When you feel like you’re stuck in a hair rut, it can be oh-so-easy to jump head-first into a new colour, a haircut, or to start considering the ‘F’ word (fringe). But before you commit to long-term changes, consider that there is a quicker, easier, (and less drastic) alternative when you want to change things up. Quicker and easier even than reaching for your hair tools or attempting to follow an elaborate hair styling tutorial, say hello to hair accessories.
Whether it’s an on-trend claw clip, an oversized scrunchie, a simple Alice band, or a pretty hair slide, a simple hair accessory can save the day when you’re lacking inspiration or when your hair isn’t playing ball.
Hair accessory looks are a great way to elevate an outfit or upgrade your everyday hair style to make it appropriate for the beach, a dinner date, or wedding guest attire. They’re also super practical—most serving to keep your hair out of your face or off your neck, which is exactly what you need come summer. Long, loose styles are anything but appropriate for rising temperatures or beach days—a headband or hair clip will make things a lot more comfortable.
For summer 2023, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite hair accessory looks below. Bad (or boring) hair days will now be a thing of the past.
As an alternative to chunky, oversized bows, accessorise your plaits or pigtails with thin ribbons.
We love these baby blue ribbons for summer.
The easiest way to accessorise your hair with a bow? Try a bow scrunchie—you’ll also find they stay in place for much longer.
So easy to use.
A chic and stylish way to keep hair back from your face while still wearing a loose style.
The perfect way to secure a plait or ponytail without resorting to a regular hair tie.
Silk scrunchies not only look cute, but also help to prevent hair breakage and damage.
An accessory that looks great, keeps hair out of your face, and protects your scalp from the sun? Full marks.
A lightweight, textured headscarf will see you through summer.
Everyone’s favourite summer hair accessory is back for another year. We particularly love this towelled version for practical summer wear.
We’re obsessed with the bright colour and fun pattern of this towelling bucket hat. All you need now is a matching bikini.
You can’t go wrong with an oversized scrunchie that matches your outfit.
Find the right dress and this oversized satin scrunchie will be the perfect finishing touch.
The best way to style a half-up-half-down hairstyle? A mini claw clip never fails.
These summer-perfect flower clips will also effortlessly elevate a low bun or simple ponytail.
Proving that ponytails needn’t be boring… Try tying a silk scarf into the base of your ponytail or using it as a headband for an instant statement.
Blue and white is a failsafe colour combination for summer.
Embellished hair slides are not going anywhere. Jewel and pearl styles in particular are popular—they work with literally any outfit choice.
We love that these hair slides combine both jewels and pearls—in the sunlight, they’re super eyecatching.
A satin hair scarf looks beautiful tied around the hair—and is a great way to conceal hair that’s in need of a wash. Bonus points for co-ordinating with your outfit and your eyeliner.
Patterned with palm trees, this scarf will be a staple in your summer holiday outfits.
A sleek and stylish take on the claw clip trend—although best for short or fine hair that doesn’t require a heavy grip.
This fun silver design is an instant upgrade on a regular plastic claw clip.
Proof that a simple pearl hair clip elevates any outfit.
No one does statement hair accessories quite so well as Simone Rocha.
Regular hair scrunchies are more practical than pretty, so look for ones made from silk, velvet, or organza to upgrade your regular bun.
If you’re looking for a wedding guest-appropriate hair accessory, look no further.
Every bit as stylish as they are functional, a linen headband is a great way to keep hair out of your face on a hot day at the beach.
This neutral linen headband will match any hair colour or outfit.
No matter whether gold or silver is your vibe, high-shine metallic clips are majorly on trend this summer.
Wear one daisy for a chic and simple look or wear all three at a time for a statement style.
It’s so simple, but a plain black Alice band ties any outfit together, no matter the season.
These basic (in a good way) Alice bands come in a pack of two and cost less than £5. Win, win.
Go minimalist with a half-up, half-down look and a statement barette.
This fun, beaded style makes for ideal beachwear.
A bow tied at the base of a voluminous ponytail looks so pretty with a summer dress.
This oversized ribbon bow is actually a hair clip, which makes applying it even easier.
A claw clip is a failsafe look for summer 2023. We love this 90s style pink flower clip.
Can you ever have enough claw clips? This bright, retro-inspired one is so fun for summer.
Flower chokers are majorly on trend right now, but they also double up as chic hair accessory. Experiment with adding them to your bun or ponytail or, as seen here, to tuck your hair into a faux bob.
This smart polka-dot flower choker makes for both great office wear and occasion wear.
