Hair isn’t just something that you style; it’s your ultimate accessory that you wear every single day. And the good news? Clips, scarves, and headbands aren’t just throwbacks to your school days; they’re officially runway-approved, influencer-loved, and the quickest and easiest ways to refresh your look.
If 2024 was all about quiet luxury, 2025 is about loud accessories. Here’s how to nail the trend without looking over-styled – or like you raided your childhood jewellery box.
Clips do more than just hold your hair up
Hair clips aren’t just functional anymore, they’re fashion. Clips that used to blend in and be hidden by your hair have had a full-on glow-up. In 2025, they’re bold, shiny, and unapologetically extra. Think rhinestone logos, chunky resin claws, and pearl-studded barrettes. Basically, if your hair clip could double as jewellery, you’re doing it right.
How to wear clips in hair (without looking overdone)
- Stacked and symmetrical: Wear two or three mini clips down each side of a middle part for a neat, runway-inspired finish. This looks great on sleek straight hair, and equally as striking on big curls locks.
- Effortless single clip: Sweep one side of your hair back with a statement barrette and let your earrings or bold lip take centre stage.
- Bringing the claw back: Oversized claw clips are back (again), but this time they’re bold as well as sleek. Think glossy black, marbled tortoiseshell, or metallic finishes. Perfect for the ‘clean girl’ style bun.
How to style a hair clip for different occasions
- Workday polish: Incorporate a pearl or gold barrette into style with a low pony or chignon to make it feel more pulled together.
- Party mode: Sparkly rhinestone clips add just the right amount of drama to waves or a sleek bob.
- Weekend casual: Layer a couple of mini butterfly clips into loose curls for nostalgia, but with some modern charm.
The best part? Clips work on literally every hair length and texture, from pixie crops to waist-length waves. They’re the easiest way to refresh your look without committing to a whole new cut or colour.
Scarves: a chic shortcut to effortless style
If there’s one accessory that can instantly transform your outfit, it’s the humble and adaptable hair scarf. Silk, satin, vintage, or logo-print, whatever your vibe, a scarf can transform your look
The best part is that this hair accessory isn’t just one-dimensional: they can be playful, versatile, and work across hair lengths and textures. Whether you’re going full glam or keeping it casual, there’s a scarf style for every mood.
Wearable ways to tie a hair scarf
- Cool and casual: Fold your scarf into a triangle and tie it under your hair for a style that works with everything from messy buns to sleek bobs.
- Polished and clean: Wrap a slim silk scarf around the base of your ponytail, letting the ends hang loose for a chic, feminine finish.
- Braided in: Weave a scarf through your braid for a playful, festival-ready twist.
If your scarf keeps slipping, try adding a couple of discreet bobby pins or tie it tight at the nape of your neck. For silky fabrics, add a touch of dry shampoo before you style to add grip and keep everything in place.
Headbands are back
From chunky padded velvet bands to slim metallics and sporty athleisure styles, there’s a headband for every mood and moment. They’re the ultimate throw-on accessory: no heat damage, no complicated styling, just instant polish.
How to wear hair with a headband
- Sleek and chic: Pair a padded headband with sleek and straight hair for a runway-ready vibe.
- Romantic waves: Slip a thin satin band over loose curls or waves for soft, feminine energy.
- Low bun moment: A minimalist band with a neat bun gives instant clean girl aesthetic.
- Play with contrast: Pair sporty elastic headbands with sharp tailoring, or luxe velvet with casual denim.
- Start a stack: Double up with two thin metallic bands for an edgier look.
- Match or clash with your jewellery: Silver with silver hoops feels cohesive, but mixing metals? Intentional cool-girl energy.
High-street headbands are easy to find, but preloved designer headbands bring that extra one-of-a-kind edge. Think Prada satin, Gucci logos, or vintage Dior. Buying second-hand means you’re styling sustainably and standing out from the crowd.
Short hair? Big accessory energy
This is where headbands really shine.
Who says you need long, flowing locks to play with hair accessories? If you’re rocking a bob, lob, or pixie, you’ve actually got the perfect canvas to show them off. Short hair leaves accessories front and centre – but it’s less about hiding behind your hairstyle and more about making a statement.
With a pixie cut, go for slim, sparkly bands or metallic finishes that add instant glam. With a bob, padded headbands create volume and drama, balancing out the structure of shorter cuts. A headband layers perfectly, turning simple hair into a statement.
How to accessorise short hair without feeling limited:
- Clips with attitude: Mini claw clips and bold barrettes look especially chic against short cuts. Try stacking a few down one side of a bob for an instant editorial vibe.
- Micro details: Butterfly clips, crystal pins, and logo slides add personality to pixies and cropped styles.
Reliked top tip: Accessories bring more of an impact with short hair. With less length to distract, a single well-placed clip or scarf tie instantly transforms your look. It’s proof that styling isn’t about how much hair you have, it’s about how much fun you have with it.
The beauty of clips, scarves, and headbands is that they’re affordable, experimental, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re slipping a scarf through a braid, stacking clips, or throwing on a padded headband, hair accessories are the ultimate low-effort, high-impact upgrade.
Start with what feels fun, mix textures, and don’t be afraid to clash. And if you want to nail the trend sustainable way, shop preloved.
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