Hair Accessories

The Tiny Things That Change Everything

Hair accessories are having a moment. Actually, they've been having a moment for about three years now and it shows no sign of stopping. Claw clips went from "thing you wore to keep hair out of your face while washing it" to actual fashion statement. Headbands graduated from practical to runway. Silk scrunchies became a legitimate hair care product rather than a nineties throwback. The humble bobby pin got a designer makeover. And honestly? Good. Because hair accessories are the cheapest, easiest way to completely change how an outfit looks without buying new clothes.

The variety is enormous — clips, claws, bands, pins, ties, scarves, combs, barrettes, headbands, and about forty subcategories within each. Quality varies wildly too, and that's where comparing matters. A metal hair clip that costs two pounds from one retailer and eight from another might look identical, but the cheap one snaps after a week while the other lasts years. Or they're genuinely the same product at different markups. You won't know unless you compare.

Clips and Claws — The Everyday Heroes

Claw clips are the accessory of the decade for good reason. They hold hair securely without causing the tension damage that tight elastics create. They work on almost every hair length from bob to waist-length. They come in every size, colour, and material imaginable. And they take roughly three seconds to use, which in the morning rush is a genuine selling point.

Size matters with claw clips. Small ones handle half-up styles and thin hair. Medium clips are the everyday all-rounders. Large clips manage thick or long hair in a full updo. The jaw tension should be firm enough to hold without slipping but not so tight it gives you a headache after an hour. Test the spring if you can — weak springs mean sliding clips and constant readjustment.

Barrettes and snap clips are the precision tools. They hold specific sections, pin back fringes, and add decorative detail to styles. Metal barrettes with a strong clasp outlast plastic ones significantly. Pearl, tortoiseshell, and minimal gold-tone designs are the versatile choices that work with everything from a t-shirt to a cocktail dress.

Headbands — From Practical to Statement

Padded headbands, embellished headbands, velvet headbands, chain headbands — the options are vast and the effect on an outfit is disproportionately large for such a small accessory. A simple black padded headband polishes a casual look instantly. A jewelled headband elevates a plain dress to party-ready. The revival of headbands as a sophisticated accessory shows no sign of fading, and the variety available means there's something for every style and budget.

Comfort is the thing nobody mentions in headband reviews but everyone discovers the hard way. Some headbands grip too tightly behind the ears and cause headaches. Some are too loose and slide backward. The sweet spot is a band with enough tension to stay put without creating pressure points. Wider bands distribute pressure better than thin ones. And if you have fine hair, look for bands with teeth or grip detail on the inner surface to prevent slipping.

Hair Ties and Scrunchies

Standard elastic hair ties do the job but they also do damage. The metal crimp catches and tears hair. The elastic creates tension that can lead to breakage around the hairline over time — that's what "traction alopecia" means, and it's more common than people realise. If you wear your hair up daily, switching to gentler options makes a measurable difference to the health of your hairline over months and years.

Silk or satin scrunchies are the gentler alternative. The smooth surface creates less friction, meaning less breakage and fewer creases when you take your hair down. They're not just a TikTok trend — the science behind reduced friction on hair is legitimate. Spiral hair ties (the coiled plastic kind) distribute tension more evenly than flat elastics and leave less of a dent. They're particularly good for thick hair that needs a strong hold without the damage.

Occasion Accessories

Weddings, proms, parties — occasion hair accessories are their own world. Decorative combs, tiaras, hair vines, crystal pins, fresh-flower-style pieces. The key is matching the formality of the accessory to the event and ensuring it's actually secured properly. Nothing ruins an updo like a decorative comb slowly migrating southward during dinner.

For everyday-to-occasional transitions, invest in a few versatile pieces that cross categories. A simple gold barrette works for the office and a dinner date. A quality silk scarf ties around a ponytail for brunch or wraps as a headband for a garden party. Versatility means fewer purchases and more use per piece.

Browse the wider hair care range for products that prep hair for accessorising — styling products add grip that helps accessories stay put. Brushes and combs handle the prep work. Check our deals section for discounts on accessory brands, and browse our brand directory to compare across retailers. The right accessory costs almost nothing and completely changes the game.