How to Keep Bows in Place All Day (Even for the Most Active Littles!)
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There’s nothing cuter than a little one rocking a perfectly styled hair bow—until it starts slipping, sliding, or disappearing entirely! If you’ve ever sent your kiddo out the door looking adorable, only to find their bow missing by lunchtime (or sooner!), you’re not alone.
The good news? Keeping bows in place is possible—even for the busiest, wiggliest, most active littles! Whether your child is a playground pro, a nap-time ninja, or just a mini fashionista on the move, these tried-and-true tips will help their bows stay put all day long!
1. Start with Clean(ish), Dry Hair
Slippery, just-washed hair can be a bow’s worst enemy. If you’ve ever noticed that bows seem to stay better on day-two hair, you’re onto something! Clean hair tends to be too soft and smooth, making clips slide out easily.
✅ Fix It Fast:
- If you're working with freshly washed hair, try a little dry shampoo or a light spritz of texturizing spray to add grip.
- A tiny bit of hairspray or mousse can also help hold the bow in place—just don’t overdo it!
2. Choose the Right Bow Clip for Your Little’s Hair Type
Not all clips are created equal! The best bow attachment depends on your child’s hair type:
🎀 For Fine or Silky Hair:
- Alligator clips with a strong grip work best.
- Look for clips with a rubber backing or lined with felt to prevent slipping.
🎀 For Thick or Textured Hair:
- Snap clips or French barrettes hold better than alligator clips.
- Hair elastics + bows work great—secure the hair first, then slide the bow on top!
🎀 For Super Active Littles:
- Try bow headbands or scrunchies for extra security.
- Opt for clip-in styles that anchor under the top layer of hair.
3. Secure the Bow with a Hidden Elastic
For ultimate staying power, don’t rely on the bow alone! Adding an elastic underneath gives the clip something to hold onto.
✅ How to Do It:
- Section off the part of the hair where you want the bow.
- Use a small, clear elastic to make a tiny ponytail.
- Clip the bow just above or through the elastic to anchor it in place.
This trick works like a charm for pigtails, half-up styles, or side-swept looks!
4. Crisscross Bobby Pins for Extra Hold
Bobby pins can be a bow’s best friend! If you’re dealing with a super silky-haired little, try this simple trick:
✅ Crisscross two bobby pins in an “X” shape right where you want the bow to sit, then clip the bow on top. This creates a grippy base that prevents sliding.
For extra hold, use textured or rubberized bobby pins instead of smooth ones!
5. Go for Low-Movement Hairstyles
Some hairstyles naturally keep bows in place better than others!
💡 Best Styles for Keeping Bows Secure:
✔ Pigtails or Braided Pigtails – The bow sits in a fixed spot and doesn’t slide out easily.
✔ Half-Up, Half-Down Ponytails – The elastic keeps it in place.
✔ Low Side Pony or Bun – Works well for bigger bows!
Avoid super sleek styles, as they tend to cause more slippage.
6. Teach Littles to Leave It Alone (Easier Said Than Done!)
We get it—some kids just love to pull their bows out! If your little one constantly tugs at their bow:
- Make bow-wearing part of their daily routine, so it feels normal.
- Let them pick out their own bows—kids are more likely to keep something in if they chose it!
- Start small! If they’re not used to accessories, try soft headbands or tiny bows before going for big statement pieces.
7. Check the Bow Quality!
Not all bows are made the same! Cheaply made clips can be flimsy and loose their grip fast. Investing in well-made, high-quality bows (like the ones at ParkerHouse Littles 😉) ensures better hold and longer wear.
Final Thoughts: Bows That Stay Put = Less Mom Stress!
A secure bow means fewer mid-day hair fixes, fewer lost accessories, and more adorable photo ops! With these simple tricks, your little one’s bows will stay in place from morning to bedtime—no constant adjustments needed.
✨ Which trick works best for your little? Share your bow hacks with us in the comments! ✨