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
How to Braid Ribbon Into Hair
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.
Quick Tips
- Use a ribbon about the width of a shoelace for everyday braids; wider ribbon reads as a statement.
- Satin ribbon glides through hair; grosgrain grips more.
- If you’re working with slippery ribbon, add a tiny clear elastic near the top to anchor it to the hair.
- For kids or active days, double-knot the ribbon or use a small dab of styling glue under the elastic for extra security.
6 Charming Ribbon Braid Hairstyle Ideas to Try
Below are a few looks inspired by pins I saved — short, varied descriptions so you can picture each vibe.
French Braid With Bibbon
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.
Four Strand Ribbon Braid
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.
Giant Ribbon Braided Ponytail
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.
Loop Braids With Ribbon
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.
Mini ribbon Braid
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.
Braided Low Space Bun With Ribbon
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.
Final Notes
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.
