20 Cheer Hairstyles with Bows Ideas 2026

Your bow keeps coming undone, your ponytail loses its shape, and your curls fall flat halfway through practice.

Every cheerleader understands how frustrating it is when their hair won’t stay in place for a whole routine.

You need a style that will last if you want it to stay tight, high, and ready for pictures.

In this article, I will show you how to do a haircut with a bow, what hairstyles are best for cheerleading, and 20 real ideas you can try right away.

How to do a hairstyle with a bow?

To keep the ponytail strong, start with dry, textured hair. Use two firm elastics to hold it up in a high ponytail.

Use hairspray to smooth the sides and keep it in place. Instead of clipping the bow on, wrap the elastic around the pony twice. This keeps it from slipping.

To disguise the tie, wrap a small strand around the base, pin it down, then spray everything with a light mist of strong-hold spray.

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Twin Ribbon Pigtails

Soft waves and side pigtails give this style a fun twist that is excellent for pep rallies or team photo days.

The red ribbons offer a strong touch that goes well with the colors of the uniforms or the theme of the event.

To do it again, part your hair down the center, leave some strands loose around your face, and tie each section slightly below your ears.

Half-Up Bow Pony

This simple half-up ponytail with soft waves is great for team meals or showcase days when you want to look neat without going full pony. 

The white ribbon gives the outfit a clean look that goes with any color. To make it again, pull the top half of your hair up and tie it high with an elastic.

To make it softer, leave a few strands loose around your face. Then, tie a bow over the elastic.

Fishtail Half-Up Bow

Braids and bows always look better on performance days, and this fishtail half-up shows why.

The woven top part gives it hold and shape, while the rest of the hair flows in loose curls so it may move around under bright lighting.

The sheer bow with pearl dots gives the look a gentle, unique touch that is perfect for contests or formal team functions.

Bubble Ponytail Bows

Confidence meets creativity in this bubble ponytail  perfect for competitions or spotlight routines where you want something striking that still stays secure.

The white bows connect the appearance together with sharp contrast, and each bubble portion gives it bounce without tangling.

To make it, start with a high ponytail and add small elastics all the way down. For volume, gently pull on each part.

Curled Half-Up Bow

Soft curls and a high-set bow make this hairstyle ideal for game days or cheer photos where you want effortless charm. 

The tiered black-and-white ribbon makes a great contrast that stands out in uniform images.

To style it, use a medium barrel wand to curl your hair, then tie the top half into a small ponytail, leaving volume at the crown.

Twisted Updo Bows

Elegance meets team polish in this twisted updo, ideal for competitions or formal cheer banquets.

The smooth rolls maintain hair in place and look good under harsh lights.

Little rhinestone bows provide shine without being too much of a distraction. They’re great for matching the sparkle of a uniform.

Low Wavy Pony

Nothing beats a sleek low pony when you need comfort and polish at the same time. 

This look is excellent for days when you’re traveling, going to a casual cheer event, or performing outside where the wind can be a problem.

The delicate waves keep it from seeming flat, while the black velvet ribbon gives it a tidy, finishing touch.

Elegant Half-Up Bow

Simplicity turns striking with this half-up look topped by a wide ivory bow perfect for award ceremonies, showcases, or cheer portraits.

The smooth waves give the bow a polished look, and the rhinestone center shines brightly on stage.

To make it again, divide the crown into halves, smooth it back, and tie it with an elastic before adding the bow.

Textured Bow Half-Up

Warm tones and soft curls make this half-up style a go-to for fall cheer events or outdoor showcases.

The deep burgundy bow creates contrast against lighter hair and links the whole look together without appearing excessive.

To get it, curl your hair in loose waves and pull back the top part, leaving the crown full.

High Curled Pony

Energy and volume come together in this high curled ponytail  a true competition-day favorite. 

The big white bow on top is just appropriate, making the appearance bright and ready for the show.

If you want the similar look, smooth your roots up and tie the ponytail high with two elastics.

Soft Ribbon Half-Up

Evening light and loose waves make this half-up style perfect for outdoor cheer photos or senior portraits.

The translucent ribbon bow gives the hair a dreamlike look without changing its natural texture.

To get this appearance, twist two little pieces from each side and pin them together at the back. Then, tie a light ribbon over the pins. 

Long Ribbon Waves

Length and flow take center stage in this effortless half-up look, made for photo shoots or team intros where hair movement matters. 

The light pink ribbon gives the top a feminine touch while keeping it neat.

To copy it, take two thin strands from the front and tie them loosely with a small elastic band.

Curly Bow Pony

Curls bring unbeatable bounce to this classic low ponytail a great pick for high-energy performances or sideline routines.

The flat top maintains the design neat, while the volume at the ends gives it energy with every move.

To do this, use curl cream or gel to define the curls, pull the hair up to the middle, and tie it tightly with an elastic.

Double Braided Bows

The precise structure and playful symmetry of this twin-braid style make it great for children cheer teams or informal performances.

The sky-blue ribbons stand out brilliantly against dark hair, giving it a playful, coordinated look.

To do it again, separate your hair down the middle and braid each side tightly, then hold them in place with little elastics.

Braided Pony Bow

Bright and bold, this braided ponytail is built for game-day energy and high-performance routines. 

The big pink ribbon adds a lot of brightness and keeps the appearance together and safe.

To style it, make tight feed-in braids that go toward the crown, pull them all into a ponytail, and use a firm elastic to hold everything in place.

Ribbon Ladder Braid

Creativity takes center stage with this ladder braid accented by mini velvet bows ideal for team showcases or themed performances. 

The cascading pattern adds structure while still feeling soft and girly.

To obtain the look, split the top part into three pieces and start a loose braid. As you go down, tie a little bow over each elastic.

Sleek Side Pony

Polish and confidence define this side ponytail  a sleek option for performances or team showcases when you want a neat, high-impact look. 

The sculpted curls and shiny finish stay strong through every stunt, and the satin bow adds a classic festive touch.

To do it again, part your hair to one side, smooth it with gel, and knot the ponytail slightly over your ear.

Bow-Twist Half-Up

Grace and polish come naturally with this bow-twist half-up style  perfect for cheer banquets, showcases, or senior photos.

The hair itself makes the shape instead of a fabric bow, which gives it a smooth, sculpted look.

Under lights, the subtle shimmer strands make the hair look even shinier.

Satin High Pony

Power and elegance meet in this high ponytail  perfect for competitions or spotlight routines where sleek styling matters. 

The satin ribbon makes the pony look great by providing movement and contrast while you dance.

To reproduce it, straighten the roots for smoothness, knot the pony high, and wrap a strand around the elastic for a clean base.

Double Pony Bows

Symmetry and shine define this double ponytail look  a fun and bold pick for pep rallies or themed team events.

The clean look of the central portion is balanced off by the stacked white bows on each pony. To make it, split your hair down the middle and knot two low ponytails.

For that shiny look, use a smoothing gel and then clip or tie bows evenly down each length.

FAQs

How do I keep my bow from sliding out during a routine?

Use a hair elastic to hold your bow on, not a clip. To make sure it holds tightly, wrap the elastic around your ponytail two or three times.

You may also use two bobby pins crossed under the elastic to make it grip better.

A strong-hold hairspray at the end keeps the bow in place through every flip and jump.

What’s the best hairstyle for short hair in cheer?

The ideal style is a half-up pony with a bow. It holds your hair in place while yet giving you that uniform, elevated cheer look.

If your hair is really short, you can add little braids to the sides to hold the top part in place before tying the knot.