According to a Time magazine deep-dive into the history of the bow pre-Jojo Siwa (yes, this article actually exists), during any period of time in which there has been evidence of human civilisation, hair accessories and adornments have also existed.
Whether utilised to display wealth, femininity, masculinity or simply during cultural celebrations across history, it appears that it is simply human nature to want to decorate ourselves and our locks with pretty things.
The desire even exists in the animal kingdom. Decorator crabs scavenge for objects which they deem to be aesthetically pleasing in order to attract a mate. Similarly, bowerbirds are known for thieving shiny jewellery and other pretty objects in order to make themselves and their habitats look the part.
With ‘-core’ culture ever on the rise, bows and ribbons have also found a prominent place within the ballerina core, coquette and cottagecore aesthetics. Prioritising femininity, pastoral idealism and purity, cottagecore in particular places a strong focus on the charming effects of pretty lace, chiffon and silk hair accessories.
We’ve rounded up a selection of the prettiest bows and ribbons to adorn your hair with. Keep scrolling for more.
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Oversized Bow Hair Clip
This satin bow from Urban Outfitters comes in black and pink colourways to suit all your aesthetic needs. Though even an oversized bow provides a delicate and sleek touch to a hair style, we love how UO has styled this accessory with natural curly hair. You don’t need a slicked back bun and dead-straight hair to rock a gorgeous bow.
Buy now £12.00, Urban Outfitters
Handmade Mohair Wool Knitted Hair Bows
Mohair ribbons have been going viral on TikTok as of late, with videos containing the hashtag #mohairribbons receiving a whopping 113.7M views. Stay on-trend with these gorgeous, hand-crafted mohair ribbons which can be purchased in a variety of colourways, including pink, orange, turquoise and green.
Buy now £15.00, Etsy
Gigi & Olive Peridot Green Silk Bow
Though technically part of a bridal accessories collection, this sage green-hued silk ribbon immediately caught our eye. We love how it features a metal comb clip which easily slides into your hair to support a half-up, half-down style. Measuring approximately 20cm by 25cm, this bow also has the option for personalised embroidery – making it the perfect gift whether for a bride-to-be or not.
Buy now £60.00, Gigi & Olive
Jennifer Behr Maura crystal-embellished velvet hair clip
This crystal-embellished and velvet hair clip by Jennifer Behr is going straight in our baskets. Though at a much higher price point than your standard hair accessory, this luxurious bow clip will instantly elevate an evening outfit – giving it a wonderfully feminine and vintage-inspired feel.
Buy now £225.00, Net-A-Porter
Lace Trim Ribbon
For a DIY option, we recommend purchasing a few rolls of lace-trim. Usually used to accessorise when embarking on sewing projects, we love the idea of braiding these lovely pieces of lace into your hair for a summer pastoral aesthetic. The subtle, scalloped edges add a textured touch, while the stunning embroidered roses certainly steal the show.
Buy now £12.99, Amazon
3 Rolls Handmade Fringe Chiffon Silk Ribbon Gauze
Alexa, play Silk Chiffon by MUNA. These fringed silk chiffon ribbons are normally used in craft projects, but we once again see nothing wrong with fashioning them as your very own, custom hair accessories to tie bows in your luscious locks. They are also available in multiple colourways, including terracotta and sage green.
Buy now £8.99, Amazon
Ganni seersucker organic-cotton and recycled polyester-blend two-piece set
A two-for-one deal? Yes please. If you’re a fan of the viral Ganni seersucker dress, you’ll go absolutely bonkers for this matching set of hair accessories. Featured here in a gothic, but summer-ready green and black colourway – we can’t get enough of the iconic Ganni gingham print. We also particularly love the scalloped trim, as well as the fact that the bottom of the bow is longer than the top, which we think helps to give the impression of longer locks.
Buy now £55.00, Selfridges
Hermès Twilly Scarf
An infamous Hermès Twilly scarf is perhaps the single most luxurious and stylish means with which to tie a ribbon in your hair. Shop via Vestiare for a selection of contemporary designs and colours or go second-hand for a vintage aesthetic.
Buy now £145.00, Vestiare
