Playful, polished, or totally glam, a ponytail with a bow is one of the easiest ways to make your holiday hair feel special without hours of styling. Bows and ribbons have been a big holiday trend over the last few seasons, showing up on everything from sleek high ponytails to curly half-up looks. The best part is that you can match your bow to your outfit, your hair texture, and even your event, whether it is a cozy family gathering or a dressy winter party. With the right placement, a ponytail with a bow can look cute and youthful or refined and grown-up. You can also play with different ponytail heights, textures, and ribbon materials to change the mood very quickly. Think of this as your guide to 20 holiday-ready ponytails with bows that are simple to recreate but look thoughtfully put together for every celebration.
1. High Sleek Ponytail With Velvet Bow
A high sleek ponytail with a velvet bow is perfect when you want something that looks refined but still festive and fun. Start by smoothing your hair with a light gel or styling cream, then brush it up toward the crown or slightly higher for that lifted, snatched look. Secure with a strong elastic, and wrap a thin strand of hair around the base to hide the band for a cleaner finish. Once your ponytail is in place, mist the top and sides with a shine spray or hairspray to control flyaways and add a glassy effect that photographs beautifully. Finish by tying a medium or oversized velvet bow right over the elastic; deep red, emerald, or black velvet feels especially right for holiday events. This look works best on straight or lightly waved hair, but you can also curl the ends for extra softness without losing the sleek base.
2. Low Curly Ponytail With Satin Bow
Soft curls gathered into a low ponytail with a satin bow will give you a romantic holiday vibe that is easy to wear all day. Begin by curling your hair with a curling iron or wand, focusing on loose, mid-length waves rather than tight curls so the ponytail looks full and airy. Part your hair in the middle or slightly off-center, then gather it at the nape of your neck and secure with a clear or hair-colored elastic. Gently loosen a few face-framing pieces to soften your hairline and add that relaxed, flattering look around your cheeks. Tie a slim satin ribbon in a bow over the elastic; blush, champagne, navy, or forest green are great choices that look elegant with most outfits. This style feels polished enough for photos but comfortable enough for long dinners, and it flatters medium to long hair of almost any texture.
3. Half Up Ponytail With Ribbon Bow
The half up ponytail with a ribbon bow is a great option when you want to show off your hair length while keeping the top neat for parties. Start with your natural texture or add waves for more volume, then section off the top half of your hair from above the ears and gather it at the crown. Secure this section into a small ponytail and gently tug at the crown to create a bit of lift, which keeps the style from looking flat in photos. Take a thin ribbon and tie it into a bow around the base of the ponytail, letting the ribbon tails fall into the rest of your hair for a layered effect. This look is especially cute with curls because the ribbon weaves visually through the texture and adds movement. It is also a smart choice if you want your earrings and neckline to stay visible while still enjoying that festive bow detail from every angle.
4. High Wavy Ponytail With Oversized Bow
For a more dramatic holiday moment, a high wavy ponytail with an oversized bow instantly reads fun and festive. Curl your hair with a large-barrel iron to create big, bouncy waves, then brush through them to soften and combine them into flowing movement. Pull your hair into a high ponytail near the crown or slightly above, and secure tightly so the weight of the waves does not drag the style down. Wrap a small section of hair around the base to hide the elastic, then backcomb the ponytail slightly for extra fullness and staying power. Finish by attaching an oversized bow right at the base, allowing the bow loops to sit across the top of the ponytail while the ribbons trail down. Choose a bow in velvet, taffeta, or a slightly structured fabric so it keeps its shape all evening and balances the volume of your waves.
5. Low Sleek Ponytail With Ribbon Bow
A low sleek ponytail with a simple ribbon bow gives you that minimalist holiday look that still feels special in photos and in person. Smooth a styling gel or serum from roots to mid-lengths, then use a fine-tooth comb to pull your hair straight back toward the nape of your neck. Secure everything with a strong elastic, making sure the ponytail sits directly in the center so the bow will align nicely. Run a straightener over the length of your ponytail if needed so the hair falls straight and glossy, with no frizz or bend. Then tie a thin ribbon into a neat bow above the elastic, keeping the loops small and proportional to the understated style. This sleek look pairs well with bold makeup or statement jewelry because it keeps the hair simple but chic, letting the bow act as a quiet festive accent.
6. Side Ponytail With Velvet Bow
A side ponytail with a velvet bow feels playful and slightly vintage, making it a charming choice for relaxed holiday gatherings. Part your hair deeply to one side, then bring all of your hair over the opposite shoulder and gather it just below the ear. Secure the ponytail with a clear elastic, then lightly curl the lengths or enhance your natural waves so the hair falls in soft, romantic pieces. Add a velvet bow over the elastic and angle it slightly toward your cheek for a face-framing effect that looks pretty in profile photos. This shape works very well if you are wearing something with a detailed back, because it keeps your hair forward while still looking pulled together. You can also gently tease the crown for a little extra height if you want the overall look to feel more formal.
