Hair jewelry is trending, and here is guide to help you cope up with the latest vogue!
What else do you know about hair jewelry besides a couple of elastics or a twisty towel? It’s high time to upgrade your knowledge about hair accessories when all trendsetters are already stocking up extraordinary and fashionable pieces for hair adornment.
What is Hair Jewelry?
Hair jewelry or hair accessory is anything that adds to the beauty of hair. There is no hard and fast rule of wearing hair ornaments: you can tie, twist, wrap, insert or simply attach them to change the complete look!
Different types of materials were used for this purpose throughout the history, which either indicated social class, religious significance, age group or fashion awareness. Moreover, infinite types, shapes, materials and sizes of accessories are introduced with time. The variety includes:
- Hairbands
- Ribbons
- Hair rings
- Bows
- Hairpins
- Hair combs
- Beads
- Barrettes
- String or thread
- Hair sticks and spikes
- Flowers
- Features
- Shells
- Coins and that’s not all.
The list is literally endless!
Hair accessories can be utilized by anyone, regardless of their gender. In fact, in ancient times, men also used to style jewelry in their hair. Want to know about the history of hair ornaments? Scroll through and inspire your inner hair stylist!
History of Hair Jewelry
Memorial hair ornaments remained a constant from the Middle Ages to the early twentieth century. Do you know hair jewelry has played a significant role in legends and myths? In a book of Swedish proverbs, it is stated that:
Rings and bracelets of hair increase love (Vadstena stads tankebok).
Another example can be found in Rosensborg Palace in Denmark: a bracelet embedded with precious stones and braided hair locks was presented by King Christian IV to his wife. Moreover, other popular figures who owned or used hair jewelry were: Admiral Nelson, Napoleon, Christian Nilsson, Jenny Lind, Queen Victoria and her huge family.
- The concept of hair accessories is as old as the prehistoric era, which consisted of one-pronged stick hairpins.
- In Greece and ancient Rome; flower crows were used.
- Native American headdresses chose bones and features for hair adornment.
- Ancient Egyptians wore wooden hair combs in the Bronze Age.
- Kogai pins were utilized by Japanese women to ward off evil spirit.
- Hair Jewelry made of cloth was also seen in early civilization. For instance, the Mayan and Aztec women made use of braided fabrics for embellishment.
- Ancient Welsh women utilized lock-rings made of gold.
- Cumbi cloth hair-dresses along with beautiful headbands were popular among the Incan women.
- Hair ribbons were common in France during the 17th century.
- Mesopotamian men were also seen wearing headbands.
- The American and European men chose ribbons and hair bows as hair jewelry in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Types of Hair Jewelry
Now that you are aware of the history and significance of hair ornaments, it’s time to learn about different types of hair accessories and their usage. This guide will also reveal some useful hairstyling tips to flaunt hair jewelry effortlessly at any occasion
1. Clips
The most common type of hair accessory that is owned by almost every girl on this planet. From fancy to basic, you may find a wide variety of clips in the market. However, the purpose remains the same: to pull back hair from your face in a stylish way.
You can get clips in different sizes, designs, shapes and materials with their own set of pros and cons. For instance, metal clips are durable and sturdy but not comfortable. On the other hand, plastic clips are way softer but are easily breakable. However, whatever material, size or type of clip you buy; this hair accessory is meant to add life to your hairstyle and overall look.
2. Barrettes
Quite similar to clips; barrettes are smaller in size generally. They are ideal to hold thin hair firmly, which is quite a task. Besides, big-sized barrettes are also available to pull back majority of hair, or they can be used for adornment purposes.
3. Headband
Headbands are included in clothing hair accessory that can be worn either on the top of the head or around the forehead. Nowadays, embellishment hairbands are used as a hair jewelry; however, the accessory also works great for keeping hair away from the face and eyes.
Headbands are useful for those who have a front cut hair or short hair. Moreover, you might have seen a majority of beauty bloggers or makeup artists using hairbands while painting their faces to prevent getting any hair strands’ distractions. Different types of hairbands are there to serve different purposes:
- Single loop elastic material – to fit any shape of head effortlessly.
- Hard headband with teeth – to keep the baby hair intact.
- Fabric hairbands – for decoration purpose but it is comfortable enough to wear all day long.
- Elastic hairbands – they are mostly used during skin treatments, makeup, etc. to do the job without messing with hair.
4. Hairpins
Another common hair jewelry which must be lying around in your drawers. Available in several styles and types; hairpins serve the same purpose – keeping hair in place. However, basic hairpins play a big role in setting up any hairdo and keep it intact for hours. Two types of hairpins are commonly seen:
- The one that is made of a single piece of metal. They are known as hair sticks.
- The other type is a half bent in the form of crook for styling.
5. Hair comb
Looking for a stylish accessory that can look great with all type of hairdos? Hair comb can help!
They are not just extremely useful for tucking in small hair, but also give an overall stylish look. This hair jewelry is ideal for those who have front cut as hair comb can beautifully pull back the fringe or flicks.
Apart from this, these combs are mostly decorative and embellished, which means you can also flaunt them with several hairdos, like buns, open hair with curls, half bun and the list is endless. The best thing is that; when you wear hair combs; only the top part appear not the comb teeth. Hence, no one can actually tell if you are wearing a comb or is it a pearl/stone setting on your hairdo. How cool is that?
However, some people may find it hard to learn its proper usage initially, but you can’t get enough of it once you master the skill. Do you know the pair can be the best present for your wife?
6. Tiaras
Tiaras never go out of style! You can fulfil your dream of looking like a princess at any age. Tiaras are similar to crowns and are placed on the top of head in the same way. They are generally embellished with rhinestones to ensure they get noticed and admired.
