A simple accessory can bring your hairstyle to life and give it a whole new twist, but how do you know where to start? Let’s look at some of the most popular hair accessories and how to wear them.
1. The Headband
You can make a headband look less playground and more sophisticated by adding it to a messy bun for a grown up finish. There are lots of great headbands available in a variety of materials, colors and patterns, and they are one of the best ways to freshen up a plain and simple hairstyle, such as a ponytail or French braid, or to match to your outfit.
If you are heading to a formal function, such as a wedding, there are some fantastic wire headbands/fasteners available to choose from. Many of these headbands are simple but elegant and adorned with ornamental fixtures, including diamante and pearl. Aim for a headband with a softer material behind the ears—metal ends can hurt your head if you wear them for long lengths of time.
2. Barrettes
One of the best ways to make a simple style look more elegant is to use a barrette instead of an elastic hair tie. Gather your hair into a ponytail, tease the hair under the barrette to hold it firmly in place and snap it closed at the nape. You can get a matching accessory to suit your outfit, including a variety of materials such as wood and lots of shapes and colors.
3. Bling
Brooches and jewel pins can bring a hairstyle to life. Simply style your hair as normal—perhaps in a bun, side ponytail or braid—and attach some bling. One of the best places to do this is next to the hair tie or to hold back a side fringe. Some jewels can add elegance to a hairstyle and are a great way to hold back layered hair and prevent it from falling in your face.
Be careful if you opt for a tiara as it is usually quite difficult to pull this off without trying too hard to look like a princess or a celebrity—less is sometimes more and just a few bits of sparkle can make a huge difference to your overall look.
4. Punk it Up
It is time to experiment! Wrap black tape around a hair tie for a creative tie. Now, style your hair in a smooth, slicked back high ponytail. Use your new PVC-looking hair tie for an awesome new dominatrix look that looks great with heavy eyeliner and black and contrasting clothes. This is a simple touch to really change your whole look and is very cheap to make. Make sure none of the sticky bits of tape touch the hair.
You can easily make your own hair accessories and this one is just one idea. Be creative. Get to your nearest craft shop and stock up on some jewels, ribbons, lace, colored tape and sequins and see what you can create.
This is a great idea for a sleepover party and a craft to do with your friends, plus you get a load of customized hair accessories for every occasion and that added extra of having created them all by yourself.
5. Bobby Pins
An absolute favorite and a classic hair accessory: the bobby pin. Practical more than pretty, the bobby pin is a savior for any hairstyle! It’s the perfect way to clip back unwanted stray hairs or fix a tricky hairstyle in place.
The great thing is you can buy ‘camouflaged’ bobby pins to match your hair colour (brown or blonde) so that they can discreetly pin up a hairstyle..
Or you can use them as part of your hairstyle and on view as an accessory by opting for a bobby pin with a jewel on it, patterned or a bright color.
6. Ribbons
You can’t go wrong with a ribbon. Loose ribbons, rather than the ones with wire fitted through them, give an elegant twist to a hairstyle. The wired ribbons can look too rigid and cheap.
A simple ribbon can be great to tie around a bun, weave through a braid or simply wrap around the front of your hair and you can tie it in a bow or leave it to hang loose. The great thing is there are heaps of ribbons on the market in all shapes, sizes, colours and patterns.
7. Hair Ties
This one doesn’t need to be bought from a hair shop. Simply cut off a sample of material that will fit around the circumference of your head.
Tie your hair up in a neat ponytail or a messy bun and wrap the material around your head. Polka dots, gingham, lace or different colors: there’s all styles of material out there and the fun is in matching one with your fave outfit.
8. Fasteners
Lots of high street and designer shops stock fasteners—the perfect accessory for a wedding, christening or any formal function. They look great with a pretty dress and wavy/curly hair in particular. Also , they are very versatile and come in lots of styles and colors. They suit hair up or down and most face shapes.
9. Flowers
If in doubt, opt for a pretty bud! There are lots of fake flowers available to buy for your hair, attach to clips, pins, on headbands and fix to hair ties. They look chic and can liven up a day or night look.
10. The Turban
Wearing a turban is a great way to bring your hairstyle to life and add a pop of color and texture to your look.
Turbans come in a variety of colors and patterns, so choose one that complements your outfit and personal style. You can also experiment with different fabrics, such as silk, cotton, or wool, to create different textures and looks.
To create a smooth base for your turban, tie your hair into a low bun or ponytail at the nape of your neck. This will help prevent your hair from getting tangled or bunched up under the turban.
Place the turban over your head, making sure it covers your hairline and the base of your bun or ponytail. Adjust the turban so that it sits comfortably on your head and covers your ears.
11. Occasions
Hair accessories add that something extra for a special occasion. Why not try to make a hairstyle more festive by adding a tinsel accessory? There are lots of Halloween themed accessories out there as well.
One of the most popular occasions to wear hair accessories are wedding – either your own, one that you are a bridesmaid in or simple a guest – some pretty lace, a beautiful flower or pearl brooch can transform an outfit.
12. Choices
When it comes to picking the best hair accessories for you, it is, firstly, a case of preference and what suits your personal style. What catches your eye? Secondly, think about the outfit you want it to match with.
If you have a certain dress or top that you want to match up, take the garment along with you when you go shopping so that you can get as close a pattern or color match as possible.
If there is no particular outfit you need an accessory for, think about more neutral accessories that are versatile and will match with lots of colors, outfits and hairstyles. Thirdly, place the accessory up to your head and look in a mirror before you buy it.
Some accessories suit certain face shapes more than others. For example, if you have a small, heart-shaped face, a huge flower might overpower you; this also applies to your hair type (short or long, fine or thick hair).
Stocking up on the basic accessories to get you started is just the beginning and that means shopping, which few women hate. Once you have your initial stock, have fun dressing up your outfits and hairstyles with different accessories.
What accessories do you own? What do you wear over and over again?
Bring your hairstyle to life and share your hair experiences with our readers in the comments section below.
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