Hair accessories have moved well beyond simply holding hair out of the way, becoming genuine style statements in their own right. From the claw clip’s surprisingly recent invention to the enduring appeal of a silk scarf, the right accessory can transform a simple hairstyle into something considerably more polished, or add a playful, nostalgic edge to an everyday look. This guide covers how to choose and style the most popular hair accessories.
The claw clip: a modern classic with a surprising history
The claw clip is younger than most people assume, invented in 1986 by French businessman Christian Potut, who combined the concept of a comb with a clip after noticing how his crossed fingers could hold something in place. It has since become one of the most versatile hair accessories available, equally suited to a quick, practical bun or a deliberately styled, elegant updo, depending on placement and how much hair is left loose around the face.
Choosing accessories by hair length and face shape
| Hair length or face shape | Recommended accessories | Styling tip |
|---|---|---|
| Long hair | Claw clips, oversized scrunchies | Manage weight without pulling too tightly at the root |
| Shorter hair | Small barrettes, thin headbands | Choose smaller accessories that suit less volume |
| Round face | Padded headbands, high ponytails with volume | Adds height at the crown to elongate the face |
| Square jawline | Pearl barrettes placed above the ear, side-swept styles | Softens strong jaw angles |
| Heart-shaped face | Headbands worn further back, scarves tied at the nape | Balances a wider forehead with lower, wider accessory placement |
Scarves: the most versatile accessory in your collection
A silk or cotton scarf can be worn as a headband, wrapped around a bun, or tied at the base of a ponytail, making it one of the most flexible accessories available for a relatively small investment. Tying a scarf around the base of a low, slightly messy bun, with the ends left trailing, gives a relaxed, effortless look that works particularly well for casual daytime wear, while a scarf worn as a structured headband instantly adds a more polished, preppy edge to straight, sleek hair.
Scrunchies: gentler on hair than a standard hair tie
Scrunchies have made a genuine comeback since their 1990s heyday, and their appeal is not purely nostalgic. The soft, fabric-covered design causes considerably less breakage and tension on hair than a standard elastic hair tie, making them a genuinely practical choice, not just a style one, particularly for anyone prone to hair breakage around a regular ponytail or bun position.
A few quick styling combinations to try
- Messy low bun with a silk scarf: gather hair into a loose bun at the nape, wrap a scarf around the base, and let the ends trail for a relaxed, weekend look.
- Sleek low ponytail with a metal claw clip: smooth hair back, secure with an elastic, then cover the tie with a claw clip for a polished finish suited to both office and evening settings.
- Half-up style with small barrettes: section hair above the ears, twist gently, and pin with two or three small barrettes in a row for a quick, put-together look.
Frequently asked questions
Are claw clips safe to wear while driving or in a car?
There have been isolated reports of claw clips causing injury in car accidents due to their rigid shape, so some people choose to remove larger, sturdier clips before driving as a simple precaution, particularly on longer journeys.
Do hair accessories work on very short hair?
Yes, though the accessory itself needs to scale down. Small barrettes and thin headbands generally suit shorter hair better than oversized scrunchies or large claw clips, which need more length and volume to sit properly.
How do I stop a headband from giving me a headache?
Choosing a softer, padded headband rather than a rigid plastic one, and positioning it slightly further back from the hairline rather than pressing directly on the temples, generally reduces pressure and discomfort through a full day of wear.
Our recommendation
Build a small rotation of accessories rather than relying on just one type, a claw clip for quick, practical days, a scarf for versatility across several different styles, and a scrunchie for a gentler option on days your hair needs a break from tighter elastics. Match accessory size and placement to your hair length and face shape using the guide above, and treat hair accessories as a genuine styling tool rather than an afterthought reached for only when hair is unwashed.