Hair bows and headbands have shed their old-school, prim associations to become the must-have accessory of the season.

Once thought of as quaint, hair accessories now bring the same joy and statement impact as bold jewelry. They are also especially festive, making them perfect for this time of year.

Bows, in particular, are taking center stage, appearing frequently on fashion runways and red carpets. Recently at a BAFTA event, Margot Robbie wore a loosely textured half-up, half-down hairstyle secured with a Chanel bow. Paired with a soft rose-pink lip, subtle contouring, and lightly defined eyes, the look exemplified effortless elegance.

The fashion credibility of bows is well established—Gabrielle Chanel herself favored them. At the Metiers d’Art 2021 show in Paris, models wore black bows in deep side parts, while at the Haute Couture AW22 show, giant black and white bows were positioned at the crown with loose, flowing ends.

Why Hair Bows Work for Every Hair Type

Bows suit all hair types and lengths. Zoe Irwin, GHD’s global colour and trend ambassador, notes that experimenting with different colours and textures is part of the fun. For fine hair, leaving some tendrils loose around the ear adds volume and enhances any updo, whether full or half ponytail.

Headbands Make a Comeback

Headbands are also returning to grown-up hairstyles. At Dior’s AW22 show, crystal headbands framed updos, while Bella Hadid incorporated various styles into her casual looks, from thick black bands to Y2K-inspired zig-zag designs.

Inspiring Hair Accessories for the Holidays

The Jaunty Side Bow
At Chanel’s Metiers d’Art 2021 show, models wore undone French-girl hairstyles accented with black grosgrain ribbons tied at the sides. The bows fell just above lightly made-up cheekbones, paired with dramatic winged eyeliner, creating a look that was both pretty and edgy.

The Beaded Hair Clip
At the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, Elle Fanning pinned back her hair with a delicate beaded bow that complemented her pale pink gown. Not all bows need to be large or black—small, sparkling bows add a subtle touch of glamour.

The Low-Key Headband
Bella Hadid styled thin zig-zag headbands to sweep hair away from her face during fashion weeks. These understated accessories seamlessly complemented her outfits, maintaining a sleek and polished appearance.

The Half-Up, Half-Down Bow
Sydney Sweeney at the 2022 Venice Film Festival wore a high half-up, half-down ponytail with a black velvet bow, harmonizing with the neckline of her dress for a coordinated, elegant effect.

The Curly High Ponytail with Bow
Natural curls pulled into a high ponytail with a large white silk bow demonstrate how bows can appear feminine without feeling overly formal or old-fashioned.

The Crystal-Embellished Hairband
At Dior, tight braids gathered into chignons were accented with crystal-studded headbands, offering a glamorous option for holiday parties or winter weddings.

The Low Ponytail with Crystal Barrette
Chanel continued the crystal trend at SS23 shows, styling sleek low ponytails secured with logo-embossed barrettes at the nape of the neck.

These hair accessories elevate any holiday hairstyle, adding polish and sophistication, whether you prefer bows, headbands, or crystal accents.