Matching Pigtails Hair Bows

Now that you've discovered the joy of crafting your own adorable hair bows with ribbons like the 1.5 inch ribbon or a slightly smaller one inch ribbon, it's time to put them to good use! From my experience, a beautiful, handmade bow truly elevates any pigtail hairstyle. Here are some fantastic pigtail hairstyle ideas for kids that you can easily create, perfect for showcasing those lovely matching bows you've made, whether they're secured with sturdy alligator clips or traditional hair ties. Classic Pigtails with a Bow Twist: The simplest yet most charming look is the classic high or low pigtails. For high pigtails, gather hair on either side of the head, securing it with an elastic. Then, simply slide one of your handmade bows, using a 2 inch ribbon for the center or a 9 inches long ribbon, just above the elastic. For a slightly more relaxed look, try low pigtails, positioning the bows at the nape of the neck. I often find that matching the bow color to their outfit makes a huge difference, making the whole ensemble pop! Braided Pigtails with Ribbons: This is where your crafting skills truly shine! Instead of just adding a bow at the end, integrate a ribbon directly into the braid. After dividing the hair for two pigtails, take a 12 inches long ribbon (or longer, depending on hair length) and fold it in half. You can secure the middle of the ribbon at the base of the pigtail with the hair elastic, letting the two ends become two strands of your three-strand braid. Braid the hair, incorporating the ribbon, and secure the end with another elastic, finishing with another bow for extra flair. This method makes the pigtails look so full and festive, especially with a contrasting ribbon color. Heart-Shaped Pigtails: This style is a favorite for special occasions and surprisingly easier than it looks! Part the hair down the middle, then create a small, diagonal part on one side starting from the top of the head towards the ear. This forms the top curve of the heart. Gather this section into a mini pigtail. Repeat on the other side. Now, take the remaining hair from each side, create a second mini pigtail directly below the first, and then gently bring the first mini pigtail down and combine it with the second, forming the bottom point of the heart. Secure with an elastic and add your bows at the base of each heart pigtail. It's a sweet, creative touch! Cute Curly Pigtails: If your little one has naturally curly hair, pigtails are a fantastic way to manage it while showing off those beautiful curls. After dividing the hair, simply gather each section into a pigtail, being careful not to pull the curls too tight. Use a gentle elastic and then add your vibrant bows. The bows provide a lovely contrast and keep stray hairs in check without flattening the natural bounce of the curls. I usually just fold it in half, then attach it with some thread to make sure it's secure. Topsy Tail Pigtails: For a truly elegant yet simple style, try topsy tail pigtails. Create a low pigtail, securing it with an elastic. Then, just above the elastic, split the hair horizontally into two sections, creating a small gap. Flip the pigtail up and through this gap, pulling it downwards. This creates a lovely twisted effect. Repeat on the other side and adorn each twisted pigtail with one of your matching bows. This technique adds volume and a polished finish. Making Your Bows Sturdier for Active Kids: From my own experience, I know how important it is for bows to stay put! When I'm prepping the alligator clips, I always cut a piece of ribbon (a one inch ribbon usually works best for this) and glue it directly onto the clip. This not only makes the clip look nicer but also gives it a better grip on the hair. I put a little bit of glue and press the ribbon firmly. When making the bows themselves, I usually just fold it in half, put a pin, then bring the middle part into the center of the bows and attach it with some thread. For the center, I cut a 2 inch ribbon. This method, along with sometimes using a dab of glue where the clip meets the bow, ensures they are super sturdier and can withstand a day of play without falling off. This way, you don't have to worry about the shoes (or clips!) slipping out when your child is running around!