As the northern hemisphere summer kicks into gear, hair accessories have returned to popularity in a big way.
Helped along by numerous runway appearances at fashion week and designer brands adopting them as another way to add a logo or signature accents to their collections, what used to be a simple useful clip or tie to keep your locks secure has now become a way to display your style nous.
An easy and low effort alternative to jewellery, hair accessories that are at peak hype include cutesy additions, more elegant and understated bows and ties as well as nostalgic throwbacks like claw clips and stretchy headbands.
It’s important to ensure your hair condition is healthy and strong so add a weekly mask or hair treatment to your haircare routine to give any new addition the best possible canvas.
To help prevent clips or bands from slipping and sliding, a spritz of dry shampoo will add a bit of of texture and grip to hair, or you can use a light hold hairspray.
The beauty of many accessories is that they can cleverly disguise hair that’s needing a wash. In fact, two-day-old hair can help achieve a smooth slick-back or minimise flyaways. If your hair is freshly washed, it can sometimes feels soft so accessories tend to move or loosen, especially if your hair is fine.
Here are the most-wanted looks right now:
Claw Clips
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Long live the 90s! The easiest way to cinch your hair has been back for a couple of years now but shows no sign of slowing. It’s a nod to low-maintenance looks but also can look clean and minimalist if you pull the front of your hair back tightly enough. The playful side of nostalgia sees decorative versions like flowers or butterflies also coming through. The downside to any claw style? The inability to rest your head anywhere, including a car or airplane headrest, while wearing one!
Stretchy headbands
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Another memory that is fairly triggering for those of us that remember their wave of 90s popularity, but the simple stretchy jersey headband that sits around your hairline has been a surprise smash-hit lately. The style, a favourite of stars like Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid and Nicola Peltz Beckham, is often styled with a minimal outfit, and worn with shiny and sleek straight hair for a polished look, either flowing free or secured tightly into a low ponytail.
Ribbons and bows
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Again the trend is simple and sleek rather than overwhelmingly frilly and frou-frou. For prim and preppy style, go for a pre-tied bow attached to a clip and wear with hair half-up at the back of the head. For more drama, choose a larger bow and use it to secure a sleek low ponytail or bun with an after-dark slip dress.
Padded headbands
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This trend seems to have evolved from the plethora of celebrity ‘get ready with me’ videos where stars wear padded terry-toweling headbands to keep their hair out of their face while doing their skincare and applying makeup. Or of course, it could just be a a delayed reaction to Prada’s cool satin version from several seasons ago. Regardless, the padded headband is still hot property, worn slightly back from the hairline, tiara-style.
Minimal barrette-style clips
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Yes, the common word is minimal in all cases but with these clips, it’s even more the case. Simple tortoiseshell, black or leather versions are being worn with hair half-up at the back of the head, secured loosely at the nape, or pulling one side away from the ear.
Image (top): @LetletNY
