Hair Accessories: How to Style Hair Ribbons

A ribbon is one of the easiest hair accessories to make look intentional. Tie it in a bow at the base of a ponytail, wrap it around a bun, weave it through a braid or wear it as a headband, and a plain hairstyle gets a soft, feminine finish.

Pick the fabric first (satin, velvet or grosgrain), then the color, then the length. Keep the hairstyle simple and let the ribbon be the detail.

What are the best ways to wear a hair ribbon?

Ribbons are among the most popular hair accessories for women because one piece of fabric does several jobs. These are the main ways to use it:

A bow at the base of a ponytail, bun or braid. It is the classic choice and works on almost any hair length.
A trailing ribbon, with the ends left loose so they move when you walk.
A headband, wrapped around the head and knotted or bowed, for a vintage or preppy feel.
A ribbon woven into a braid, which reads romantic and a little whimsical.
A wrap around the base of a bun for a tidy, polished finish.

Hair ribbon tied in a bow as a feminine hairstyle accessory

Which ribbon fabric should you choose?

Fabric changes how a ribbon looks and behaves. Satin is smooth and catches light, so it looks dressy but can slip out of fine, silky hair. Velvet absorbs light and looks deeper and softer. Grosgrain has a ribbed texture that grips hair better and gives a crisper, preppy bow.

Through the lens of evidence-based design, I'd think about texture before color. The same navy in satin and in grosgrain does not read as the same color, because the surface changes how light reaches your eye.

Satin and velvet hair ribbons styled in a hairstyle for a feminine look

What color hair ribbon works best?

Black, white and beige are the easy neutrals. A black velvet ribbon suits formal or all-dark outfits.
Blush, lavender and mint read soft and romantic, and sit well with flowy dresses or casual denim.
Red, navy and emerald make a statement. A red satin bow on a low ponytail looks quite Parisian.
Stripes, dots and florals add personality, so keep the outfit calmer around them.
Gold and silver suit evenings and special occasions.

A simple rule: match the ribbon to one thing you are already wearing, such as shoes, a bag or earrings. If the ribbon is bold, keep other accessories minimal.

How do you pair ribbons with hairstyles and outfits?

Casual

Use a slim ribbon in a pastel or neutral. Tie it around a loose ponytail or messy bun and wear it with a striped shirt and high-waisted jeans.

Romantic

Choose a trailing satin or velvet ribbon in lavender or cream, tied at a low chignon or a half-up braid. It goes well with a floral midi dress. For more skirt ideas, see these flowy maxi skirts.

Preppy

A navy or emerald grosgrain bow at the base of a sleek ponytail, or a grosgrain headband, pairs with a blazer, pleated skirt and loafers.

Bohemian

Weave a patterned or textured ribbon into a loose fishtail braid and wear it with a maxi dress and flat sandals.

Evening

A black velvet ribbon around a low bun suits formal dresses. A gold or silver one adds shine to a braided updo. For more ideas, read how to choose hair accessories for special occasions.

Ribbon bow at the base of a ponytail styled for a polished look

Hair ribbon woven into a braid for a romantic hairstyle

How long should a hair ribbon be?

For a bow, about 12-24 inches is a comfortable range. For long trailing ends, go for 36 inches or more. Ribbon is cheap, so buy a little extra and trim after you tie your first bow.

Hair accessories for long hair have the most room to play: trailing ribbons look best when the hair is long enough to carry them down the back.

Long trailing hair ribbon worn with long hair

How do you keep a ribbon from slipping?

Tie the ribbon over a clear elastic or secure it with a few bobby pins. Satin is the slipperiest, so with fine or straight hair, grosgrain is the easier pick.

Be gentle when you remove it, too. Hair is delicate when it is wet, and the American Academy of Dermatology advises a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush to detangle wet hair, so take the ribbon out before you comb.

Hair ribbon secured in a hairstyle as a stylish hair accessory

Ribbon, clip or headband: which one is right?

Good accessories to put in hair depend on the job. A ribbon is the softest and most decorative. Claw clips and barrettes hold more hair with less effort, and headbands keep hair off your face. If you want hold plus polish, tie a ribbon over a simple elastic. You can also explore hair bands and headwraps or bold hair combs for other finishes.

Ribbon hair accessory styled as a headband or bun wrap

To store ribbons, keep them flat or rolled so they do not crease. For satin or velvet, spot clean gently with a damp cloth if needed.

Frequently asked questions

What are some good accessories to put in my hair?

Ribbons, claw clips, barrettes, headbands and scrunchies are the easiest to wear. Choose by what you need: hold, decoration or keeping hair off your face.

Can I wear hair ribbons with short hair?

Yes. Wear a ribbon as a headband, or tie a small bow on one side of the head as an accent.

Are hair ribbons appropriate for work?

They can be, if they are subtle. A neutral or dark ribbon on a low ponytail or sleek bun looks tidy.

Can I wear a hair ribbon with a patterned outfit?

Yes. Pick a ribbon in a color already in the outfit, or a plain one, so the two do not compete.

Filed under Accessory Trends