There’s something quietly charming about ribbon woven through a braid — it makes everyday hair feel thoughtfully dressed without much effort. This post is a friendly, real-world guide to weaving ribbon into your hair, plus a handful of wearable looks to try. I’ll walk you through clear steps and share a few tips that save time and make the ribbon sit pretty.
Image source: Pinterest
Here’s a short demo video I used for reference — watch it to get a feel for the hand motions. Right under the clip, you’ll find a clear, step‑by‑step walkthrough with small tips to help the ribbon sit neatly and last all day.
1️⃣Prep your hair. Brush or detangle so the ribbon moves smoothly. Lightly mist with leave-in spray if your hair is extra slippery or very dry.
2️⃣Anchor the ribbon. Fold the ribbon in half and place the loop at the base of the section you’re braiding; you can also knot one end to a small elastic around a ponytail so the ribbon’s ends match your braid length. This keeps the ribbon from shifting while you work.
3️⃣Add the ribbon to the strands. Treat the ribbon as a regular strand: position its two tails so each is alongside a hair section. If you prefer, use two ribbons — one on each outer strand — for stronger color contrast.
4️⃣Braid. Work the braid as usual (three-strand or four-strand, depending on the style). Keep the ribbon taut but not tight — a little slack helps the braid look soft and textured.
5️⃣Finish and secure. Tie the ends with a small elastic. Trim or tuck the extra ribbon tail length into the elastic and hide it with a small knot or a bobby pin. Lightly spray to set if needed.
Below are a few looks inspired by pins I saved — short, varied descriptions so you can picture each vibe.
Image source: Pinterest
A classic French braid gets whimsical when a ribbon snakes through the outer sections — it adds a subtle, feminine line that lifts a simple braid into something special. Perfect for brunch or casual date nights.
Image source: Pinterest
This thicker braid shows off ribbon in a braided tapestry — intricate but forgiving. Use two ribbons on opposite strands for depth, and pull the braid slightly to reveal the ribbon pattern.
Image source: Pinterest
Gather hair high, weave a chunky braid with ribbon woven in, and let it cascade. It’s bold and polished — great for festivals or when you want your ponytail to feel intentional.
Image source: Pinterest
Create small looped braids and tie ribbon at each loop base for a whimsical, textured look. This is a cute option for photos or when you want a playful, detailed style.
Image source: Pinterest
Tiny braids with thin ribbon threaded through are charming accents around the face or tucked behind an ear. They’re subtle, playful, and perfect for switching up a plain down-do.
Image source: Pinterest
Weave a low braid that wraps into a space bun, and let a ribbon tail loop through the bun’s edges. The ribbon softens the shape and adds that handcrafted finish.
Ribbon braids are such an easy way to make hair feel curated without a lot of fuss. Start simple: choose one braid style and one ribbon color that complements your outfit. As you get comfortable, experiment with widths, textures, and placement — ribbon works as a delicate highlight or a bold statement. Most importantly: have fun with it — imperfect braids look charming, not ruined.