Hair Bows & Ribbons

Hair ribbons date back almost 5,000 years when they were primarily worn for practical reasons. Humans didn't have elasticated hair ties like we do now, so they settled for the next best thing.

As time progressed, ribbons took on a bigger role in our society as fashion statements, symbolising love and romance in particular. They were also worn as symbols of social status, and in the 1700s, men wore them to showcase their extravagance.

Humans became more romantic and sophisticated, and thus, the ribbon followed suit. In the 1940s, women wore ribbons to symbolise their romantic status. Depending on the colour of the ribbon or bow, men would know if she was open to being courted or wanted nothing to do with them.

In today's fashion, hair ribbons mainly symbolise femininity and elegance. They are also commonly associated with innocence, with young girls wearing ribbons frequently.

Despite being commonly associated with young girls, hair bows are worn by adults of either gender, too. In fact, adults of all walks of life are in love with hair bows.

Why do adults love bows so much? Well, because they are so incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or down to fit whatever style you're going for.

Hair bows don't have to be childish; they are among the most elegant, sophisticated accessories you can wear, making them an even better choice than hair clips.

Not only do they look great, but hair bows still provide that practicality that made humans fall in love with them so many years ago. With thick, unruly hair, tying it up with a bow guarantees it will stay in place.

What's more, a chunky braid or pigtails are completely elevated by incorporating a hair bow. Who said hair had to be boring when you reached adulthood?

As mentioned, hair bows and ribbons can be added to almost any hairstyle you wish. A humble daily ponytail or an intricate wedding updo, there is always space for these accessories.

The first thing to do is pick your bow. Do you want a chunky one or a small one? Perhaps you would like some sequins or plain satin? Whatever hairstyle you want to wear, there is the perfect bow to make it happen.

Adding a bow is simple. You can begin with a simple ponytail that only requires you to use the bow by itself to tie the hair in place or secure it first with an elastic.

Accentuate your hairstyle and add a pair of our Freshwater Pearl Huggie Earrings to your cart.

Once you feel more confident, experiment with a braid and weave the bow into it or tie it at the base of the plait for a neat finish.

Finally, if you're in a rush and need something to keep hair out of your face while looking effortlessly put together, bows are great for headbands.

Rather not add it to your hair at all but love the colour? Add the bow to your hat, wrist, or handbag strap.

Without a doubt!

If you're active on social media or simply an observer, it's impossible not to notice the resurgence that both hair bows and ribbons are having.

Besides being hair pieces, they are also sown onto jeans and other clothing items worn by all genders.

Madonna was one of the first to pave the way for hair bows in the 1980s as loud and proud accessories. As with all things in the fashion world, trends come and go in waves and bows and ribbons experienced a bit of a slump.

Recently, however, we have undoubtedly been living through another bow and ribbon renaissance, with people adorning them as small nods to their celebrated womanhood and self-expression.

Hair bows are among the best ways to make a standard hairstyle into the epitome of cuteness. Our Birthstone Necklaces also bring the same energy.

You can use a big bow or multiple small bows to create various looks. For an understated style, try a half-up, half-down look with either one pony on top or two smaller ones.

For a pronounced bow, neatly gather all of the hair in the half-up section with a brush and tie it with an elastic band, then place a bow with long sections that run down the length of your hair and secure it onto the top of the ponytail.

If you want small bows, separate your half-up section into two small ponies on either side of the head and tie small, delicate bows onto the base of each.

Pigtails, space buns, and even a simple top knot are taken to a whole new level of cuteness with a simple bow or ribbon. It's all about experimentation; they will bend to whichever way you want them to; the only limit is your imagination (and hair length).

As beautiful as these accessories are, it's normal to struggle initially to get them to stay put, but there are easy fixes.

First, ensure you pick the right material. Flannel fabric is nice and stiff while easy to work with; it grips onto the hair a bit better and is less likely to slip off.

On the other hand, silk or satin is good for your hair as it doesn't cause any breakage. However, they can be a bit slippy unless you prepare and secure it properly.

Prep your hair with dry shampoo or hairspray if it's fine or newly washed. For those with thick hair, it's best to secure the hairstyle first with hair clips until you master the art of the bow.

Then, be mindful of where you place the bow or ribbon; if it's fighting a battle against gravity with nothing to hold onto, it'll disappear in no time. The crown, at the base of a ponytail, or woven into the hair itself are all great ways to keep it in place.

For dry, damaged hair that could do with a break, we suggest satin or silk ribbons.

The fabric is so smooth that it glides over your hair instead of causing friction like cotton does. Especially if you're wearing hair ribbons every day, this damage can add up to some pretty nasty split ends.

Besides fabric, ensure you pick the best shape. Narrow ribbons are ideal for intricate hairstyles or as accents. For a statement or a more secure fit, wide ribbons are the better option.

There are also numerous lengths to choose from, or you can alter them yourself for the perfect size. Some like to have their ribbons small, whereas others prefer to have strands trail down the full length of their hair.

Another brilliant thing about these accessories is that anyone can make them!

Pair your gorgeous ponytail with our Molten Necklace; orders only take 2-4 business days to get to you!

You may already have the right fabric on hand, but if not, there are some things to consider beforehand.

Silk and satin are good for hair but tend to be a bit more expensive than tougher, cheaper materials, so if budget is an issue, look for a sale to ensure your hair gets the best treatment.

Flannel or grosgrain hold their shape really well and are less likely to slip off during your day-to-day activities.

Other than material, think about durability, width, and, of course, colour.