How to Wear Hair Ribbons

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The keys to making hair ribbons work as a sophisticated, adult statement are a little disheveled texture and not-too-perfect styling. Translation: They're great for days when you don't want to wash your hair, spend too much time in the mirror or both.

The hands-down simplest way to pull off a hair ribbon: as a headband. Tie it tightly at the nape of your neck and secure it with a bobby pin or two to keep it from sliding. For extra staying power, spritz the side of the ribbon that's against your head with a little hairspray before you tie it in place.

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Alexa Chung -- she of the perpetual sexy bedhead and annoyingly awesome bangs -- makes this low-slung knotted style look hip. Mimic it by putting your hair into two pigtail braids and knotting them together at the nape of your neck with a ribbon, leaving the ends loose. Pin the ends of the pigtails in a messy bun.

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Hair ribbons go from schoolgirl chic to bohemian cool as a hippie headband. Just wrap it once or twice around your forehead, tie it in a knot at the back of your head and go. (The Renaissance faire pigtails are optional.)

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Weaving a ribbon into a braid looks complicated -- especially in this elaborate, face-framing crown braid. But you can integrate a ribbon in any braid easily.

When you divide the hair into three sections to start your braid, just tie the end of the ribbon around the base of one of the sections and continue to braid as if it's part of the hair. The spot where you tied off the ribbon will be concealed as you continue to braid around your head.

Don't know how to do a crown braid? This is an easy-to-follow tutorial.

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Headscarves are the hottest I-don't-know-what-to-do-with-my-hair accessory, and they can be worn so many ways. If you don't have one on hand, copy the look with a wide printed bow. Just tie it at the top of your head so that only a few inches of the ribbon stick out on either side of the knot. Wear hair down or in a big, messy bun.

The schoolgirl fashion trend -- plaid kilts, collared blouses -- is going strong, so it's only fitting that hair ribbons are also back in style. The problem: Unless you're Alexa Chung or Brigitte Bardot 50 years ago, you feel kind of silly wearing a hair bow.

True, it can be tricky to wear hair ribbons and look like a grown-ass woman. But ribbon is an inexpensive, simple accessory that can be used to create so many hair looks, ranging from romantic and bohemian to trendy and edgy. Look to these runway models, beauty and style bloggers and celebrity tastemakers for some excellent hair bow inspo, plus styling tips for looking your age -- and, of course, totally chic.

15 Ways to Wear Hair Ribbons

No, you won't look 12. Yes, you will look amazing

As a Thin Headband

Woven Into a Braided Twist

As a Boho Headband

Woven Into a Crown Braid

As a Faux Scarf

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