7. Twisted Holiday Ponytail With Bow
A twisted holiday ponytail with a bow gives your usual pony some extra detail without becoming complicated. Start by creating a low or mid-height ponytail, then split the hair above the elastic to create a small gap. Flip the ponytail up and through that gap to form a topsy-tail twist, which automatically makes the base look more interesting. You can leave the lengths straight, curl them, or braid a small section through the ponytail for added texture. Once the twist feels secure, tie a bow just above or directly on the elastic, making sure the ribbon sits neatly in the center of the twist. This style looks especially nice with slightly tousled hair because the twist and bow combination creates movement and a pretty, soft frame around the neck and shoulders.
8. Bubble Ponytail With Festive Bow
The bubble ponytail with a festive bow is a fun way to make long hair look intentional and decorative without a lot of skill. Start with a regular mid-height ponytail, then place small elastics every few inches down the length, gently pulling each section outward to create rounded “bubbles.” Try to keep the bubbles evenly spaced and similar in size so the overall shape looks balanced from top to bottom. Add a ribbon bow at the base of the ponytail, or, if you want more holiday impact, tuck small mini bows between a few of the bubbles as accents. This look is especially playful for younger wearers, but it can also look chic on adults with the right ribbon choice and simple makeup. It works best on medium to long hair and is a great way to show off hair with subtle highlights or balayage.
9. High Ponytail With Ribbon Braid And Bow
A high ponytail with a ribbon braid and bow combines sleek styling with a bold ribbon detail that feels extra festive. Pull your hair into a high ponytail and smooth the base with gel or hairspray so it looks polished and tight. Attach a long ribbon to a small section of the ponytail and braid it in as a fourth strand or along a standard three-strand braid so the ribbon weaves through the hair. Secure the end of the braid with a small elastic, leaving the rest of the ponytail free or finishing all the hair into one long ribbon braid. Tie the remaining ribbon length into a bow at the end or base of the ponytail, depending on how much drama you want. This style is ideal when you want your bow to be part of the whole hairstyle, not just sitting on top like an accessory.
10. Low Wrapped Ponytail With Bow
A low wrapped ponytail with a bow gives you that soft, polished look that works with both casual and more dressed-up holiday outfits. Begin by parting your hair in the middle or slightly off-center, then gather it low at the nape and secure with a hair-colored elastic. Take a small section of hair from the ponytail, wrap it around the base to hide the elastic, and secure the end underneath with a bobby pin. You can keep the ponytail straight or quickly curl the ends for a little bounce at the bottom. Tie a bow around the wrapped base, keeping it slim and neat so it looks like a delicate finishing touch instead of the main feature. This look is subtle but stylish and works especially well if you prefer understated accessories or are wearing prints and want your hair to stay simple.
11. Half Up Curly Ponytail With Bow
A half up curly ponytail with a bow lets your curls shine while still giving you structure for long holiday events. Start on dry, defined curls or waves, refreshing them with a curl cream or spray if needed to reduce frizz and revive shape. Section off the top half of your hair from temple to temple and gather it at the crown, then secure with an elastic. Gently fluff the curls in the ponytail so they fan out and add a bit of volume at the top for a more balanced silhouette. Tie a ribbon bow around the base, choosing a color that pops against your hair so the detail does not get lost in the curls. This style is great for active gatherings because it keeps hair out of your face while still leaving most of your length free and bouncy.
12. Side Braided Ponytail With Bow
The side braided ponytail with a bow creates a pretty, practical option that stays secure while you move, eat, and mingle. Part your hair to one side and loosely braid a section along the hairline, moving toward the opposite side where you want the ponytail to sit. Once the braid reaches just below the ear, gather all of your hair, including the braid, into a side ponytail and secure with an elastic. You can leave the remaining hair unbraided, or continue braiding the ponytail for a more intricate look that still feels wearable. Finish by tying a soft ribbon bow where the elastic sits, letting the ends of the ribbon fall down the ponytail. This look works well on straight, wavy, or curly hair and adds just enough detail to feel special without being difficult.
13. High Ponytail Hair Bow Look
The high ponytail hair bow look uses your own hair to create a bow shape, making the entire ponytail the star of your holiday hairstyle. Start by pulling your hair into a high ponytail, then create a loop with part of the ponytail and secure it so it forms two bow “loops.” Use a small section of hair to wrap around the center and pin it in place, creating the bow knot effect. Let the remaining hair fall underneath as the rest of the ponytail, or tuck some of it into the bow for a fuller shape. You can still add a small decorative ribbon bow clip under or above the hair bow if you want even more holiday flair. This look is especially fun for parties and photos because it is unexpected yet surprisingly easy once you practice the basic technique.
14. Low Ponytail Hair Bow Look
A low ponytail hair bow look gives you the same playful twist but in a softer, more relaxed placement. Pull your hair into a low ponytail, then create a loop with part of the ponytail and secure it so that it sits just above the elastic. Split the loop into two to form the bow, and wrap a thin section of hair around the middle to create the center knot. Allow the rest of the ponytail to hang down your back, smoothing or curling it depending on how polished you want the finish. If you like, slide a small satin ribbon bow clip just beneath the hair bow to emphasize the holiday theme while keeping the hair bow shape visible. This version is perfect if you prefer gentler hairstyles that sit at the nape and feel comfortable all day.
