Soft ribbons, shiny ornaments, and a simple ponytail can turn into the cutest holiday look with the right bow and placement. A Christmas bow ponytail is perfect when you want something quick, polished, and festive without feeling overdone. For this guide, imagine one main theme: 20 different ways to wear a ponytail with a bow for the holidays, from super casual to dressy. We’ll play with ponytail height, texture, braids, bubble sections, and different ribbon materials to create fresh looks. Each section focuses on a complete hairstyle, so you can picture exactly how it will sit, move, and complement your outfit. Whether your hair is straight, wavy, or curly, you’ll find at least a few bow ponytails you can copy at home with basic tools and a few well-chosen ribbons.
1. High Sleek Ponytail With Red Velvet Bow
Think of that classic, polished ponytail that looks like it took a stylist, but you really did it in minutes. Start by straightening your hair or blow-drying it smooth with a round brush, then apply a light smoothing serum from mid-lengths to ends. Gather your hair at the crown or just slightly below it, brushing upward to remove any bumps, and secure with a strong elastic. Take a small strand of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the base to hide the elastic, pinning it underneath. Finish by tying a medium or large red velvet bow directly over the wrapped section. The contrast between sleek hair and the soft velvet makes this ponytail perfect for dressy gatherings and holiday photos.
2. Low Ribbon Wrapped Ponytail With Green Bow
Picture a low ponytail that looks simple from the front but unexpectedly festive from the back. Begin by parting your hair in the middle or slightly off-center for a soft, face-framing look. Smooth the sides down with a light-hold hairspray or cream and secure your pony at the nape of your neck. Take a long green ribbon and anchor it by tying one small knot over the elastic. Wrap the ribbon neatly around the base several times, working downward about an inch, then tie it into a tidy bow so the loops sit flat. Let your ponytail fall naturally and gently curl the ends for extra polish. This look feels understated yet still decorated enough for work parties or casual holiday get-togethers.
3. Bubble Ponytail With Red And Gold Bows
You can transform a regular ponytail into something playful and decorative by turning it into a bubble ponytail with tiny bows. Start with a mid- to high ponytail and secure it firmly with an elastic. A few inches below the base, place another elastic and gently pull the section outward to create a round “bubble.” Repeat this step all the way down, spacing elastics evenly. Once you have your bubbles, tie small red and gold bow clips or ribbons at each elastic point, alternating colors for a festive pattern. The result feels a little like a string of ornaments trailing down your back. This ponytail works especially well on medium to long hair and looks amazing in motion when you walk or dance.
4. Half Up Bow Ponytail With Loose Waves
On days when you want your hair down but still want a holiday touch, a half up bow ponytail is a great option. Curl your hair in loose, mid-sized waves, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends instead of the roots. Once cooled, gently brush through the curls to soften them and add a light mist of texturizing spray. Gather the top section of your hair from temple to temple and secure it into a ponytail at the back of your head, just above the crown. Tie a satin or velvet bow over the elastic, making sure the loops sit centered and the tails blend into your waves. From the front, your hair looks relaxed and pretty, while the back shows a clear, festive bow accent that works for daytime or evening.
5. Side Ponytail With Plaid Holiday Bow
A side ponytail with a plaid bow feels nostalgic, cozy, and perfect when you want something cute but not too formal. Part your hair to one side and sweep everything over the shoulder opposite your part. Secure the ponytail just below your ear so it rests comfortably on your chest. Use a curling iron or wand to add loose curls or waves to the ponytail for movement and softness. Finish by tying a plaid ribbon bow—think red, green, and maybe a touch of white—at the base of the ponytail, letting the bow tails drape down with the curls. This look pairs beautifully with sweaters and scarves, and it works well on straight, wavy, or naturally curly hair.
6. Braided Base Ponytail With Bow Accent
If you like braids and ponytails, combine them into one detailed but manageable holiday hair look. Start by parting your hair down the middle or slightly to the side. On each side near your temples, create small three-strand braids that angle back toward the crown. Secure the ends temporarily with tiny elastics. Gather all your hair, including the braids, into a mid or high ponytail and secure with a sturdy elastic. Remove the tiny elastics from the braids so they blend into the ponytail. Curl the ends if you like extra texture, then finish with a bow tied around the base of the ponytail. The braided detail adds interest while the bow keeps everything festive and fun.
