How to Tie Your Hair with a Ribbon

Hair ribbons are no longer just for little girls—tying your strands up with a ribbon is the newest cool-girl hair trend. A thin black ribbon is a chic touch to top off any monochromatic outfit while a thick, brightly-colored ribbon that coordinates with your outfit is a fun addition to any look. Whether you’re reviving limp locks with dry shampoo, styling your hair for a formal occasion, or going for a dramatic super-straight look, ribbon hair ties can add just the right amount of whimsy and interest to any hairstyle. Below, find seven ways to wear a ribbon in your hair.

RIBBON HAIRSTYLE #1: DUTCH BRAIDED PONYTAIL

Want to spice up your ponytail? Add double the detail by creating a Dutch braided ponytail complete with a ribbon hair tie.

What you’ll need:

Heat protectant

Curling iron

Hair tie

Ribbon

Get the look by following these simple steps:

STEP 1: SECTION YOUR HAIR

Create a top section of hair by parting from the top of one ear to the top of the other. Clip the top section up and out of the way for now.

STEP 2: CURL AWAY

For this hairstyle, you’ll want to have beautiful ringlet curls. First, spritz your hair with a heat protectant. Then, use a one-inch barrel curling iron to curl your bottom section of hair.

STEP 3: BRAID IT

Release the top section of hair. Then, weave this section so a Dutch braid forms on the crown of your head. When you reach the back of your head, stop braiding and secure the ends with a clear elastic.

STEP 4: PUT IT UP

Gather the length of your hair and smooth it into a high, curly ponytail.

STEP 5: GRAB YOUR RIBBON

Tie your ribbon of choice into a bow around the base of your ponytail. How cute!

RIBBON HAIRSTYLE #2: HALF-UP BRAID

Love a half-up hairstyle? So do we. Here’s how to wear a ribbon with a half-up braid hairstyle.

What you’ll need:

Clear elastic

Ribbon

Get the look by following these simple steps:

STEP 1: GRAB THREE STRANDS

Gather a one-inch section of hair from just above your ear on either side of your head. Then, gather a one-inch section of hair from the middle of the back of your head. You should have three strands in total.

STEP 2: WEAVE YOUR BRAID

Braid your hair as you would to create a French braid, adding sections from the sides of your head as you weave. Do this three times.

STEP 3: CONTINUE TO BRAID

After you’ve added hair three times on each side, continue to braid a traditional three-strand braid down the length of your hair, then secure with a clear elastic.

STEP 4: TIE YOUR RIBBON

Grab your hair ribbon and tie it around the end of your braid, covering the clear elastic for a girly, feminine finish.

RIBBON HAIRSTYLE #3: HALF-UP TWISTS

Another half-up hairstyle option for wearing a ribbon in your hair is to create half-up twists. Here’s how.

What you’ll need:

Heat protectant

Curling iron

Hair elastic

Ribbon

Get the look by following these simple steps:

STEP 1: CURL YOUR HAIR

Spritz some heat protectant throughout your strands, then curl your entire mane.

STEP 2: CREATE YOUR TWISTS

Gather a two-inch section of hair from the left side of your hairline. Begin to twist it backward, adding more hair as you go. Stop twisting when you reach the center of the back of your head. Create another twist in the same fashion starting on the right side of your hairline. Secure the two sections together with a hair elastic.

STEP 3: GRAB YOUR RIBBON

Reach for a hair ribbon and tie it around your hair elastic to disguise it and finish off your look. All done!

RIBBON HAIRSTYLE #4: SIMPLE HEADBAND

If you’re trying to revive second-day hair or just looking to add something to your natural hair texture, use a ribbon as a makeshift headband. The quick style will keep your hair out of your face and look chic in the process.

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Dry Shampoo

Ribbon

Get the look by following these simple steps:

STEP 1: GIVE YOUR HAIR SOME VOLUME

Use a dry shampoo around your roots to give your hair some lift.

STEP 2: CREATE THE HEADBAND

Starting at the back of your neck, bring the two ends of the ribbon around to the top of your head. Secure the ribbon with a knot and then rotate it, so the knot is hidden by your hair.

RIBBON HAIRSTYLE #5: SLEEK PONYTAIL

High and tight is the new way to wear your power pony. Contrast the dramatic style with a feminine bow in the color of your choice.

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray

Blow dryer

Flat iron

Hair tie

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Clean Style Gel

Ribbon

Get the look by following these simple steps:

STEP 1: STRAIGHTEN YOUR HAIR

Blow-dry your hair in the direction of the ponytail, using a heat protectant to protect your strands. Follow by using a flatiron to straighten your ends.

STEP 2: CREATE A PONYTAIL

Secure your ponytail tightly to your head with a hair tie. 

STEP 3: TIE A BOW

Using a piece of ribbon, tie a bow around the top of your ponytail.

STEP 4: TAME FLYAWAYS

Use a styling hair gel to tame any baby hairs around your hairline, creating an ultra-sleek look.

RIBBON HAIRSTYLE #6: HALF UP, HALF DOWN

From a family wedding to just another day at work, this flirty, feminine hairstyle can be worn for any occasion.

What you’ll need:

Curling iron

Hair tie

L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray

Get the look by following these simple steps:

STEP 1: CURL YOUR HAIR

Start with second-day hair and curl your hair in one-inch sections. Shake out the curls once done.

STEP 2: PULL A SECTION OF HAIR UP

Take the top third of your hair and gather it at the back of your head, securing it with a hair tie.

STEP 3: TIE A BOW

Using a half-inch thick piece of ribbon, tie a bow around the hair tie.

STEP 4: SET YOUR STYLE

Lock the look in with shine-enhancing hair spray.

RIBBON HAIRSTYLE #7: BRAID

A ribbon is an unexpected way to upgrade your braid. Choose a color similar to your own hair for a subtle touch or go bold with a contrasting neon ribbon.

What you’ll need:

Ribbon

Hair tie

Get the look by following these simple steps:

STEP 1: DETANGLE YOUR HAIR

Comb your hair to remove any tangles.

STEP 2: CREATE A PONYTAIL

Using a hair tie, put your hair in a ponytail wherever you want the braid to be. This could be a high pony, low pony, side pony, or even two pigtails.

STEP 3: ATTACH THE RIBBON

Secure the ribbon to the hair tie.

STEP 4: BRAID

Split your ponytail into three sections, one of which includes the ribbon. Braid as you normally would, while being careful to keep the ribbon with its section of hair. Secure with a hair tie.

Next up: Loving hair accessories at the moment? Check out these 3 Hairstyles that Use a Banana Clip.