Pose & style reference · Hairstyles
Hair bow
Also called: hair ribbon, ribbon bow, large bow, リボン
In short
A hair bow is a ribbon or piece of fabric tied or sewn into a bow and worn in the hair, either clipped on, tied around a ponytail or worn on a headband. In character design a hair bow is one of the quickest ways to add sweetness, colour and a recognisable silhouette.
Reference photos
Photos are shown from mfan8.com with credit to the photographers and models. Tap a photo to open the full set.
What a hair bow adds
Bows have long been part of children's and young women's fashion in many cultures, and that history gives them a sweet, polite feel. A large bow also extends the head's silhouette, which is why designers use it as a signature: Reimu Hakurei's big red bow from the Touhou Project games is instantly recognisable.
The bow's material changes the message. Satin ribbon feels formal, lace feels romantic, plain cotton feels homely, and a black bow on a pale outfit reads as gothic. Bows are a staple of Lolita fashion, the Japanese street-fashion style, where they are worn as large head bows.
Placements and styles
| Style | Where it sits | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Top bow | On the crown, often on a headband | Cute, doll-like, very visible |
| Back bow | At the back of the head over a half-up style | Elegant and classic |
| Side bow | Above one ear | Playful, asymmetrical |
| Ponytail bow | Covering the tie of a ponytail or twintails | Sporty-sweet |
| Braid-end ribbons | Tied at the bottom of braids | Rustic, schoolgirl |
| Oversized bow | Wider than the head | Theatrical, mascot-like |
How to draw a hair bow
Build the bow from four parts: a small central knot, two loops and two tails. Draw the knot first, then the loops as flattened cones that pinch into the knot and flare outward. The tails hang from behind the knot and end in a straight, angled or V-shaped cut.
Fabric folds tell the viewer it is tied. Add two or three compression folds radiating from the knot on each loop, and let the tails twist so you see both the front and back of the ribbon. Thicker fabric gives fewer, rounder folds; thin ribbon gives sharp, many folds.
The bow must sit on the head's surface, so curve its base with the skull and let the hair dip slightly where it is tied.
Wearing and photographing a bow
For cosplay, stiffen large bows with interfacing or a wire edge so the loops hold their shape, and attach them with clips sewn behind the knot. Match the ribbon colour to an accent in the outfit to tie the look together.
A three-quarter or back three-quarter angle shows the full bow shape; straight-on views can flatten a back bow into a thin line.
FAQ
What is the difference between a hair bow and a hair ribbon?
A ribbon is the strip of material; a bow is the ribbon tied into loops. In practice the words are used almost interchangeably.
Where should a hair bow go?
Anywhere the hair is gathered or parted: on the crown, at the back of a half-up style, at the side, or over a ponytail tie.
How do I make a big bow stand up?
Use stiff ribbon, add interfacing or wire inside the loops, and attach it close to the knot with a strong clip.