The 6 styles run from a bow made of your own slicked-down hair, which needs no accessory, to a chunky velvet headband that does the styling in one move.
Hair length and the minutes you have in the morning decide which of these 6 fits, since a half-up bow forgives short layers while a high bun wants length.
The low pony and the headband hold up on busy weekdays, while the high bun and the bow made of hair need smoother, more deliberate styling.
1. Half-up, Half-down with a Bow
Half-up, half-down is the easiest way to give a big bow real presence without committing to a full updo. A large brown bow sits at the crown, and the long waves fall loose below it.
A bow close to your hair color will blend in, while a contrasting one reads as a soft tonal accent.
Small clips add a second detail, but one or two is plenty. Anchor the bow on the gathered section so it doesn’t slide.
2. Bow Out of Hair
A bow made from your own hair needs no accessory at all, and I like that it stays neat from every angle.
Here the sleek low bun is shaped into 2 loops with a center band, so the finish depends on smooth, slicked-down hair.
Pair it with a satin blouse and small hoops, and the look stays polished enough for dinner. Keep the earrings small, since the bun is already the statement.
3. Bow on Frontal Wig
Long, wavy frontal wigs can look flat on their own, and a large bow fixes that. Placed on top, a black bow gives the length a focal point and echoes the dark color, so it reads intentional rather than plain.
I would pick a bow big enough to hold its own against all that volume. Pair it with something casual, like the graphic tee, and the look stays relaxed instead of dressy.
4. Large Bow on a Low Pony
A low pony with one oversized bow is the version I would reach for on busy weekdays. Gather the hair at the nape, tie it off, then cover the elastic with the bow.
For a more grown-up feel, swap in a solid satin or velvet bow.
5. Large Bow Headband
A chunky velvet headband with a bow on top does the styling in one move, which is why it works on days with no time. Burgundy velvet looks richest beside matching knitwear, like the cardigan visible here.
Choose a band with some width, since a thin one makes a big bow look top-heavy. Leave your hair down and let the band sit slightly back from the hairline.
6. High Bun with Big Bow
High buns suit a bow better than most styles, because the bun gives it a firm base. Wrap the elastic tightly, then fix the black velvet bow just in front of or around the base.
A bow this large pairs well with a high neckline, like the white turtleneck here, since nothing competes near your neck. Velvet adds texture that plain ribbon lacks, though it picks up lint, so keep a lint roller handy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to style hair with a big bow?
A bow works best on a base that holds it firmly, such as a high bun, a low pony, or a gathered half-up section.
A tight wrap of elastic comes first; then pin or tie the bow over it, front or around the sides, so the weight of the fabric has nothing to slip against.
Pick a bow close to your hair color for a quiet blend, or go for contrast when you want it to read as a small pop of color.
Can a 40 year old woman wear a bow in her hair?
Yes. A bow made from your own hair, folded into a sleek low bun, gives a clean finish from the front, the sides and the back.
Are big bows still in style?
Yes, bows are trending and show up in buns, ponytails, half-up styles and headbands.
They suit short or long hair and straight or curly textures. The oversized versions work best with a firm base, like a bun or a gathered section.
