What are JoJo bows, are they banned in UK schools and who is YouTube singing star JoJo Siwa?

SHE used to be more of an American TV personality but, thanks to an invasion of JoJo Bows in UK schools, Brits are starting to learn JoJo Siwa's name.

Here's what you need to know about the teenage dancer, and the ban on the extravagant hair accessory named after her.

What are JoJo Bows?

JoJo Bows are large, brightly coloured accessories that became popular thanks to American Youtube and reality television star JoJo Siwa.

The oversized bows are usually worn to decorate a high ponytail, and are sold in a range of vibrant colours and styles.

They became an instant hit among primary school-aged girls earlier this year, and were at the centre of controversy after some schools opted to ban the "distracting" accessories.

JoJo Siwa sells her bows through a collaboration with high street chain Claire's Accessories, with JoJo Bows priced at £8-10.

Why are JoJo Bows banned in some UK schools?

Schools across the UK have banned the bows as they believe that they are a classroom distraction and that they do not fit in with policy on school uniforms.

Chris Ashey, headteacher at Fairfield Community Primary, one school which has banned the bows, spoke out to defend his decision.

He said: "We have a massive curriculum now in primary schools and there is simply no time for added distractions like this."

Who is JoJo Siwa?

JoJo Siwa, 13, is a dancer, singer, reality TV and social media star who has a whopping 3.7 million followers on YouTube.

She rose to fame on the US TV series Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition in 2013 before appearing on reality show Dance Moms, which she left last year.

The tween regularly posts videos demonstrating how to make hair bows and has released an online song called Boomerang, which addresses online bullying.

She says that the JoJo Bow is "more than just a hair accessory, it is a symbol of power, confidence, believing-ness."