Admittedly, my hair game is lacking. I have shelves and drawers full of makeup and spend a decent amount of time playing with makeup trends. However, I’ve always been incredibly low-key when it comes to hair. I swore by my straightener in high school, curling iron in college, and until recently, my most worn hair accessory was a black hair tie. But it wasn’t until a few years ago, when scrunchies made a swift comeback, that I began to even consider experimenting with my hair. And since experts are anticipating so many ’90s throwback styles in hair for fall, my interest has been piqued even more. While none of these accessories are particularly groundbreaking or bold, these are the summer hair accessories I’m obsessed with now and foresee clinging to in fall as well.
No. 1 | Headbands
I had a short lived headband stint at the height of Gossip Girl, but swiftly found out that wasn’t the journey for me. But recently, you’d have to claw my headbands from my cold hands if you want me to give them up. I think the difference now is my preferred style. As much as I want to live out my best Blair Waldorf fantasies, the prepped and primed, thin headband just doesn’t work for me or my personal style.
My hair is perpetually messy. I have recently given way to the fact I always have a bit of bed head and embraced it instead of trying to fight it. Subsequently, I’ve found that thicker, more relaxed headband styles integrate into my look a little better. I love knotted headbands that are a little on the thicker side. Paired with tousled waves and a bit of textured volume, they’re the easiest way to spruce up an otherwise bad hair day. And in the summer, it adds a touch of boho to a look. I think in the fall, they’ll ease me into a dark academia, preppy autumnal vibe.
Some other headband styles I’ve been loving as of late are beaded* and embellished* headbands, braided headbands*, velvet headbands*.
Live out your summer on the Upper East Side fantasies with these headbands:
No. 2 | Claw Clips
To be fair, I have always loved a good claw clip, even when my friends made fun of me for them. Mainly I have worn a big plastic one to pin my hair back while I washed my face or ran errands. And those tiny ones are so good at pinning back my bangs when I need them out of my face (again, mainly when I wash my face.) But experts are forecasting these ’90s gems to make a roaring comeback for Fall 2021.
I’ve started collecting an array of updated claw clips ranging from mini to large, bold to dainty. One way I’ve been loving to wear a smaller clip during the summer is to secure a half pony. When using a hair elastic to create a half pony style, the hair kind of flops around as you move. But I hated curls getting tangled if it was windy. By using a miniature claw clip*, I’m able to secure the hair a little better. Plus, it looks a little less proper and a little more undone, which I love.
I also think we’re going to see a lot of intricacies in clips. Daintier styles* and bolder colors* will ensure your summer hair accessories are part of your look, something to be shown off, instead of a behind the scenes factor.
Another style I’ve been loving with the most miniature of mini claw clips is pinning my bangs back with these mini clips at the base of the front twists.
Some summer clips I’m loving right now:
No. 3 | Butterfly Clips
Listen, it’s not for everyone. I know. But I’ve been obsessed with the resurgence of early 2000s styles. Maybe it’s the nostalgia talking (or the fact I just watched Zenon and the entirety of The Suite Life of Zack & Cody,) but I have been gravitating toward everything sparkly butterfly*. And if it’s in a pastel*, it’s even better. But in my defense, these have really been a love affair of novelty convenience.
I’ve attached them to braided styles in a more sophisticated way, used them at the base of twists I mentioned earlier, and have used them in the same capacity as a claw clip to hold back a pony tail. But the butterfly accents are just so cute. How can you resist?
Get your hands on these adorable butterfly clips for the rest of summer:
No. 4 | Hair Slides
And last, but certainly not least, are hair slides. Hair slides: a British term that refers to a long hair clip or bar that holds hair in place stylistically. A Jacqie term that means grown-up barrette and summer hair accessory staple.
These are the easiest way for a boring hairstyle to be made high fashion, in my opinion. I love giving my hair a classic type of curl, — big, loose — doing a deep side part, and using these slides to add a little oomph to the thinner side while also securing the hair behind my hear.
Another way I’ve been wearing these in the summer is by braiding my hair to the end and securing with an elastic. I’ll then loosen the braid from the crown to the end, wrapping it up, and securing with two or three of these slides to create an updo.
And, in my opinion, if you want to take your look to the next level, try layering a bunch of these barrettes.
Snag some here:
And those are a few of the summer hair accessories I have a feeling I’ll still be obsessing over well into fall. What hair accessories have you been loving for summer or want to try out for fall?
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