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Bows in the hair went from little-girl to grown-up over the last couple of years. Worn with sleek hair and a simple outfit, they add a soft, pretty finish. Here are 10 ribbons and bow clips worth buying, each linked to a well-reviewed pick.
My top pick: A roll of double-sided satin ribbon plus one pre-tied bow clip is the whole kit — tie it at the base of a low pony and keep the rest of the hair sleek.
1. Satin Ribbon (By the Roll)
A length of double-sided satin ribbon, about an inch wide, in black or cream. Tie it at the base of a low pony — the whole trend is really just this. Shop double face satin ribbon on Amazon →
2. Velvet Ribbon
Velvet ribbon in a deep tone — burgundy, forest, black — for autumn and winter. It grips better than satin, so it slips less. Shop velvet ribbon roll on Amazon →
3. Pre-Tied Bow Clip (Large)
A big hand-look bow on a clip for a statement at the nape or on a half-up. One second to wear; nobody can tell it’s not tied by hand. Shop large hair bow clip on Amazon →
4. Pre-Tied Bow Clip (Small, Set)
Small bows on clips or mini claws, in a set, for low pigtails or pinning back the front. Keep them small and the hair sleek. Shop small hair bows set on Amazon →
5. Bow Barrette (Metal Clip)
A bow on a sturdy metal snap clip holds better in fine or heavy hair than a fabric tie. Good for a half-up that needs to last. Shop bow barrette clip on Amazon →
6. Coquette Ribbon Set
A pack of thin ribbons in cream, black, pink, and navy for tying into braids and half-ups. Trim the tails at an angle so they don’t fray. Shop thin hair ribbon set on Amazon →
7. Grosgrain Ribbon
Ribbed grosgrain holds a crisp bow and has a preppy, sporty look tied at the end of a high ponytail. Very ’90s in the best way. Shop grosgrain ribbon on Amazon →
8. Oversized Statement Bow
One large bow clipped at the back of an updo, sitting against a bare shoulder — a statement without much effort. Keep everything else plain. Shop oversized bow hair clip on Amazon →
9. Pearl or Embellished Bow
A bow with a pearl or crystal centre for evening — enough shine to read as dressed up, small enough not to look costume. Shop pearl bow hair clip on Amazon →
10. Bow Scrunchie
A scrunchie with a built-in bow — the wrapped-and-bowed look in one piece, softer on the hair than a tight ribbon. The low-effort version. Shop bow scrunchie on Amazon →
The bottom line
A roll of satin or velvet ribbon and one pre-tied bow clip is the whole kit. Tie it at the base of a low pony or over a half-up, keep the rest of the hair sleek, and let the bow be the only soft note.