Table of Contents
Quick Summary / At A Glance
- Match every accessory to your hair type and length first: fine hair needs lighter pieces, while thick or curly hair needs a firmer hold.
- Use elastics, scrunchies and bobby pins for everyday hold, and barrettes, combs or jewelled pieces when an occasion calls for more polish.
- Foam rollers create volume and curls without heat, with smaller rollers giving tighter curls and larger rollers giving looser waves.
- Scarves, head wraps, jaw clips and floral pieces add colour and personality, and can also keep hair away from the face.
- Comfort is the final test: an accessory that pinches, pulls or feels too tight is the wrong choice, however good it looks.
Hair styling accessories do more than finish a look. They hold hair in place, keep it out of your face, protect it from the elements and add style and personality.
This guide brings together the main types and their uses. It covers choosing for your hair type, foam rollers, scarves, clips and combs, so you can build a small collection that actually suits you.
Start With Your Hair Type and Length
Choosing the right accessories is essential for maintaining and enhancing the health and appearance of your hair. Different hair types require different care and attention, so understand your hair type before selecting products or pieces.
If you have fine hair, avoid heavy accessories that might weigh down your strands. For thick or curly hair, choose accessories that can securely hold your hair in place.
Length matters too. Short hair often benefits from smaller, more delicate accessories, while long hair can accommodate larger, more elaborate pieces.
Styling Oily Hair Without Adding Greasiness
For oily hair, choose accessories and products that avoid oil build-up, weighed-down hair and excessive greasiness. The original guide suggests a clarifying shampoo formulated to remove excess oil and build-up, with ingredients such as tea tree oil, citrus extracts or salicylic acid.
For conditioner, opt for lightweight options labelled “light” or “volumising” instead of heavy, oil-based conditioners. These provide moisture without weighing hair down.
When styling, choose products designed for oily hair, such as oil-control gels or sprays. Avoid heavy, greasy products, and apply lightweight leave-in conditioner or serum to the ends rather than the scalp.
How to Choose Hair Accessories: Six Checks
Picking accessories can be fun and artistic, but the two duplicated checklists in the original article come down to the same six checks. Work through them before you buy.
- Your personal style: Choose pieces that complement your wardrobe and reflect your personality, from a simple, elegant headband or delicate barrette to a bolder, vibrant scarf.
- Your outfit: Consider the colours, patterns and textures of your clothes, and either match them for a cohesive look or contrast them to make a statement.
- The occasion: For casual occasions, simple pieces such as a headband or ponytail holder are appropriate. For formal events, tiaras, jewelled pins, jeweled barrettes or decorative combs suit the setting better.
- Your face shape: Accessories can accentuate your features. The original guide suggests accessories that elongate a round face, notes that most styles work for an oval face, and suggests rounded barrettes or a loosely tied scarf to soften a square face.
- Comfort and fit: Accessories should feel comfortable and secure throughout the day. Try pieces on before buying where you can, to see how they feel and look in your hair.
- Durability and quality: Choose pieces made from good-quality materials so they last longer and stay together. Cheaper accessories may break more easily.
Above all, experiment and have fun. Try mixing and matching different colours, styles and designs to create unique looks that feel like you.
Common Hair Accessories and Their Uses at a Glance
The table below summarises the accessories covered in this article. It uses only the descriptions given in the original guide.
| Accessory | What it does | Notes from this guide |
|---|---|---|
| Hair elastics | Small, stretchy bands used to tie hair back | For ponytails, braids and buns; many colours and sizes |
| Scrunchies | Fabric-covered elastics used to tie hair back | Soft, stretchy materials in many colours and patterns |
| Bobby pins | Small, U-shaped pins that secure hair in place | Often used for buns, braids and other updos |
| Barrettes | Clips that hold hair in place | Many shapes and sizes; may be decorated with beads or jewels |
| Hair clips | Similar to barrettes, typically smaller with a stronger grip | For holding back a fringe or securing small sections |
| Headbands | Bands of fabric or other material worn around the head | Keep hair out of the face or add style to an outfit |
| Foam hair rollers | Heat-free rollers for volume and curls | Smaller rollers make tighter curls; larger rollers make loose waves |
| Scarves and head wraps | Tied around a ponytail or bun, or worn as a headband | Add colour, pattern and a Y2K-inspired touch |
| Jaw clips | Create updos or hold back sections of hair | Versatile, for a chic and polished look |
| Hair combs | Add volume, texture and structure | For casual and formal occasions and any hair type |
| Floral accessories | Flower pins or floral headbands | Add a feminine, romantic touch |
| Hats | Cover the hair and head | Protect hair from the sun or the cold |
These are only some of the accessories available. The right shortlist depends on the checks above, not on owning every type.
Foam Hair Rollers for Volume and Heat-Free Curls
Foam hair rollers have long been a go-to tool for natural volume and curls. Their popularity comes from their ease of use and gentle nature, making them suitable for all hair types, from fine and straight to thick and curly.
Unlike tools that require excessive heat, foam rollers are a heat-free alternative for creating curls. The original guide notes that the curls can hold their shape for hours.
They can be used on wet or dry hair. Roll damp hair for more defined curls, or use them on dry hair for a softer, more natural look.
Roller size shapes the result: smaller rollers create tighter curls, while larger rollers produce loose waves. Their lightweight design also makes them comfortable to wear, including overnight, so you can wake up to voluminous curls.
Rollers combine easily with other techniques, such as blow-drying before rolling or touching up specific sections. They are also affordable and easily accessible, without relying on salon visits.
Scarves and Head Wraps for Colour and Practical Style
The Y2K trend has made a comeback, and scarves and head wraps are a popular way to wear it. Tie one around a ponytail, wrap it around a bun, or use it as a headband.
Scarves let you experiment with patterns and textures and express individuality through your hairstyle. Mixing colours and prints can create unique, eye-catching looks.
They are practical too, keeping hair out of your face while adding a stylish touch. Bobby pins, foam rollers, clips and barrettes can help secure the look and add extra flair.
Clips, Barrettes and Headbands: From Cute to Chic
Small clips and barrettes are among the most versatile accessories. They hold back a fringe, secure small sections, or add decoration with beads, jewels or other embellishments.
Headbands work for everyday wear and special occasions alike. You can mix and match designs to change a look without changing the hairstyle underneath.
For babies and young children, the priorities in the original guide were safety and comfort: a gentle, stretchy band, a secure fit, and no pinching. Keep that comfort test for any age.
Jaw Clips, Floral Accessories and Hair Combs
Jaw clips are incredibly versatile. They can create effortless updos or hold back sections of hair for a chic, polished look, whether hair is worn up or down.
Floral accessories add a feminine, romantic touch. A delicate flower pin and a bold floral headband give very different effects, so choose the scale that suits the occasion.
Hair combs add volume, texture and structure, and a well-placed comb can support natural volume or curls. They suit any hair type and both casual and formal occasions.
These pieces are affordable and easily accessible in a wide range of options. You do not have to spend a lot to switch up your look and add a touch of glamour.
Conclusion: Build a Collection That Suits You
There is something for everyone, regardless of hair type or desired style. Foam rollers add volume and curls, scarves bring colour and a Y2K touch, and clips, barrettes, headbands, jaw clips, floral pieces and combs each solve a different styling job.
Start with your hair type, check comfort and quality, and experiment from there. The best accessories are the ones that feel good, hold as they should and express your unique style.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for personal advice.