You found the perfect burgundy velvet bow. Now your hair just sits there, flat and plain. Every December, you stand at the mirror with a bow in your hand. It looks gorgeous. On your head? You’re not so sure. That’s normal, because nobody teaches us how to style a bow. This guide fixes that. You’ll get 10 Christmas hairstyles with a burgundy velvet bow, from five-minute ponytails to party-ready looks. Each one solves a different problem for a different hair type. Pick one tonight. Wear it tomorrow. Collect the compliments by Christmas Eve.
What Actually Makes Christmas Hairstyles with a Burgundy Velvet Bow Work
Four small choices decide whether your bow looks polished or crooked.
Match the bow size to your hair. Fine hair loves a 2- to 3-inch bow. Thick hair can carry 4 inches or more.
Prep for grip. Velvet clings to hair, but slick strands slide out. Spray texture at the base first.
Add shine. Matte velvet looks richer next to glossy hair. A drop of shine serum goes a long way.
Place it with purpose. A low bow feels classic. A high bow feels playful. Pick the mood you want.
1. The 5-Minute Low Ponytail with a Burgundy Velvet Bow
“I have ten minutes before the party, and my hair is a mess.”
The Formula:
- Spray dry shampoo at the roots
- Brush hair back and gather at the nape
- Secure with a clear elastic
- Wrap a 3-inch burgundy velvet bow over the elastic
- Pull out two face-framing strands
Why It Works: A low ponytail looks tidy fast. The deep red pops against every hair color. The bow covers the elastic and adds a dressy finish.
Stylist Tip: Slide a bobby pin through the bow’s back loop and into the base of the ponytail. It stops the bow from sliding down.
Best For / Wear It To: Office parties, school concerts, and last-minute dinners. It suits straight to wavy hair.
Swap It / Make It Last: Add loose waves with a 1-inch curling iron for an evening look.
2. Half-Up Soft Curls with a Velvet Bow Barrette
“I want my hair down, but I need it off my face.”
The Formula:
- Curl sections with a 1.25-inch barrel
- Brush the curls out with your fingers
- Gather the top section at the crown
- Clip it with a velvet bow barrette
- Mist with flexible-hold hairspray
Why It Works: You keep your length and volume. The bow sits high, so it frames your face. Soft curls catch the light in photos.
Stylist Tip: Curl the front sections away from your face. This opens your eyes and shows off the bow.
Best For / Wear It To: Christmas dinner, church, and family photos. It suits medium to long hair.
Swap It / Make It Last: Use two small bows at the sides for a romantic look.
3. Sleek Low Bun with a Wide Velvet Ribbon Bow
“Winter frizz wins every year. I want smooth and polished.”
The Formula:
- Work smoothing cream through damp hair
- Blow-dry with a paddle brush
- Smooth one drop of shine serum over the top
- Twist hair into a low bun and secure it
- Tie a wide burgundy velvet ribbon around the base
Why It Works: Glossy hair beside matte velvet looks rich. The clean lines feel like a clean girl bun with a holiday twist.
Stylist Tip: Finish with a boar-bristle brush. It spreads natural oils and flattens flyaways without heavy product.
Best For / Wear It To: Formal parties and work events. It suits straight or wavy hair.
Swap It / Make It Last: Leave the ribbon tails long for drama. Trim them short for daytime.
Quick Pro Tip: Velvet slips on slick hair. Rough up the base with texture spray first. Then pin through the bow’s loops with two bobby pins.
4. No-Heat Claw Clip Twist with a Tucked Bow
“I want zero heat and zero effort.”
The Formula:
- Twist your hair up in one smooth roll
- Secure it with a large matte claw clip
- Pin a mini velvet bow just above the clip
- Leave the ends sticking out on top
- Tug a few front pieces loose
Why It Works: Claw clips grip thick and fine hair well. The bow gives a daily favorite a holiday spin. Your hair skips the heat.
Stylist Tip: Pick a clip in black, tortoise, or champagne. Those shades let the burgundy stand out.
Best For / Wear It To: Baking days, shopping trips, and casual brunches. It suits medium to long hair.
Swap It / Make It Last: Swap the clip for pins and a larger bow to dress it up.
5. Curly Puff with a Thick Velvet Bow
“I want a festive look that keeps my curl volume.”
The Formula:
- Refresh curls with water and leave-in conditioner
- Gather hair at the crown with a soft scrunchie
- Fluff the puff with a pick
- Tie a thick burgundy velvet bow around the base
- Define the front curls with a little gel
Why It Works: Your curl pattern stays whole. A thick velvet bow matches the fullness of coily hair. The shape looks bold and joyful.
Stylist Tip: Pineapple your curls with a satin scrunchie at night. Refresh with water the next morning.
Best For / Wear It To: Christmas brunch and holiday parties. It suits curly and coily textures.
Swap It / Make It Last: Make two puffs with two small bows for a playful look.
Common Mistake: Tying the bow too tight on curls. Tight ties pull, frizz, and snap strands. Fix it: use a scrunchie base, then tie the bow loosely on top.
6. Braided Crown with a Velvet Bow at the Back
“I need my hair to last through a six-hour party.”
