You’ve seen them. Even if you don’t have a school-aged kid, you’ve definitely spotted that massive, neon-bright explosion of fabric perched precariously on a high side ponytail. But there is a specific version that changed the game. I'm talking about the jojo bow with hair.
It’s basically a standard oversized JoJo Siwa signature bow, but with long, synthetic hair extensions trailing off the back. Simple? Yeah. Genius marketing? Absolutely.
For a few years, it felt like every kid on the planet was part of the "Siwanator" army. While trends usually die fast, these bows—specifically the ones with the extra "hair"—have carved out a permanent spot in the dress-up bins of millions. Why? Because they solved a very specific problem for parents and kids alike.
What is a JoJo Bow with Hair, Exactly?
Let’s get technical for a second, but not too boring. A standard JoJo bow is typically a 7-inch to 8-inch wide "cheer-style" bow made from heavy grosgrain ribbon. The "with hair" version adds a cluster of synthetic fibers, usually in rainbow or ombre colors, attached directly to the metal alligator clip.
When you clip it in, the bow sits on top, and the faux hair blends (or contrasts wildly) with the child's natural hair. It’s an instant transformation. No dyes. No mess.
Honestly, the appeal is the speed. You don’t need to spend forty minutes with a curling iron or temporary spray-on color. You just clip it and go. For a five-year-old, that’s basically magic. For a parent running late to a birthday party, it’s a lifesaver.
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The Nickelodeon Connection
The explosion started around 2016 when JoJo Siwa signed with Nickelodeon. We aren't just talking about a few thousand bows. We are talking about over 35 million bows sold worldwide by 2018. That is a staggering amount of ribbon.
JoJo herself wasn't just a face; she was the brand. She used these accessories to build an empire based on "being yourself" and "anti-bullying." The bow became a symbol. If you wore the bow, you were part of the club. Adding the hair extensions just leveled up the "costume" aspect of it.
Why the "Hair" Version Outlasted the Basic Bow
Trends usually have a peak and a valley. The basic bow peaked hard, but the version with hair extensions found a second life in the "lifestyle" and "pretend play" categories.
Kids love hair they didn't grow themselves. It’s just a fact. Whether it's a "Frozen" Elsa braid or a JoJo rainbow extension, it allows for a level of roleplay that a flat ribbon simply can’t provide.
- Customization: Kids can braid the synthetic hair or wrap it into buns.
- Color without commitment: Most schools have strict rules about permanent hair dye. A jojo bow with hair lets a kid have neon pink streaks for a Tuesday and be back to "normal" for school photos on Wednesday.
- The "Pop Star" Effect: It mimics the high-glam looks JoJo wore during her D.R.E.A.M. tour and her more recent 2024/2025 red carpet appearances, like the iHeartRadio Music Awards.
How to Actually Style a JoJo Bow with Hair Without It Falling Out
If you’ve ever tried to clip a massive 8-inch bow into fine, toddler hair, you know the struggle. It sags. It flops. It eventually ends up in the dirt.
Here is the "pro" way to do it. You don't just clip it to the hair. You clip it through the elastic band.
- Pull the hair into a tight side ponytail. This is the classic JoJo look.
- Use a sturdy "no-pull" elastic.
- Take the alligator clip of the jojo bow with hair and slide one side of the metal teeth underneath the elastic band itself.
- Once it's clipped, give it a little tug. If it's attached to the elastic, it’s not going anywhere, even during a playground sprint.
Keeping the Synthetic Hair from Becoming a Bird's Nest
Synthetic hair is notorious for tangling. Unlike human hair, it’s basically plastic. Once it gets frizzy, you can't really "condition" it back to life.
Keep a spray bottle with mostly water and a tiny bit of liquid fabric softener. Seriously. Fabric softener is designed for fibers, and synthetic hair is a fiber. A light mist and a wide-tooth comb will keep those rainbow strands looking smooth for weeks. Just don't use high heat. A blow dryer on "hot" will melt the hair into a clump.
The Safety Question: What's Really in These?
Recently, there has been some buzz about synthetic hair safety. In early 2025, reports from groups like Consumer Reports highlighted concerns about lead and VOCs in certain synthetic braiding hair products.
It's a valid concern. However, most licensed JoJo Siwa products (the ones you find at Target, Walmart, or Claire's) undergo fairly rigorous testing because they are categorized as children's toys and accessories.
The main thing to watch for is "knock-offs."
If you're buying a generic "jojo style" bow from a random site for 50 cents, it might not meet the same safety standards for lead or flame retardants as the official Nickelodeon-branded gear. Stick to the official labels if you're worried about chemicals or skin irritation.
The 2026 Perspective: Is It Still "Cool"?
We are currently in an era of "kidcore" and Y2K nostalgia. Even though the original craze has calmed down, the jojo bow with hair has transitioned into a "classic" toy category. It’s like Barbie or Hot Wheels. It’s no longer just a trend; it’s a staple of childhood.
Interestingly, JoJo Siwa's own style has shifted toward more "adult" and "edgy" looks recently—think bedazzled face masks and massive Etsy-sourced wigs—but the bow remains her legacy.
Parents still buy them because they are an easy win. It’s a $10 to $15 purchase that provides hours of entertainment. In a world of expensive iPads and video games, there's something weirdly refreshing about a giant ribbon and some fake hair.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think these bows are only for "dance moms" or "pageant kids." That's just not true anymore. You'll see them at birthday parties, at the zoo, and in grocery store aisles. They are a tool for self-expression.
They also aren't just for girls. The "Siwanator" message was always about inclusion. I’ve seen plenty of kids of all genders rocking a jojo bow with hair because, honestly, who doesn't want to look like a rainbow unicorn for a day?
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Actionable Tips for Bow Owners
If you're about to buy one or you have a pile of them in a drawer, do these three things:
- Check the Clip: Ensure the metal alligator clip hasn't developed any sharp edges or rust.
- Storage Matters: Don't throw them in a pile. Hang them on a "bow holder" (basically a long piece of ribbon pinned to the wall). This keeps the synthetic hair from tangling and the bow from getting squashed.
- The "Sniff Test": If the synthetic hair smells strongly of chemicals or "burnt plastic" out of the bag, give it a wash with mild dish soap and air dry it before putting it near a child's face.
The jojo bow with hair might seem like just another piece of plastic and fabric, but for a kid, it’s a confidence booster. It’s a way to stand out in a crowd. And as long as kids want to feel like stars, these massive bows aren't going anywhere.
Next Steps:
To keep your collection in top shape, you should set up a dedicated hanging bow organizer using a simple 2-foot strip of grosgrain ribbon. This prevents the synthetic "hair" extensions from matting and keeps the bow's loops crisp. For cleaning, use only a damp cloth on the ribbon and a wide-tooth comb with a water/fabric-softener mix for the extensions to maintain that "new" shine.