20 Christmas Hairstyles with Bows That Look Festive

Get ready to make this holiday season extra special with hairstyles that bring out the festive spirit. Bows are simple, affordable, and instantly charming, turning everyday hair into a celebration-ready look. Whether you’re planning a family gathering, a school party, or just want to add a cheerful touch to your daily style, these ideas are practical and easy to try at home. From playful ponytails to elegant buns, there’s something for every age and hair type. Grab your favorite bows, and let’s get styling!

1. Classic Side Ponytail with Bow

The classic side ponytail is timeless and simple. Gather hair to one side and secure with an elastic. Add a bright red or green bow on top for an instant festive touch. For extra charm, curl the ponytail slightly with a curling iron or roll the ends under for volume. This style works for medium to long hair and is perfect for school parties or casual family gatherings. This look is versatile—you can wear it high, low, or off to the side, making it flattering for all face shapes. A little hairspray keeps the style neat throughout the day. The combination of simplicity and holiday cheer makes it a go-to choice for a quick yet festive hairstyle.

2. Braided Crown with Sparkling Bow

Create a braided crown by braiding sections along your hairline and pinning them across the top of your head. Finish with a small sparkling bow at the back for a festive accent. This style works best on medium-to-long hair and can be dressed up or down depending on the size and color of your bow. It’s elegant enough for holiday dinners but easy enough for a school event. For a DIY tip, use ribbon woven into the braid for added sparkle without extra hair accessories. This hairstyle keeps hair off the face, so it’s practical and comfortable. You can add tiny bobby pins with decorative beads along the braid for extra flair. The braided crown with a bow highlights your hair’s texture while giving a polished yet playful look.

3. Messy Bun with Oversized Bow

A messy bun is quick, stylish, and works with most hair lengths. Simply gather hair into a loose bun and secure it with pins or a hair tie. Top it off with an oversized bow for a bold holiday statement. The messy style keeps it casual, while the bow adds elegance. Perfect for last-minute gatherings or casual photos, this style requires minimal effort but creates maximum impact. For added volume, gently pull strands around the crown or tease lightly before securing the bun. You can repurpose bows from old gifts or scarves for a cost-effective twist. This look works well for both adults and teens, offering a charming mix of effortless and festive vibes. The contrast between a relaxed bun and a structured bow creates a playful holiday aesthetic.

4. Double Braided Pigtails with Mini Bows

Double braided pigtails are fun, youthful, and festive. Simply part the hair in the middle and create two braids, securing each with a mini bow. This style works well for school events, holiday photos, or casual celebrations. Mini bows add a pop of color and a cheerful holiday touch without overwhelming the hairstyle. For a budget-friendly option, craft bows from ribbon scraps and attach with small elastics. Keep braids neat or slightly loosen them for a more relaxed look. This style works best on medium-length hair but can adapt to longer strands with ease. The combination of pigtails and bows exudes playful charm, making it perfect for kids and teens. You can even add small decorative beads or bells to the braids for extra holiday sparkle.

5. Half-Up Twisted Hair with Red Bow

For a half-up twisted style, gather the top section of hair and twist it toward the back, securing with pins. Add a large red bow where the twist meets the remaining hair. This style is simple yet festive, keeping hair out of the face while showing off length. It works well on straight, wavy, or curly hair. For an affordable DIY twist, use ribbon bows or clips you already own, or make one from leftover holiday ribbon. This hairstyle is perfect for family photos or casual office parties, providing a subtle holiday touch without being over-the-top. The bow adds a focal point and instantly makes the hairstyle feel celebratory.

6. Low Ponytail with Bow and Curls

A low ponytail is classic and easy. Add curls at the ends and tie with a sparkling bow for a holiday-ready look. This style works for any hair length long enough to gather into a ponytail. Use a curling iron or rollers for soft waves. You can pair it with simple earrings for polished holiday photos. This is also budget-friendly: repurpose bows from gift wrap or use inexpensive ribbon. The low ponytail keeps hair tidy, while the bow adds a cheerful, festive accent.

7. Twisted Side Bun with Small Bow

The twisted side bun is elegant but easy to create. Twist sections of hair to one side and pin into a bun. Add a small bow for a festive detail. This style is ideal for medium-length hair and formal holiday events. It’s quick to assemble and looks polished without much effort. For a DIY approach, use a small piece of ribbon folded into a bow attached with a hairpin. This hairstyle keeps the focus on the face and pairs beautifully with statement earrings.

8. Fishtail Braid with Ribbon Bow

The fishtail braid is intricate-looking but surprisingly easy. Gather all hair and create a fishtail braid, securing the end with a ribbon bow. This adds holiday charm without extra accessories. Loosen the braid slightly for a softer, fuller look. Fishtail braids work best on medium-to-long hair and are ideal for photos or casual parties. Using recycled ribbon keeps this hairstyle budget-friendly. Add small sparkly clips along the braid for an extra festive effect.

9. Bubble Ponytail with Small Bows

The bubble ponytail is playful and festive. Section a high ponytail, tie small elastics down the length to create bubbles, and clip a mini bow at each bubble. This style is easy, works for all hair lengths, and is fun for kids and teens. Bows add a pop of color and holiday cheer. Use hair elastics and ribbons you already have to keep it cost-effective. Slightly pull each bubble for volume and a cheerful, textured look.

