How to Make a Basic Hair Bow

Straighten your hair. Straight strands are best for making hair bows as they showcase the movement and direction of your hair. Although you don't have to, quickly straighten your hair (it needn't be perfect) before starting your updo.

Smooth out your hair. Brush or comb through to get rid of tangles and knots. If your hair is very thick or frizzy, use a shine serum to placate it enough to be worked with.

Pull your hair back. Gather your hair at the top of your head, leaving out bangs if you have them. Use an elastic band to create a ponytail, but stop halfway. If you can typically go three loops with your elastic, stop after the first one. If you can make four loops for a regular ponytail, stop at the second loop.

Create the bow shape. When you get to your final two loops with your elastic, pull your hair through 1/3 of the way and then stop. Twist the ponytail holder, pull the rest of your hair 1/3 of the way through, and the release the elastic. You should be left with two loops and a tailpiece hanging from the holder.^[1]

Create the center strand. Take the tail end from your ponytail and wrap it around the space between the two loops. Tuck the ends under one (or both) sides of the loop and pin in place.

Adjust the bow. If the two loops aren't quite in place how you like them, turn them how you like and use a few bobby pins to secure the loops in place. Spritz with hair spray and you're done!^[2]