15. Textured Ponytail With Ribbon Bow
A textured ponytail with a ribbon bow is a smart choice when you want something slightly undone but still put together enough for a celebration. Prep your hair with a texturizing spray or dry shampoo to add grip and volume, then loosely gather it into a mid-height ponytail. Pull out a few pieces around the hairline and at the nape to create that easy, effortless feel. You can braid or twist small sections within the ponytail, or scrunch waves with your fingers to enhance natural texture. Tie a ribbon into a casual bow at the base; velvet, grosgrain, or satin all work depending on how dressy you want to look. This style is especially forgiving if your hair does not hold curls well or you are working with second-day hair and still want something cute for the holidays.
16. Ponytail With Bow And Face Framing Pieces
The ponytail with a bow and face framing pieces is perfect when you want softness around your features without wearing your hair completely down. Begin by curling or waving just the front and mid-lengths of your hair so the pieces that fall around your face look gentle and flattering. Gather the rest of your hair into a low or mid ponytail, leaving a couple of strands loose on each side of your part. Secure the ponytail with an elastic, then lightly smooth the crown while keeping some movement so it does not look overly stiff. Tie a bow at the base and adjust the front pieces so they skim your cheeks and jawline in a way that feels comfortable. This style is great for photos because the face-framing strands soften strong lines and the bow provides a clear focal point from the back.
17. Braided Ponytail With Ribbon Woven Bow
A braided ponytail with a ribbon woven bow gives you a detailed, handcrafted look that stands out during holiday events. Start by tying your hair into a mid or high ponytail, then secure a ribbon to a small section of hair at the base. Braid the ponytail, weaving the ribbon through as one of the strands so it appears consistently all the way down. When you reach the end, secure with a small elastic and tie the remaining ribbon into a bow so it sits at the tip of the braid. You can also add a second bow at the base if you want symmetry and extra decoration. This style looks particularly striking on long hair and is a fun way to match your ribbon color to your outfit or makeup for a cohesive holiday look.
18. Wavy Ponytail With Bow Detail
A wavy ponytail with bow detail is a simple crowd-pleaser that works on almost everyone and fits nearly any holiday setting. Curl your hair into loose waves, then brush them out slightly so they look soft rather than tightly defined. Gather your hair into a mid-height ponytail and secure with an elastic, letting some of the wave texture stay close to the scalp for a fuller look. If you like, tease the ponytail a little from underneath to add volume and make the waves look thicker and more glamorous. Tie a bow around the base and angle the loops slightly upward so they sit nicely against the top of the ponytail. This look is extremely versatile and can be dressed up with a fancier bow fabric or kept casual with a simple ribbon, depending on your plans.
19. Claw Clip Ponytail With Bow
The claw clip ponytail with a bow blends two popular trends—claw clips and ribbons—into one comfortable holiday hairstyle. Start by gathering your hair into a loose low or mid ponytail, then twist it upward and secure it with a claw clip, leaving the ends spilling out like a ponytail. Adjust the twist so it feels secure but not too tight, and gently tug at the crown for soft volume. Tie a ribbon bow around the clip, or clip a bow directly over it so that it hides most of the hardware and showcases the ribbon instead. This option is great if you prefer styles that are easy to take down at the end of the night without pulling or tangling. It also works well with natural texture, waves, or straight hair, making it a flexible choice for different hair types and lengths.
20. Wrapped High Ponytail With Statement Bow
A wrapped high ponytail with a statement bow gives you a true “event” hairstyle that still comes together quickly. Pull your hair into a high ponytail and secure firmly, then take a wider section of hair from the ponytail and wrap it several times around the base to create a smooth, thick band. Pin the wrapped hair securely, making sure it fully covers the elastic and looks polished from all angles. You can keep the ponytail straight, wave it, or curl it, but aim for a smooth finish so the statement bow does not compete with frizz. Attach a large, structured bow just above or below the wrapped band, depending on which angle you want to highlight in photos. This look is perfect for more formal holiday events where you want your hair to feel intentional, glam, and ready for lots of pictures.
Conclusion:
Holiday ponytails with bows are popular because they strike the ideal balance between easy and special, letting you get ready fast while still feeling festive and polished. Whether you prefer sleek high ponies, soft low curls, or playful textured looks, adding a bow instantly turns a basic hairstyle into something worthy of photos and celebrations. Ribbons and bows are also very customizable, so you can match them to your outfit, experiment with different fabrics, or coordinate colors with friends or family. Most of these ponytails work with a range of hair types and lengths, and many can be built on your natural texture with minimal heat styling. With a few elastics, a couple of bobby pins, and a small collection of bows, you can easily rotate through these 20 looks all season and always have hair that feels fun, flattering, and holiday-ready.
You'll Like These Styles:
Leave a Reply