7. Curly High Ponytail With Oversized Bow
Natural curls and an oversized bow make an eye-catching holiday ponytail that feels bold yet soft. If you have curly hair, refresh your curls with a curl cream and a diffuser, focusing on definition and volume at the roots. Once dry, gather your hair into a high ponytail toward the top back of your head, leaving a few curls out around your hairline for softness. Secure the ponytail with a strong elastic that won’t snag. Fluff the curls in the ponytail to create a full, rounded shape. Add an oversized bow at the base, preferably in a fabric that contrasts with your hair color so it stands out. This style celebrates your texture and works beautifully for parties, photos, or any event where you want your curls to shine.
8. Wrapped Ponytail With Velvet Bow Tie
This ponytail looks a bit more tailored and structured, making it ideal when you want a refined holiday look without a full updo. Straighten or lightly wave your hair, then gather it into a low or mid-height ponytail. Secure with an elastic and take a medium-sized section of hair from the ponytail itself. Wrap that section around the elastic several times to create a smooth, thick band of hair, and pin the end underneath with bobby pins. Once the wrap feels secure, tie a velvet bow tie-style ribbon over the wrapped section so that it sits snugly against the head. The combination of a clean hair wrap and soft velvet bow looks chic with blazers, dresses, or even a polished sweater outfit.
9. Twisted Sides Ponytail With Satin Bow
If your hair tends to fall flat around your face, twisted sides that feed into a ponytail can add subtle shape and interest. Create a side or middle part, then take a small section from the front of one side and twist it back, adding hair as you move toward the back of your head. Pin or hold it in place, then repeat on the other side. Gather both twisted sections along with the rest of your hair into a low or mid-height ponytail and secure firmly. Add gentle waves or curls to the ponytail for texture. Finally, tie a satin bow at the base, letting the satin tails blend into the twisted sections and curls. This look frames your face nicely while still showcasing the bow detail at the back.
10. Ponytail With Ribbon Woven Through Length
For a hairstyle that looks more intricate than it really is, weave a ribbon through the length of your ponytail. Start with a mid or low ponytail and secure it with an elastic. Choose a long, thin ribbon in a festive shade that contrasts with your hair color. Tie one end of the ribbon at the base of the ponytail, then begin weaving it through the pony in a loose, crisscross pattern, wrapping around and under sections as you move down. Keep the spacing even so it looks intentional, and let the remaining ribbon hang at the bottom. Finish with a simple bow at the base or at the ends if the ribbon is long enough. This style feels decorative and playful, almost like garland running through your hair.
11. Sleek Middle Part Low Ponytail With Bow
Sometimes the simplest silhouettes feel the most modern, especially when everything is clean and symmetrical. Start by creating a sharp middle part and work a bit of smoothing cream through the top and sides of your hair. Use a brush to sleek everything straight back while keeping that part intact, then secure your ponytail at the nape of your neck. If your hair is naturally straight, you can leave the ponytail as is; if not, run a flat iron through the lengths for a smooth finish. Take a structured bow, possibly in a slightly stiffer fabric so it holds shape, and tie it precisely over the elastic so the bow sits horizontally. This look is minimal but still has that small festive twist needed for dinners, office events, or more formal gatherings.
12. High Ponytail With Hair Bow Made From Hair
For a fresh twist on a Christmas ponytail, you can actually create the bow from your own hair instead of using ribbon. Pull your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic. On the last loop, do not pull the hair all the way through, leaving a large loop and some ends hanging forward. Split the loop into two equal sections to form “bow” sides, and secure each side to the head with bobby pins, shaping them so they resemble bow loops. Take the loose ends and wrap them over the middle to mimic the knot of a bow, pinning securely underneath. Finish by smoothing flyaways with a light spray. The look is playful and unexpected, yet still wearable for holiday parties and photos.
13. Messy Textured Ponytail With Thin Ribbon Bow
If you prefer a relaxed, undone vibe, a messy textured ponytail with a thin bow can still feel festive without being too polished. Apply a texturizing spray or light mousse to dry hair and rough-dry it with your fingers to create lift and irregular waves. Gather your hair into a mid-height ponytail, allowing some face-framing pieces to fall out naturally. Secure it loosely to keep volume at the crown. Take a thin ribbon in a classic holiday color and tie a small bow over the elastic, leaving the tails slightly longer so they mingle with the ponytail. Gently tug on sections at the crown and in the ponytail to enhance the messy texture. This style works well with casual outfits and gives effortless holiday energy.
14. Ponytail With Mini Bows Along The Length
Instead of one big statement bow, try decorating your ponytail with several mini bows placed down the length. First, create a smooth mid or high ponytail and secure with an elastic. Use small clear elastics every few inches down the ponytail, similar to a loose bubble ponytail but without pulling out the sections too much. At each elastic, attach a tiny bow clip or tie a short ribbon into a small bow, keeping them all the same color or alternating between two shades. The effect is delicate and whimsical, like little presents stacked vertically. This hairstyle works best on medium to long hair and looks particularly charming on straight or softly waved textures when you want something detailed yet still simple to create.
