The 4 Prettiest Hair Accessory Trends To Wear Now

The latest slew of hair accessories is pretty, bold and bejeweled. But, despite their seeming lavishness, they don’t require a hairstyle with much up-keep or preparation and often work best with day-two hair. Here, celebrity hairstylist Zoë Irwin gives us the lowdown on how to style them…

This season’s iteration of the classic hair bow tends to be larger in size or length and in more sumptuous textures than before – perfect for a holiday soiree. “You can wear it in a variety of ways, depending on its placement,” says Irwin. “Paired with a side parting and used to secure hair up and back on the opposite side is a real statement.” If you have fine hair, prep is key for this look – spritz strands with a volumizing or texturizing spray before blow-drying to give them guts, then, tease the section you’re pulling up and twist it to clip the bow at the side of your head. “A great alternative for fine hair is to secure the bow at the base of a sleek, low ponytail.” If you have very curly or Afro hair, a half-up, half-down style works best, advises Irwin. “Pull the top section back as sleekly as possible and leave curls free-flowing underneath.”

Oversized; rich, textures and prints; bejeweled, or saturated in pearls – next-gen hairbands offer a heavy dose of polish to decidedly simple hairstyles. “My clients are snapping up these show-stoppers to take them through to party season,” says Irwin. Whereas the thicker bands tend to suit thicker hair, those with finer strands or short styles look better topped with this season’s ’90s-inspired, super-skinny options. “For either version, simply drag the hair back and set in place,” says Irwin. They’re ideal if you’re short on time or need a last-minute party look, as they instantly upgrade hair left down while keeping strands in place.

Eschewing their dainty reputation, new-season combs, clips and slides come in showy gilded tones, overtly crystal-embellished resin, or are wrapped in jumbo-sized logos for maximum impact. “Keep them in your handbag for when you need to instantly dress up an outfit, but equally to hold your hair in place.” Irwin also suggests adding them to a simple updo. “Divide a ponytail into two or three sections and twist them tightly. Wrap each section around the base of the ponytail and secure it with the slide or comb. For extra hold, add bobby pins first.” For shorter hair, create a mini ponytail and place the slides at one side to keep strays in place.

Whether in a block color or brightly patterned print, more is more when it comes to this versatile accessory. “To make a statement, wear wrapped around the whole head and tie at the nape,” says Irwin. “For an equally bold look braid into a low ponytail to keep it sleek and glossy.” Plus, Irwin points out it’s great for fine or thinning hair, as the scarf serves to bulk out the braid. Be mindful that your hair could look dry next to any accessory in a luxe texture like silk or velvet, though, so it’s so important to up each strand’s shine. “Use a high-shine hairspray rather than an oil or glossing serum to ensure hair has hold,” Irwin adds.