Bow braids are a super cute way of making an accessory out of your best accessory – your hair!
These sweet bow braids can be done in any French braid or lace braid. They look great in a headband braid, or in a small French braid like I’m wearing, and these versions you can do in your own hair. They also look stunning in a diagonal braid at the back of your head but you’ll need some help to create those bows.
I learnt these braids from Cute Girls Hairstyles. I though they would be too cutesy for me to wear, but I quite like this short version with three bows. I started by creating a French braid from my partline back to just above my ear. I then finished the braid in a normal braid and secured the end with an elastic.
Bow braids can be done in any French braid or half French braid (angel braid) as long as there is a slim section of hair loose adjacent to the braids to create the bows.
Bow Braids Hairstyle Tutorial
Step-by-Step
- Begin by braiding a section of your hair into a French braid. Leave a ½-inch section of hair loose, adjacent to your braid, to create the bows.
- Take a small piece of hair from the ½-inch section and circle it around your finger to create a loop.
- Place your hairpin, closed end first, through a section of your braid.
- Thread the loop of hair through the end of your hairpin and take the loop of hair with your left hand while gently pulling the hairpin back through your braid with your right hand.
- As you bring the hairpin back out of your braid it will create the other half of the bow. Gently pull the hairpin until you like the look of the second loop and then remove the pin from your hair. You should now have one completed bow that runs through your braid.
- Repeat steps 2 to 5 all the way down your braid to create the bows until you run out of hair.
Styling Tip: Depending on the length of your hair, you may have leftover hair trailing out after making each bow. Either combine this tail section of hair with the next piece or leave it laying alongside the braid. The next bow loop will cover the loose pieces, so they won’t be so obvious.
This shorter bow braid looks great with your hair out, or gather all your hair into a low side ponytail for a relaxed hairstyle.
Styling Secrets
- Cute Girls Hairstyles has some great tutorials for this style on their YouTube Channel. You’ll master this braid in no time with their help.
- The hardest part is looping your hair through your hair pin. Try using a second hair pin like a needle-threader to get the loop in place. Girly Do Hairstyles has a great video of this technique.
- This style works best in straight hair. You won’t see the bow shape clearly in curls.
What do you think of the bow braids? Would you wear them or are they too cutesy?
Hi ! I love your blog, made me forget the eternal ponytail and being more creative with my hairstyle. Thanks !
Thank you so much Mariama! That makes my day xx
This is so adorable! Thanks for the tutorial!
Thanks so much Gio!
this is great.. I love it. Although I’ll save it for a day when my hair is straight. I have one question.. do you need to secure the bow?
Thanks lovely! No, the bows stay in place under sections from your braid. It is important to braid your hair tightly or the bows may be too loose. That’s a good point, I’ll update my tutorial xx
Christina you are one talented woman! This looks amazing! I struggle to do a simple braid in my own hair! I’m looking forward to doing these sweet bows in my girl’s hair though. She’ll love it! Fi xx
Thank you Fi! This was the first time I tried this style and with a bit of practice it’s not that hard to do. The trick with the second pin is key xx
WHAT IS THIS I CANT EVEN
Beyond cool, beautiful and imaginative 😀 !
thanks Ana! Xx
OMG! I saw a picture of someones hair with this and absolutely loved it! I couldn’t find anywhere on how to actually do it and it has been ages! BUT THANKS SO MUCH! Finally!!!
thanks Brooke, hope you give it a try! x
Impossible! Can’t figure it out no matter how many times I try!
Hi Mimi, this video is helpful – http://www.girlydohairstyles.com/2013/02/bow-braiding.html – good luck! x
Im in cosmetology school and attempting to do this on my maniquiens hair but is it possible it isnt turning out because the hair is to short to pull the bow through ?
Hi Dee, possibly, or try spraying the hair before creating the bow to stop any flyaways. Good luck! x