How to Tie a Ribbon Bow on Your Head

A ribbon bow can be worn by children.

Individuals from the age of a young child up to an adult wear ribbon bows in their hair to complement a specific style of apparel. A ribbon bow can be described as a length of common ribbon from a spool or roll that is wrapped around an individual's head and tied into a bow shape. The bow can be positioned at the top of the head or toward one side for a trendy and fashionable look.

Things You'll Need

• 24-inch piece of ribbon
• Scissors
• Candle lighter
• 2 bobby pins

Instructions

1. Cut a 24-inch length of ribbon from its spool at an angle with a pair of scissors. Trim the opposite end at an angle as well.

2. Place each end of the ribbon over the open flame from a candle lighter for a moment to heat-seal the ribbon and prevent it from fraying.

3. Twist the ribbon three times at the center of the cut length and place the twisted section underneath your hair at the nape of your neck. The twisting helps to keep the ribbon from shifting in your hair and becoming uncomfortable.

4. Bring each end of the ribbon, each held in one hand, up to the top of your head behind your bangs, if applicable.

5. Tie the ribbon in a tight single knot where you'd like to bow to be when you are finished, and secure the knot in place with two bobby pins, one through the front and one through the back of the knot. The pins will keep the ribbon secure while tying the decorative bow.

6. Tie a bow with the ends of the ribbon and arrange the bow and tails to your preference. Remove the bobby pins once the bow is tight or keep them in if you prefer.

Tips & Warnings

• Measure the circumference of your head before cutting the length of ribbon. Add 12-inches to the measurement for a medium-sized bow.

• If the tails are too long, measure the excess, remove the ribbon from your hair, trim them with the scissors and heat-seal them again. Repeat the bow-tying process to arrange the ribbon bow back in your hair.

• A ribbon hair bow may not be appropriate with all clothing styles; it complements a flirty look, rather than a more professional attire scheme.

References

• YouTube: How to Tie a Ribbon/Bow in Your Hair
• DIY Hair Bows: How to Tie Hair Bows as Headbands