Using hair accessories can transform your looks from drab to elegant in a very short time. It does not matter if your hair is short, medium, long or plaited, wearing jewelry on the hair can add glamour and style to your looks. In fact, adding jewelry to the hair to match your outfit is often a subtle, elegant and sometimes funky way of accessorizing without spending a lot of money. There are several hair accessories that are readily available and which can make a fashion statement if worn appropriately. Here are some examples.

Ponytail holder

A ponytail holder, also known as a hair band, is used to fasten long hair into a ponytail. It is useful in securing hair away from the face. It is a commonly used hair accessory. There are two types of ponytail holders – the scrunchie and the hairpin. A scrunchie is a fabric covered elastic hair tie that is commonly used to fasten long hair. It comes in various forms – large, elaborate styles, different colours, fabrics and designs.

Headbands

A headband is a clothing accessory worn in the hair or around the forehead usually to hold hair away from the face. They come in assorted shapes and sizes and are used as a fashion statement or for practical needs such as when exercising. Headbands are easy, flexible and fun to use.

Bobby pins

A bobby pin is a small pin or clip made from metal or plastic which is used to hold hair in place. It is a double-pronged hairpin that slides into hair when the flexible prongs are open and then close over the hair to hold it in place. To use a booby pin, simply push hair into the desired position and push the bobby pin into place.

Hair barrette

This is a hair accessory that is worn according to size with small ones at the front and large ones at the back. They are used to keep hair from the face but they can also be purely ornamental. Barrettes are made from plastic or metal. Larger barrettes are designed to pull back longer pieces of hair and are usually worn at the back of the head.

Banana clip

This was very popular in the 80s. Given its name for its shape, the banana clip allows you to pull your hair back from each side with the clip following the contour of your head in the back.

Hair clips

Hair clips have been a top choice when it comes to hair accessories for women. Clips are designed to hold and keep hair in place but lately women are using them to achieve a more girly and fun look that accents their outfit. They come in different types – snap, butterfly, alligator and more. There is a whole variety to choose from depending on what you are looking for. Clips are either plastic or metallic.

Bandana

This is a large type of colourful ‘handkerchief’ usually worn on the head. It is mostly used to hold hair back either as a fashionable accessory or for practical purposes, such as when exercising. A bandana can also keep your head warm on a cold day.

Flower

A silk or live flower tucked behind your ear and secured with bobby pins works with any length of hair. This is adds colour and style when worn with a sundress for a picnic or other outdoor activities.

Published in May 2012