15. Low Ponytail With Braided Crown And Bow
For a more romantic Christmas ponytail, combine a braided crown with a low pony tied off with a bow. Part your hair down the middle and take a section from one side near the front hairline. Begin a Dutch or French braid that travels along your hairline toward the back, adding hair as you move. Secure it temporarily with a small elastic and repeat on the other side. Join the ends of both braids plus the rest of your hair into a low ponytail at the nape and secure with an elastic. Remove the small elastics so the braids blend into the ponytail. Finish the look by tying a bow around the base, choosing a ribbon that complements your outfit. This style looks lovely with dresses and soft makeup for special occasions.
16. High Ponytail With Glitter Ribbon Bow
When you want your ponytail to catch the light and feel a bit extra, a glitter ribbon bow is a simple way to upgrade it. Start by creating a high ponytail and secure it firmly, adding some volume at the crown by gently lifting sections with your fingers before tightening the elastic. If you like, curl the lengths of the ponytail for bounce. Choose a glittery ribbon—silver, gold, or a sparkly red work well—and tie it over the elastic into a medium-sized bow. Make sure the glitter side faces out and the loops are even. Keep the rest of your hair relatively sleek so the sparkle stands out instead of competing with heavy texture. This ponytail is perfect for evening events and any setting with twinkling lights.
17. Ponytail With Side Braid And Bow
A side braid feeding into a ponytail gives you a bit of detail on one side, which is great for photos taken at an angle. Part your hair to one side and, on the fuller side, create a three-strand or French braid starting near the temple. Braid backward along the side of your head until you reach behind your ear, then secure the braid temporarily. Gather all your hair, including the braid, into a mid-height ponytail and secure with an elastic. Remove the small elastic at the end of the braid so it blends smoothly into the ponytail. Finish by adding a bow over the base, positioning it so it’s visible from the side where the braid begins. This look balances structure and softness, working well with both straight and wavy textures.
18. Double Ponytail With Stacked Bows
For extra volume and a more dramatic shape, try a double ponytail that looks like one long, full pony from behind. Start by sectioning your hair horizontally from ear to ear, creating a top and bottom section. Tie the top section into a high ponytail at the crown. Then take the bottom section and create a second ponytail directly underneath, combining some hair from the top ponytail if needed to hide the separation. Gently blend the two ponies so they look like one. Tie a bow around the top ponytail base and a slightly smaller bow around the lower base, or place both bows close together if you prefer. This stacked setup gives the illusion of thicker, longer hair and feels fun for events.
19. Low Ponytail With Loose Face Framing Pieces And Bow
When you want a soft, romantic look that still includes a festive bow, this low ponytail with face-framing pieces is an easy go-to. Start by curling your hair in loose, soft waves and then create a center or slightly off-center part. Leave a few skinny strands or curtain bangs out around your face while you gently gather the rest of your hair into a low ponytail at the nape. Secure with an elastic, making sure not to pull too tightly so the style stays relaxed. Use your fingers to gently loosen hair at the crown for a bit of lift. Finish with a bow tied over the elastic, choosing a fabric that feels soft and delicate, like satin or velvet. This style works beautifully with softer outfits and natural makeup.
20. Ponytail With Ribbon Braid Detail And Bow
A ribbon braid ponytail adds a more intricate, gift-wrapped touch that looks perfect for holiday celebrations. Begin by cutting a long piece of ribbon and tying it at the top of a small section of hair near your part line, securing it with a tiny elastic if needed. Braid the ribbon into the section using a three-strand braid, treating the ribbon as one of the strands, and continue down until you reach the back of your head. Secure the braid and gather all of your hair, including the ribbon braid, into a mid or low ponytail. Tie another bow at the base, either with the same ribbon or a coordinating color. The visible ribbon woven through the braid and bow at the base create a cohesive, decorative look that feels festive but still wearable.
Conclusion:
A Christmas bow ponytail is one of those hairstyles that easily flexes from casual family gatherings to more formal events, simply by changing the ponytail height, texture, and type of bow you use. From sleek, high versions with rich velvet bows to relaxed, messy ponytails with thin ribbons, each variation lets you match your hair to your outfit and plans without spending hours styling. You can play with extra details like braids, bubbles, and ribbon weaving to make your ponytail look more complex, while still keeping the basic steps friendly for beginners. The key is choosing ribbons that feel good against your hair, securing everything well, and keeping the overall shape flattering for your face. With these 20 complete bow ponytail looks, you’ll be ready to pick a favorite or rotate a few all season long.
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