Do you ever get jealous of someone else’s hairstyle? You should figure out what type of hair accessories they use and how you can use them.
Then replicate the hairstyles you like, and you can look and feel good. Read on to learn about the best hair accessories and how they work.
Types of Hair Accessories
| Hair Accessory | Key Takeaways |
|---|---|
| Banana Clips | Curved clips, different sizes and colors, great for updos |
| Barrettes | Small clips, versatile, affordable |
| Beads | Express individuality, cultural significance, secure in braids |
| Bobby Pins | Essential for flyaway hair, can be colorful and stylish |
| Bun and Crown Shapers | Help form big buns, blend in with hair color, useful for updos |
| Combs | Different sizes, colors, helpful for bangs, and long hair |
| Elastics | Popular, size, color, thickness, material variations |
| Extensions | Lengthen hair, add color, traditional or temporary options |
| Feathers | Colorful accents, wear respectfully |
| Flowers | Live or fake, add to hair style |
| Headbands | Versatile, for bangs, hairstyles |
| Head Wraps | Cover more hair, different colors/patterns |
| Jaw Clips | Secures long hair, color options |
| Ribbons | Versatile, can tie in multiple hairstyles |
| Scrunchie | Fabric around elastic, color options |
| Sticks | Comes in a set of two, decorates hair |
| Sweatbands | Best for workout sessions |
#1. Banana Clips
A banana clip is a type of clip that has one open end and one closed end. It has a curve similar to a banana, and you can find them in different sizes and styles.
You can find them in different colors as well, such as tortoiseshell coloring. Other clips have more intricate patterns, and some even feature rhinestones or crystals. Clips with more elaborate details will cost more than basic plastic ones.
Banana clips are great for ponytails and other updos. You may need a more robust clip to keep your hair in place if you have thicker hair. But you can find the best banana clip for you.
#2. Barrettes
If you want something for a small section of your hair, consider a barrette. They’re small clips that you can use for a lot of different things. Along with creating a ponytail, a barrette is one of the best types of hair accessories to hold back your bangs.
You can keep barrettes in your bag, so you can quickly do or redo your hair. Adding barrettes doesn’t take a ton of time, and they’re pretty affordable.
Depending on the style you want, you can place barrettes almost anywhere. You can get colorful ones to add a touch of style, or you can use ones in neutral colors for a practical look.
#3. Beads
Hair beading holds deep cultural significance in many African and diasporic traditions, historically used to communicate identity, status, and community. Today, they remain a beautiful protective styling element. You can add them to the ends of your braids or twists. Avoid placing heavy beads directly at the scalp to prevent tension and root damage.
And beads come in a variety of colors and sizes, so there’s something for everyone. Adding beads to your hair is a fantastic way to express yourself, and you can choose beads to go with specific outfits or to wear for everyday use.
Unlike other hair accessories, it can take some work to put the beads in your braids. However, once you secure them, they’ll stay. And you can design the beads so that they make you look and feel good.
#4. Bobby Pins
Bobby pins are another essential hair accessory for many people. If you have annoying flyaway hair or you need to secure bangs, you can use bobby pins.
You can use bobby pins and stick them under your hair to keep people from noticing them. But they also make for a fantastic visual accessory.
If you want to add a bit of color to your hair, get some bobby pins in different colors. Then, you can add them up and down the sides. You can also use hair pins with bobby pins for updos and buns. That way, you can easily take them out quickly or keep them in all day.
#5. Bun and Crown Shapers
If you like the look of a big bun but can’t make it happen with your hair, you should get a bun or crown shaper. You can add the bun shaper around your hair as you create the bun.
Make sure to choose a bun or crown shaper in a color that matches your hair to help it blend in. Also, consider the size so that you don’t get one that’s too big or small. That way, you’ll be able to use it to form a bun or another updo.
While bun and crown shapers aren’t the most visible type of hair accessory, they come in handy. Whether you do ballet or want to get a ballerina bun, a bun shaper is perfect.
#6. Combs
Hair combs come in different sizes and styles. You may have a comb for brushing out your hair, but you should also keep separate combs for different purposes, e.g., rat-tail comb for styling, detangling brushes for detangling.
#7. Elastics
One of the most popular types of hair accessories has to be elastics. You can find tons of different hair bands and elastics to form a ponytail, bun, or any other updo.
Some elastics are pretty simple, but consider how they can differ:
- Size
- Color
- Thickness
- Material
If you want to express yourself with your hair, elastics with different colors and patterns are a great option. Elastics and other hair ties are also small enough to keep in a purse or bag. That way, you can quickly throw your hair up when you need to.
#8. Extensions
Some people use hair extensions to make their hair look longer, while others do it to add a temporary pop of color. No matter why you want to use extensions, you should add them to your hair.
Traditional extensions that lengthen your hair work well to mask awkward lengths while you grow out your natural hair, provided they are applied safely to avoid tension. They’re also helpful if you can’t decide between short or long hair.
