Runway to reality: The ATH editors rock hair ribbons IRL – and these are the results

The ribbon hair trend: the easy, breezy way to make your mane look fresh-off-the-runway! ?

As much as we love the crazy and creative hairstyles that hit the catwalks during fashion month every season, few of them actually make it into our everyday style choices. However, one look to come out of fashion week that we can definitely get on board with is the hair ribbon trend.

Incredibly versatile, this simple yet chic accessory can instantly spruce up even the most basic of hairstyles – from the plainest of ponytails to elaborate updos.

So, if you’re looking to liven up your look and #BeatHairBoredom, this is the hair craze for you. And we’ve even convinced the ATH editors to give it go, so you don’t have to!

Can anyone slay this trend IRL? Or is it a miss? There’s only one way to find out: keep on reading!

The ATH editors trial the ribbon hair trend…

backshot of woman with half up half down marley twist hairstyle that has a bow in it, wearing red jumper
Give your half-up, half-down hairstyle a sophisticated upgrade with a ribbon.

Amra Markic, Junior Beauty Editor

“As a naturalista who is always hopping from one protective style to another, I don’t see a lot of runway hair trends that can work with my hair type. So, when I was asked to give the ribbon hair trend a go, I was sceptical at first, that is until I saw the gorgeous results!

I love wearing my marley twists in a romantic half-up, half-down hairstyle (it makes me feel like a medieval princess!), but it can get quite boring. So get myself out of a beauty rut, I’ve paired a bow with my go-to look and can honestly say: I feel ready for the runway!

Since party season is in full swing, I’m definitely going to make the most out of this quick, runway-approved trend.”

close up shot of woman with blonde hair styled into a side fishtail braid with a bow accessory on it, wearing a jumper that says blonde on it
Braids and bows, what more could you want?

Beth Strong, Junior Beauty Editor

” My fishtail plait felt a little ‘blah’ today and what better way to take it from zero to one hundred than with a cute hair ribbon?! Do I feel fab? Yes. Was it worth it? Yes, especially since it took less than 5 minutes to achieve. BRB, I’m just going to post this double tap-worthy pic to Instagram!”

Editor’s tip: Want to know how to make your braid look you fuller? Fake it till you make it with the TIGI Bed Head Oh Bee Hive! Dry Shampoo, which will give your mane enough grip and texture to create this fancy fishtail braid.

close up shot of woman with short hair that's styled into a low bun with a bow around it, wearing black top and hoop earrings
Ain’t nobody got time for basic buns!

Leona English, Junior Beauty Editor

“Lazy girls everywhere, this one’s for you! We already know that buns are the ultimate no-fuss hairstyle (and are perfect for shorter locks), but what can you do to jazz them up when you’ve got a date after work? Tie a ribbon around the base of your bun, of course!

This is a practical and elegant way to give a basic bun a new lease on life and is bound to make your mane the centre of attention! I don’t know about you, but I’m already thinking about which other colour ribbons I can rock this festive season.”

 

Other ways to wear this catwalk trend

blonde model on the runway with her hair in a low ponytail with a black ribbon hair accessory
Give your ponytail a grown-up update with a simple chic ribbon. Credit: indigitalimages.com

Low ponytail

Okay, let’s get down to the basics with a beginner-friendly low ponytail. Now, don’t go thinking that this is a boring style, because it’s one of the quickest ways to spruce up your mane!

Upgrade your style in an instant by brushing your hair back into a sleek, low ponytail, securing it with a hairband and then tying a ribbon of your choice around the base of your pony. Now, will you stick to a fash-pack monochrome style or get playful with a multicoloured bow?!

Editor’s tip: For a salon-smooth finish, apply 1-2 pumps of serum (we love the Toni&Guy Shine Gloss Serum, as it has a super lightweight formula) and work through your lengths before styling. This will help to control any flyaways and prevent frizz from cropping up throughout the day.

brunette with her hair in a braid with a black ribbon hair tie
Braids and bows, what more could you want?! Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Basic braids

Short on time but still want your hair to look cute? Braids are best when you’re in a rush, as they don’t require any heat styling whatsoever, so you can plait and go!

This look shows that even the most basic 3-strand braid can easily be jazzed up with a ribbon. But if you’re feeling confident, why not play around with other braiding styles, like Dutch, French or fishtail plaits?

For a more effortless, romantic effect, don’t forget to loosen a few pieces of hair around your hairline for a more lived-in look.

bridal model with her blonde hair in a half up half down hairstyle with a black ribbon accessory
Try something romantic with this pretty half-up, half-down style. Credit: indigitalimages.com

Half-up, half-down style

We’re adding this breathtaking bridal style to our Pinterest wedding board, pronto! The best part is, although this half-up look is obviously the ultimate wedding day hairstyle, it would also work just as well for a glam night out with the girls!

With a bumped-up mini bouffant and perfectly curled lengths, the simple black ribbon gives this ultra-girly style a fashionable edge so it’s not too prim and proper.

Editor’s tip: To give your locks maximum volume where its needed, we recommend sprinkling a little of the Toni&Guy Root Lift Sculpting Powder into your roots before styling. It’ll instantly give lift to limp locks and give you that Bardot-like body!

elle fanning on the red carpet with her blonde hair in a bun with a black ribbon wrapped around it
Transform a basic ballerina bun into something red-carpet worthy. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Ballerina bun

Lazy girls everywhere, this one’s for you! Buns are the ultimate no-fuss hairstyle, but what would you say if we told you there was a way to make this well-loved ‘do look as stylish as it is practical?

It really is as simple as tying a ribbon around the base of a classic ballerina bun and allowing the lengths to flow down for an elegant finish. Messy buns will never be the same again!

temperley model on the runway with a ribbon choker and ribbon headband detail
Coordinating accessories never looked so good. Credit: indigitalimages.com

Headband detail

If you’re a loyal follower of fashion, you’ll know that the headband trend is also making a bit of a comeback this season, so why not tackle 2 trends at once with a chic ribbon headband?

You don’t need to go out and buy a fancy headband, as all you need to do is find a thick piece of ribbon and tie it around your head behind your ears: et voila, instant sass!

brunette model with a low chignon hairstyle with a black bow accessory
Add a girly touch to a formal hairstyle with a cute little bow! Credit: indigitalimages.com

Low tuck

If you’re looking for a put-together look for a work event or cocktail party, this trendy tuck style is just what the doctor ordered. With a low tuck, wrap effect and sweet bow detail, there’s so many gorgeous components to this look that we don’t even know where to start!

 

Are you ready to give this trend a go? Or do you want to see what other viral trends our editors have tested? Here’s what happened when they tried the emoji hair trend!

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