When it comes to a viral Valentine's hair trend, hair bows are the romantic way to level up an outfit, whether you wind an organza ribbon around a loose ponytail or use it to secure a half up-do. But making your own hair be the bow in question? Now that's a game-changer – and a chic styling hack that requires a little expert know-how.
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Toteme’s runway look
Over the past few years, designers and celebrities have kept the hair bow trend alive, whether it's scooping up face-framing strands into mini bows à la Hailey Bieber, opting for an elaborate up-do and a hat trick of bows like Lupita Nyong'o at Chanel's 2026 Cruise Show or emulating Dua Lipa with a giant coquettish bow and a black-on-black outfit.
But this spring, one iteration has landed on every London beauty editors' mood board, including mine: Toteme's bow from the FW26 catwalk, where hairstylist Holli Smith artfully styled a “fluid knot” using the models' own hair. It reminded us of vintage Lady Gaga; remember in the late noughties when Gaga loved styling her hair into a giant bow on top of her head? The look was the work of Chris Appleton, who also styled literal hair bows on Dua Lipa.
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Here's how to recreate the look for the ultimate Valentine's hair trend on February 14:
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How to style your hair into a bow
Styling your hair into a bow should feel playful but polished, says celebrity hairstylist Larry King. “The trick is great prep, soft control and letting the hair do what it naturally wants — just in a more chic direction. Then when you create the bow, you are basically sculpting the hair, not tying it. It should look intentional and a little couture."
Step 1: Start with dry hair
To create the perfect hair bow, you need the right foundation. “You want the hair to have grip, shine, and movement — not be too clean, not too stiff,” says Larry. “If it’s freshly washed and very soft, mist Larry King Volumizing Hair Mist through the mid-lengths and roots to give the hair a little texture and memory.” Then apply a few drops of smoothing serum to the ends.
Step 2: Blow-dry the hair in the direction you want it to sit
“This is especially true around the crown and front,” he explains. "This gives you control and a sleek silhouette without flattening the volume.”
Step 3: Pull your hair into a half-up pony
“Gather a half-pony where you want the bow to live (mid or high works best) and secure with a clear elastic," says Larry. "The base should feel firm but not tight — this is your anchor.”
If the hair feels too slippery, he advises adding a touch more of the Volumizing Mist just at the base of the pony for extra grip. “The bow should look shaped, not stuck. Always finish by loosening it slightly for that effortless, celebrity feel.”
Step 4: Split the ponytail into two equal sections
“Take the left section and fold it back toward the elastic to create a loop — this is one side of the bow,” says Larry. “Pin it discreetly at the base. Then repeat on the right side, mirroring the shape, so you get two balanced loops. Leave the tail ends hanging down or tuck them softly under, depending on how clean you want the look."
Finish with a fine mist of hairspray and "use your fingers to gently pull and shape the loops so they look full, soft and symmetrical.”
Step 1: Create a small half-up pony
“Even a short one works on a bob, ” says Larry. “Make smaller, tighter loops so the bow stays proportional to your length. Styling a bow with shorter hair just becomes more minimal and fashion led.”
Step 2: Pin it
“You’ll need a few extra pins for security, especially at the sides,” Larry notes. “Then smooth the front and any short layers so the look feels intentional and polished, not messy.”
Step 1: Apply a leave-in conditioner
“Start by hydrating and softening the hair with Redken All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner or use a nourishing leave-in conditioner so the hair is pliable and shiny,” says Larry.
Step 2: Smooth and secure the half-up base
“This is important because textured hair has more volume and spring.”
Step 3: Create fuller, more sculptural loops
"Texture is a gift — it gives you drama, volume and structure without trying,” says Larry. “Don’t fight the volume, use it to make the bow bold and beautiful.”
Step 4: Pin generously and strategically
“Follow the shape of the hair rather than force it flat,” says Larry. “A textured bow looks best when it’s slightly imperfect — think editorial, not overworked." Then lightly set the look with a flexible hold spray “so the bow keeps its shape but still moves.”
For more from Fiona Embleton, Glamour's Associate Beauty Director, follow her on @fiembleton.
