Team-Color Hair Bows and Spirit Ribbons You Can Make

Pick two or three school colors, then decide whether you want a bow, a hanging ribbon accent, or a fluffy pom. Check your school's dress code for rules about hair accessories, colors, and size.

Choose colors, ribbon, and a base

Start with ribbon in your school colors. Two colors give a simple, clear look; a third can add a small accent. You can use the colors in equal amounts or let one color take the lead. If the shades are similar, choose different ribbon textures or widths so the pieces stand apart.

Grosgrain ribbon has a ribbed surface and holds a structured bow shape. Satin ribbon has a smooth, shiny finish and can make soft loops, but it may slide more easily. Narrow ribbon works well for braids, ties, and small details. Wider ribbon makes fuller loops and larger bows. You can combine widths, keeping the narrower ribbon as an accent.

Choose a base that suits your hair and the finished design: a hair elastic, barrette-style clip, or headband. Check that the base is in good condition and does not have rough edges. A small bow can suit a ponytail or braid, while a longer ribbon tail can hang from a clip or elastic.

• Ribbon in two or three colors
• Hair elastic, clip, or headband
• Scissors and a ruler or measuring tape
• Optional pipe cleaners for a pom design

Make a simple no-glue ribbon bow

For a no-glue bow, cut two or more ribbon pieces to the length you want. Make the main piece long enough to form loops and tails, and use a shorter piece to wrap the center. If you want two colors, layer a narrower ribbon over a wider one before shaping the bow.

Bring the ends of the main ribbon toward the center so the ends overlap slightly. Pinch the center together to make two loops. Wrap the shorter piece tightly around the pinched middle, then tie it at the back. You can tie the center piece around a hair elastic, too, so the bow and base stay connected.

Adjust the loops and tails by hand until they look balanced. Trim the ends at an angle or cut a small notch, if you like. If you cut ribbon, ask an adult for help when needed, and keep scissors pointed away from yourself. Check that knots are snug and that no loose ends can catch easily in hair.

Make a structured grosgrain bow with hot glue

A glued grosgrain bow can hold its shape, but hot glue can burn skin. An adult should handle the glue gun and make every glue application. Keep the glue gun on a stable, heat-safe surface, keep it away from hair and loose fabric, and let the finished bow cool completely before anyone handles it. Children can help choose colors, measure, or arrange the pieces without touching the hot glue.

Cut a long piece of grosgrain ribbon for the loops and tails, plus a short piece for the center wrap. Fold each end of the long piece toward the middle to make two loops and overlapping tails. Pinch the center and adjust the loops until they are even. An adult can place a small amount of hot glue where the ribbon overlaps, press the layers together with a tool or protected fingers, and hold them in place until set.

Wrap the short piece around the center to cover the join. The adult can glue its ends at the back, taking care not to put glue where it will touch the wearer’s hair or skin. To attach the bow, glue it to a clip or elastic only if the base material is suitable for that attachment. Let everything cool, then gently check that the layers are secure before wearing.

Braid ribbon into a hair accent

Braided ribbon makes a simple accent for a ponytail, braid, or headband. Cut three lengths of narrow ribbon in your chosen colors. Tie them together at one end around a hair elastic, or ask an adult to secure the ends with a knot. Leave enough ribbon at the top to tie the finished braid to your hair accessory.

Arrange one ribbon on the left, one in the middle, and one on the right. Cross an outside ribbon over the middle, then cross the other outside ribbon over the new middle. Keep repeating the pattern, pulling each section gently so the braid is neat but not stiff. Stop when the braid reaches your preferred length.

Tie the lower end with a small ribbon knot. You can leave short tails or trim them evenly. If the braid is meant to hang from a ponytail, tie its top securely around the elastic before putting the elastic in your hair. Keep the braid short enough that it will not drag, snag, or get caught while you move.

Add a pipe-cleaner pom to a hair tie

For a fluffy, playful accent, wrap pipe cleaners around a hair elastic. Choose colors that match your outfit, then cut or bend the pipe cleaners into manageable lengths. An adult should help with cutting. Wrap the middle of each piece around the elastic several times, keeping the two ends pointing outward. Add more pieces until the pom looks full enough for you.

Bend the ends into soft curves or loops to create a pom shape. Fold every exposed end back toward the wrapped center and tuck it in so no sharp tip points outward. Run a finger carefully over the finished piece to check for poking ends, and adjust any that feel rough. Do not use a piece with a broken or exposed wire.

Check that the wrapped pieces do not slide around the elastic. If they shift, remove the pom and wrap the centers more firmly. Keep the decoration light enough that the hair tie remains comfortable. A pipe-cleaner pom can also be attached to a clip or headband by wrapping it around the base, without glue.

Attach, wear, and store your accessory

Before wearing your bow or ribbon, tug gently on each part to check for loose knots, slipping layers, or sharp edges. Put the accessory in your hair and see whether it stays in place during ordinary movement. It should not pull, pinch, or feel too heavy. If it does, remove it and use a lighter design or a different base.

Tie bows and ribbons to elastics firmly, but do not knot an elastic so tightly that it loses its stretch. For a clip, make sure the decoration does not block the part that opens or closes. Keep long tails clear of your face and equipment, and remove the accessory if it gets caught or becomes uncomfortable.

Store the finished piece flat or in a small container so loops and tails do not get crushed. Keep it away from heat, including a hot glue gun, until the glue has cooled. If ribbon frays or a pipe-cleaner end becomes exposed, repair the piece with adult help or stop wearing it. Follow your school's dress code for spirit days and events.