Hair Accessories: Types, Names and How to Wear Them

The most popular hair accessories right now are claw clips, barrettes, headbands, scrunchies and bobby pins. If you want one place to start, pick a headband for a ponytail or bun, or a claw clip for anything you want up fast.

Below you'll find the names of each type, what it does best, how to match it to your hair length and what to check so it doesn't tug or break your hair.

Section 01

What are the common hair accessories called?

Knowing the names makes shopping easier, since listings often use them loosely. Here is how the main types differ.

• Claw clip: a hinged clip with teeth that grips a twisted section or a whole updo.
• Barrette: a flat clip that snaps or slides shut, usually worn at the side or back to hold a section.
• Bobby pin and hairpin: thin metal pins that hold hair close to the head. Decorative versions are meant to be seen.
• Headband: a band that sits across the crown, from thin metal to padded fabric.
• Scrunchie: a fabric-covered elastic that holds a ponytail or bun with a soft, gathered edge.
• Bandana or hair scarf: a folded square tied as a headband, wrap or ponytail wrap.

Section 02

Which hair accessories suit your hair?

Length and thickness matter more than trend. A small clip that disappears in thick hair can look lost, while a heavy clip on fine hair slides out.

Hair accessories for long hair

Long hair has the most options. A large claw clip holds a twist, a barrette secures the top half, and a scrunchie keeps a low ponytail soft. For long, heavy hair, choose clips with a wide, strong grip rather than a thin one.

Medium and short hair

Medium hair works well with a headband, a medium claw clip or pairs of small barrettes. For cropped lengths, see these hair accessories for short hair, since the clips and pins that hold best are different.

Fine, thick and curly hair

Fine hair does better with lightweight pieces and a little texture so they stay put. Thick or curly hair needs wider teeth and larger clips. Curly hair also tends to snag on tight elastics, so a soft scrunchie is usually the kinder choice.

Section 03

How to wear claw clips and barrettes

Claw clips and barrettes do similar jobs at different scales. The claw clip is the quick updo, and the barrette is the detail.

For a claw clip, twist your hair up, fold the end under and set the clip across the twist. Angle it slightly so the teeth hold both layers. The story of the clip's comeback is in hair claws and clips.

Barrettes work best pinned at the side to hold back a section, or in a pair, one on each side, for a tidy look. A single oversized one at the back of a half-up style becomes the focal point. If you like glossy colorful pieces, there is more in resin hair clips and how to style them.

Section 04

Headbands, scrunchies and scarves

A simple fabric headband is the easiest way into hair accessories. It suits loose waves, a braid or a low bun, and a neutral shade goes with most outfits. An embellished one works better for dressy plans, and I'd keep the rest of the look simple so the headband is the one detail.

Scrunchies come in cotton, velvet and satin. Satin and silk have a smoother surface, which many people find gentler on hair than a tight elastic. Pull a few strands loose around the face to soften a high ponytail.

A bandana tied under the hair or as a headband adds pattern and works on most lengths. Silk-feel fabrics slip, cotton holds.

Section 05

Good accessories to put in your hair for different occasions

For work, a velvet or metal headband on a low ponytail or smooth chignon keeps things neat. For weekends, a claw clip, scrunchie or bandana is enough. For events, a jeweled barrette or pearl pins on an updo catch the light well.

Through the lens of evidence-based design, I'd treat texture as the deciding factor: a matte fabric and a shiny pearl or metal piece read very differently against the same hair, because the surface changes how light reaches your eye. For event-specific ideas, see how to choose hair accessories for special occasions.

If you like more unusual details, beaded pieces and bold hair combs are good places to go next.

Section 06

How to style accessories without damaging your hair

Tight, repeated pulling in the same spot is what stresses hair. Move the position of your clip or band from day to day, and don't sleep in a tight style.

Wet hair is more fragile, so the American Academy of Dermatology suggests a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush to detangle wet hair. Let hair dry a bit before putting it up in a clip or band. If you notice hair thinning or a sore scalp where an accessory sits, check with a dermatologist.

Section 07

A starter set to build

You don't need many pieces. A fabric headband, one medium claw clip, a pair of barrettes, a pack of bobby pins and two scrunchies in different fabrics cover most days. Add one statement piece, such as a jeweled clip, when you want it.

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Filed under Accessory Trends