10. Side Swept Curls with Bow Clip

Side-swept curls are glamorous yet approachable. Curl hair loosely, sweep to one side, and secure with a festive bow clip. Works for shoulder-length to long hair and makes an elegant holiday style for dinners or photos. Budget tip: Clip bows can be DIYed with ribbon and small hairpins. This style balances polished waves with playful holiday details.

11. Top Knot with Glitter Bow

A top knot is perfect for a chic, fuss-free holiday look. Gather all hair to the crown, twist into a knot, and secure with pins. Add a glittery bow for instant festive charm. This works well for medium to long hair and keeps strands out of the face. To make it budget-friendly, use a small scrap of ribbon and pin it creatively. For added flair, pull a few face-framing strands loose or lightly curl them. This style balances simplicity with festive sparkle, making it ideal for casual and formal occasions alike.

12. Double Twists with Matching Bows

Create double twists by taking small sections from the front and twisting them back toward the crown. Secure each with a small bow. This style is playful and practical, keeping hair out of the face while adding a cheerful accent. It works for short to medium hair and is perfect for kids, teens, or adults who want a subtle festive touch. You can DIY the bows with ribbon scraps or small hair clips. Slightly loosen twists for a soft, casual look or keep them neat for photos. It’s a simple way to incorporate bows without spending extra time or money.

13. Low Chignon with Velvet Bow

A low chignon is classic and elegant. Twist hair into a bun at the nape and secure with pins. Attach a velvet bow to add a cozy, festive touch. This hairstyle works well for medium-to-long hair and fits holiday dinners or formal gatherings. You can create the bow yourself using leftover ribbon for a cost-effective solution. For extra detail, gently pull a few wisps of hair loose around the face. The contrast between the smooth chignon and textured bow creates a stylish yet approachable holiday look.

14. French Braid with Bow Accent

French braids are timeless and practical. Braid hair from the crown downward and finish with a small bow at the end. This works well for medium to long hair and keeps strands neat all day. You can personalize the bow with sparkles or ribbons to match holiday colors. Slightly loosen the braid for a soft, casual look, or keep it tight for photos. This style is perfect for school events, parties, or family photos, combining elegance and festivity in one simple style.

15. Curly Ponytail with Multiple Bows

A curly ponytail is lively and festive. Gather hair high and curl the ends, then attach multiple small bows along the length. This is playful and ideal for school parties or casual holiday events. Use small clips or elastic bows you already own to make it budget-friendly. Pull curls slightly to add volume and bounce. This hairstyle works best for medium-to-long hair and instantly transforms a simple ponytail into a cheerful holiday look.

16. Sleek Straight Hair with Center Bow

For a sleek look, part hair down the middle and secure the back with a single statement bow. This style is clean and elegant, suitable for all ages and hair types. The bow acts as the focal point, adding holiday cheer without extra effort. For a cost-effective solution, create the bow from ribbon scraps. Keep hair straight or add subtle waves for texture. This simple style is perfect for family photos or a casual festive look.

17. Side Braid with Mini Bows

A side braid is easy and charming. Sweep hair to one side, braid, and clip small bows along the braid. This adds a playful holiday accent while keeping hair controlled. Perfect for medium-length hair, this style is quick and low-maintenance. Use small ribbon bows from a craft store to save money. Slightly pull strands from the braid to soften the look and create a relaxed holiday vibe.

18. Half-Up Bun with Sparkle Bow

The half-up bun keeps hair out of the face while looking festive. Gather the top section, twist into a small bun, and secure with a sparkly bow. Ideal for medium hair lengths, this style works for casual or semi-formal holiday events. For DIY, use ribbon or even festive fabric scraps for the bow. Let the remaining hair flow naturally, curled or straightened, to complete a cheerful holiday look.

19. Twisted Pigtails with Ribbon Bows

Twisted pigtails are cute and playful. Twist two sections on either side, secure with ribbon bows, and leave the ends flowing. Works for medium-length hair, perfect for children and teens. Use leftover ribbons for DIY bows to keep costs down. Slightly loosen twists for volume or leave tight for a structured look. This cheerful style is ideal for school, parties, or casual holiday fun.

20. Wavy Hair with Side Bow Clip

Loose waves with a side bow are effortless yet festive. Curl hair loosely, sweep to one side, and attach a medium bow clip near the ear. Perfect for medium to long hair, this style is ideal for casual or semi-formal holiday events. For budget-friendly flair, craft a bow from ribbon or repurpose clips you already own. The combination of soft waves and a bow creates a cheerful, approachable holiday hairstyle that works for all ages.

Conclusion

From classic ponytails to elegant buns and playful braids, bows are a simple way to add instant holiday cheer to any hairstyle. These 20 styles are practical, budget-friendly, and easy to recreate at home, making it simple to look festive without spending a fortune. Whether for children, teens, or adults, there’s a bowed hairstyle for every occasion. Grab your favorite bows, try a few styles, and enjoy a holiday season full of fun, charm, and festive flair.