the left side of your head, and the right loop towards the right.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Don't pin the loops down yet, or you'll have a harder time completing the following steps.
4
Pull the rest of the ponytail over the center of the bow. Gather the rest of your ponytail and smooth it as much as possible; use some water or hairspray, if necessary. Pull the ponytail up and over the top of your bow. Position the ponytail right between the 2 loops.^{[3]XResearch source}
- This will create the center part of the bow.
- This part of your ponytail consists of the few inches of hair sticking out of the bun.
Keeping your ponytail pulled over the top of the bow, split it in half. Take the left half and slide it under the left bow loop towards the back of your head. Repeat for the right half of the ponytail and the right bow loop.^{[4]XResearch source}
Use bobby pins to secure the left and right ponytail strands to your hair. Place the bobby pins right under or just behind the bow loops. Arrange the bobby pins and your hair so that the center part of the bow is nice and smooth.
This not only hides the ponytail strands, but it helps poof out your bow! Take the left ponytail strand and roll it tightly. Slide it under the left bow loop, then tuck it into the bow loop. Repeat this step for the right ponytail strand and right bow loop.^{[5]XResearch source}
Use your fingers to fan out the loops until you get the look you want. Pin the edges of the bow down with more bobby pins, if needed. Give your style a light misting of hairspray, then let the hairspray dry before setting out.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Creating a Half-Up Bow

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1
Start with smooth, brushed hair. This method will be easier if you have straight hair, but you can do it with curly or wavy hair. Make sure that your hair is smooth and neatly brushed.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Curl hair hanging out of the ponytail curling iron for a romantic touch. Remember not to curl the ponytail itself.
2
Pull your hair into a half-up looped bun. Gather your hair into a tight half-up ponytail, just above the tips of your ears. Wrap a small hair tie around your ponytail. The final time you wrap the hair tie around your ponytail, only pull your ponytail halfway through. This will create a looped bun.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Make sure that the bun is on top and the rest of the ponytail is under the bun.
- If you have thick hair or want a more delicate bow, gather the strands from the left and right sides of your face, just above your ears.^{[8]XResearch source}
3
Divide the bun in half to create 2 loops. Split the looped bun in half so that you have 2 skinny loops, 1 on the left and 1 on the right. Rotate the loops so that the holes are facing the floor. The flat part of the bun should be facing the back of your head.^{[9]XResearch source}
- If you were to look at the back of your head, you shouldn't see a sideways 8. You should see 2 solid buns or triangles.
4
Fan the loops out and bobby pin them to your head. Working 1 loop at a time, use your fingers to fan the loop out and create a triangle shape. Bobby pin the back of the loop to the back of your head, then repeat the process with the other loop.^{[10]XResearch source}
- The loop has a front and back. You only want to pin the back. If you pin both the front and the back, the bobby pin will be visible and ruin the effect.
5
Create a half-up flipped ponytail. Take the ponytail that's sticking out from under the loops. Create a hole in the ponytail, right between the elastic and your head. Stick your finger up through the hole, catch the half-ponytail, and pull it down through the hole.^{[11]XResearch source}
- This will make the middle part of the bow. If you want it to be thinner, split the ponytail in half first, before you flip it.
- A flipped ponytail is also known as an upside down ponytail, a topsy-turvy ponytail, or an inside out ponytail.
6
Set your style with hairspray. Focus on the bow as well as the top and sides of your head. Once the hairspray dries, you are ready to show off your style.
- For a nicer touch, curl both parts of the half-up ponytail with a curling iron.

Expert Q&A

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Question
Can I still make a bow if my hair is waist length?
Ashley Adams
Professional Hair Stylist
Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
Ashley Adams
Professional Hair Stylist
Expert Answer
Yes, you can still make a bow! If your long hair is thick, your bow might be much larger and fuller.
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Will this work if my hair is shoulder length?
Community Answer
Yes, maybe if you do like one on the crescent of your head or more near the back.
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Can I make a bow in the middle of my head and leave strands hanging down my back?
Community Answer
Yes, this is actually a popular hairstyle. You could even try curling the hair that you leave down.
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Tips

If you are doing this yourself, it may be helpful to work with 2 mirrors; this way, you can see the back of your head.
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You don't have to make the basic bow on the top-center of your head. Try it off-center for a chic look. You can even create 2 looped ponytails and make 2 bows!
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Helpful4 Not Helpful1
Use bobby pins and hair ties that match your hair color.
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The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of How.com.vn readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on How.com.vn, please submit it in the field below.

If your hair is layered and puffy, lightly wet and smooth it first. You want some volume but no lumps. A dab of mousse can help, too.
For a cute half-up style, make the bow with just the top section, leaving lower hair down. This works great for formal events!
Let your creativity shine! Add braids, curls, or twists around the bow for unique looks. Change up the placement, too.
Adorn the bow's center with decorative pins or barrettes for extra flair. Flowers or rhinestones add a nice touch.
For thick hair, don't use all your hair, or it may end up looking like just a bun. Adjust the amount as needed.
Mist your hair with holding spray, not water. Water will ruin the style. Use just enough spray to set it.

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