Colorful extensions and hair tinsel allow you to express yourself. But you can still have your natural hair color when you need to work or go to school.
#9. Feathers
Another fun, colorful way to accessorize your hair is with feathers. You can find feathers in all different colors and sizes, and they can be subtle or more pronounced.
Match the feathers to your outfits and keep a collection of feathers at home. Then, you’ll have plenty to choose from when getting ready for the day.
If you choose to wear feathers, be mindful of their deep cultural and sacred significance to many Indigenous communities. While popularized in “boho” fashion, it is important to understand their history and wear them respectfully.
#10. Flowers
Just like feathers, you can add flowers to your hair. If you find a flower you like, you can cut it and place it behind your ear.
Or you can add it to an elastic when putting your hair in a ponytail. There are tons of ways to incorporate flowers into your hairstyle.
If you don’t want to use live flowers, you can get fake ones. Then, you’ll have a flower to wear for multiple days in a row without worrying about it dyeing. And it can be easier to buy fake flowers than to collect them from a garden.
#11. Headbands
A headband is one of the most versatile hair accessories. If you need to hold back your bangs or add a pop of color, a headband is great.
They’re also easy to use, and you can wear them with almost any hairdo. You can add it to your hair and wear your hair down, so you can enjoy the length of your hair while keeping it out of your face.
And if you like to wear a ponytail or another updo, a headband is also great. Whether or not you have bangs, you can choose a headband that matches your outfit to tie everything together.
#12. Head Wraps
Perhaps you want something to cover more of your hair. Consider using a head wrap or scarf to create a unique hairstyle such as:
- A ponytail
- A braid
- A simple do with your hair down
Like other types of hair accessories, you can find head wraps in tons of colors and patterns. You can collect different wraps to match various outfits in your closet.
If you don’t have any yet, start with a neutral color, like black. Then, you can wear it anytime you want to cover up your hair or simply change your style.
#13. Jaw Clips
Jaw clips are easy to use, and they’re an excellent choice for securing long hair.
You can find jaw clips in different colors, so you can match them to your hair or make them stand out. The clips also come in multiple sizes, which is nice if you have more or less hair.
Jaw clips help keep hair out of the way when styling your hair. But you can also use them as part of your hairstyle, and you don’t have to worry about an elastic band breaking your hair.
#14. Ribbons
Ribbons are one of the most versatile types of hair accessories available. You can use them in place of a headband to keep your hair back, or you can use them as a hair tie for a ponytail or braid.
Since you tie them each time, you don’t have to worry about them being too tight or loose. And you can use one ribbon to create multiple hairdos, like:
- Braids
- Buns
- Ponytails
- As an alternative to a headband
Unfortunately, they can slip out if the ribbon is slick. Another way to use a ribbon is to cut and glue one to a clip or another hair accessory. That way, you can customize your hair supplies.
#15. Scrunchie
A scrunchie is a particular type of hair tie with fabric around the elastic. The material makes the scrunchie bulkier than other hair ties, but it can add a bit of style to your hair.
Like other accessories, scrunchies come in multiple colors. You can get them in various colors to have one that matches multiple outfits.
Or you can stick to a plain black one that will go with everything you own. That way, you can still look good, and you can use the scrunchie with a ponytail, braid, or another updo.
#16. Sticks
Hair sticks almost always come as a set of two that you can use to secure your hair. They work well for a variety of hairstyles, including:
- Buns
- Braided buns
- Other hair twists
You can also add the sticks purely for decoration. Hair sticks are a great way to keep your hair in place if you use two to twist it, but it’s not as effective for ponytails.
#17. Sweatbands
Sweatbands are one of the best hair accessories for your workout sessions. You can place one around your forehead to keep sweat from falling down your face.
While they’re thicker than headbands, they look similar. Sweatbands come in various colors as well, so you can find one that matches your workout clothing.
You probably won’t wear a sweatband all day, but it’s nice to have some on hand. Then, you can keep sweat out of your eyes to power through a long run or training session.
#18. Tiara
Tiaras are a popular statement accessory for formal events like weddings or proms. You can place it in your hair whether your hair is up or down.
A good tiara won’t get in the way of your hair, so you can style your hair with other accessories. And you can take the tiara in and out quickly and easily.
Tiaras come in different sizes and designs, so you can find one you really like. Then, you can make it work with a lot of hairdos and outfits.
#19. Wigs
A good-quality wig is an excellent way to change the entire look of your hair without having to dye or cut it. That way, you can go back to your regular hair the next day.
You can wear a wig for a special occasion, like a costume party. But wigs can also work for everyday wear.
If you wear a wig regularly, you must invest time in proper maintenance. Even high-quality wigs require gentle daily detangling and proper storage to prevent them from knotting and becoming unusable.
Which Types of Hair Accessories Are for You?
With tons of different types of hair accessories, you have plenty of options to customize your look. Whether you want a simple ponytail or a more complex hairdo, accessories can make that happen.
Before you choose an accessory, consider the style you want. Then, you can make sure you know how to use the tool to do your hair.
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