The Formula:
- Part hair down the middle
- Make two Dutch braids
- Wrap the braids across your head
- Pin the ends flat with U-pins
- Clip a burgundy velvet bow where the braids meet
Why It Works: Braids lock hair in place for hours. The crown shape frames your face. The bow adds a soft, romantic detail.
Stylist Tip: Gently pull the braid edges wider. This makes fine hair look fuller.
Best For / Wear It To: Long parties and winter weddings. It suits fine to medium hair.
Swap It / Make It Last: Try one braid like a headband and keep the rest down.
One year I wore a bow so big it blocked the dessert table. Now I pick a medium bow.
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7. Curtain Bangs and High Ponytail with a Velvet Bow
“I’m growing out my bangs, and they annoy me.”
The Formula:
- Blow-dry curtain bangs with a round brush
- Gather the rest into a high ponytail
- Wrap the base with a 3-inch velvet bow
- Smooth the ponytail with a bit of serum
- Set the bangs with light hairspray
Why It Works: Curtain bangs frame your face and keep hair out of your eyes. The high pony lifts your look. The bow adds fun.
Stylist Tip: Dry bangs first, while the rest of your hair is still damp. They sit softer that way.
Best For / Wear It To: Holiday markets and friend gatherings. It suits straight to wavy hair with bangs.
Swap It / Make It Last: Twist the ponytail into a bun for a dressier version.
“Wear the bow because it makes you smile. That is reason enough.”
8. Long Side Braid Tied with a Burgundy Velvet Bow
“Christmas morning is chaos. I need hair that stays put.”
The Formula:
- Brush hair to one side
- Braid loosely down to the ends
- Tie off with a clear elastic
- Knot a long burgundy velvet ribbon over it
- Tug the braid wider for a softer look
Why It Works: A side braid keeps long hair out of the way while you open gifts. The velvet bow adds a cozy, festive finish.
Stylist Tip: Cut the ribbon at least 24 inches long. You need room for a full bow.
Best For / Wear It To: Christmas morning and cookie swaps. It suits long hair of any texture.
Swap It / Make It Last: Weave a ribbon through the braid for a fancier version.
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9. Short Bob with Mini Velvet Bow Barrettes
“My hair is short, and bows look made for long hair.”
The Formula:
- Smooth a blunt bob with a flat iron
- Part it on one side
- Tuck one side behind your ear
- Pin a mini burgundy velvet bow above the ear
- Finish with shine spray
Why It Works: A small bow fits short hair well. It adds a pop of color without weight. The pinned side shows off your jawline.
Stylist Tip: Use two bobby pins in an X shape under the bow. Short hair needs extra hold.
Best For / Wear It To: Office parties and dinners. It suits chin-length to shoulder-length hair.
Swap It / Make It Last: Pin two tiny bows on each side for a playful look.
Shortcut: Grab a 24-inch velvet ribbon from your gift-wrap stash. Tie a small bow and pin it on. Done.
10. 90s Blowout with a Velvet Bow Headband
“My hair falls flat by dinner.”
The Formula:
- Blow-dry with a large round brush
- Lift the roots with volumizing mousse
- Set the waves with hot rollers for 10 minutes
- Brush through for a 90s blowout finish
- Slide on a burgundy velvet bow headband
Why It Works: Root lift keeps volume going all night. The headband holds your hair back and adds the holiday touch.
Stylist Tip: Let the rollers cool fully before you remove them. This sets the volume longer.
Best For / Wear It To: Holiday dinners and New Year’s Eve. It suits medium to long layered hair.
Swap It / Make It Last: Move the headband back an inch for a taller, more dramatic look.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size burgundy velvet bow works best for Christmas hairstyles?
Choose by hair thickness. Fine hair looks best with a 2- to 3-inch bow. Medium hair suits 3 to 4 inches. Thick or curly hair can carry 4 inches or more. Short hair loves mini bows around 2 inches.
How do you keep a velvet bow from slipping out of your hair?
Rough up the base with texture spray or dry shampoo. Then pin through the bow’s loops with two bobby pins. Crisscross the pins in an X. Velvet grips well, and this setup holds all night.
Does a burgundy velvet bow work on short hair?
Yes. Pick a mini bow or barrette instead of a big one. Pin it above one ear or at the side of a part. Short hair needs extra pins, so use two bobby pins in an X.
What outfit colors go with a burgundy velvet bow?
Burgundy pairs well with cream, camel, black, forest green, and navy. It also looks rich with gold jewelry. For a bolder look, try it with soft pink or gray. Keep the rest of your look simple.
How do you clean a velvet hair bow?
Dab it gently with a damp cloth and mild soap. Never rub hard. Blot dry with a clean towel. Let it air dry flat. Brush it lightly in one direction to bring the pile back.
Final Thoughts
Pick one idea and start there. A burgundy velvet bow makes any hairstyle feel like the holidays. You don’t need fancy tools or a salon visit.
Hair should feel good and look like you. Wear the bow your way. Skip the guilt.
Save this guide to your Pinterest board so you can find it fast in December. Which of the 10 looks will you try first?
Suggest 2 related guides: “Easy Christmas Nail Designs in Burgundy and Gold” and “Simple Christmas Hairstyles for Long Hair.”