In order to keep tiaras in place; small sections of combs are attached at both ends that can be gently pressed in the hair. In some pieces, you get two holes at both ends to attach them with pins or hooks. For further security, you need to do a little back combing or puff, and the tiara will stay for hours. Apart from weddings, this hair jewelry has the ability to look great on any event, like prom, dance parties, birthdays or fashion shows.
Below is a summarized version of the hair jewelry types along with their main uses:
Type of Hair Jewelry/ Uses | Clips | Barrettes | Headband | Hairpins | Hair comb | Tiara |
Usual material | Plastic, metal | Plastic, metal | Plastic, fabric, elastic | Metal | Metal, wooden, plastic | Plastic , metal |
Main purpose | Hold back hair, provide embellishment | To hold back thin hair | Hold back hair from face for makeup, skincare, and comfort; also for embellishment | Keeping hairstyle intact, keeping hair from flying about | To tuck in stray hair strands, also for decorative purposes | Embellishment |
Potential problems | Metal clips aren’t comfortable Plastic clips are not durable | Same as clips | Might damage hair due to pressure May squeeze head and cause headaches | Easily lost | Might take some time to learn proper usage | Not for everyday or casual use |
Our Amazon Recommendations for Beautiful Hair Jewelry Pieces
Now that you know which type of hair accessory will suit your hair or the hairstyle you want; it’s the right time to purchase one. We have listed down a few pieces that can help you in making a great buying decision. Have a look!
1. Numblartd Vintage Flowers Hair Claw Jaw Clips Pins with Rhinestone
Tie your long hair in style with this beautiful set of hair clips! The best thing is; you get 4 different colors in one order and that too for such a great price.
The size of these clips is almost 5.2x4cm/2x1.57”. Besides, the base of these hair claws is gold, giving it a vintage and fancy look at a same time. They are durable, comfortable, stylish, vibrant and can be a great option to gift your female friend. You can either tie all the hair or secure a bun with this one!
Pros
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Stylish
- Reasonable price
- Lightweight
Cons
- You may find its size slightly smaller than what you expected.
- Not a good choice for silky and straight hair as it may slip because of the material.
2. HYFEEL Large French Barrettes
Looking for a barrette that can be worn on parties and is perfect for casual wear as well? HYFEEL French barrettes can serve your needs!
These barrettes work equally good for any type of hair, all thanks to the presence of removable inner bar that can easily capture thicker hair. However, even if you have curly, long, thin or straight hair; HYFEEL barrettes are perfect for everyday styling as well. Moreover, cellulose acetate material is used in their making along with an automatic clamp, while the design is non-slip and comfortable. These barrettes come with smooth polished edges to ensure light hold and prevent hair damage.
When it comes to the versatility of HYFEEL barrettes; they can be worn on any occasion, be it daily look, school, work, parties and even dates.
Pros
- Versatile
- Comfortable and stylish design
- Smooth edges for safety
- Suitable for all types of hair
Cons
- Durability is questionable.
- May not work for extremely thick hair
3. Ondder Headbands for Women Knotted Turban Headbands
Hairbands are in top trend these days for all the right reasons! Ondder Knotted Turban Headbands are a perfect recommendation, if you are looking for one.
Ondder offers pack of 10 headbands that are made up of three different materials, including: three leopard printed for casual or party wear, three in velvet stuff to use in winters or autumn and the remaining four are cloth headbands that can be worn throughout the year. Besides, the quality of these hairbands is ensured, and they are extremely lightweight and comfortable to wear. In fact, they are flexible enough to fit any head (regardless of its size), and allow you to adjust it accordingly. For instance, you need to stretch the bottom outwards to make it loose, and pull inwards to narrow down.
Ondder Knotted hairbands look equally great with any hair type, including curly hair, long hair, straight hair, thin hair, thick hair, etc. You can flaunt them on work, get together, date, casual meetings, formal meetings, at home or just about anywhere.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Extremely comfortable to wear
- 10 different colors, designs and fabric
- Suitable for all hair types
- Perfect gifting option
- Good quality
- Flexible
Cons
- May not last longer.
- Griping teeth absent hence they may not stay put for hours.
4. 16 Pieces Rhinestone Bobby Pin
When it comes to hair accessories or hairstyling, bobby pins should be present at the top of your tool box! Although you may find a variety of bobby pins in the market, but quality matter because you wouldn’t want to harm your hair while sliding a hair pin. Would you? However, bobby pins don’t have to be boring and basic. Fret not! If you want to purchase best-quality ornamented jewelry for hair in a low price, then this pins set is our recommendation!
Whether you are trying to style your hair for the night out or need to pull back everyday hair; these bobby pin set can make your job effortless. You can get 16 pieces in one pack, and that too for such a reasonable price. This secure hold hair accessory comes with smooth tips to prevent snagging. Moreover, they are decorated with rhinestones to give a bit fancy yet decent look. They are available in different colors, so you can wear them every day with matching outfits.
Pros
- Ensures secure hold
- Ideal for styling hair
- Reasonable price
- Smooth tip
- Available in different colors
- Comes as a pack of 16
Cons
- Not much durable
- You may find it a bit hard to work with.
5. 2 Pieces Wedding Headband Bridal Hair Pieces Silver Rhinestone Hair Side Comb
Looking for a fancy hair piece for an upcoming party or your own wedding? This two piece silver hair comb is an ideal choice!
While shopping for a wedding, every bride wants the best for her big day. Especially when it comes to hair jewelry, it has to be eye-catching, pretty and comfortable. This fancy hair comb is sure to add charm to your overall look. It is made of silver copper wire, embellished with rhinestones and comes with attached teeth to ensure a secure hold. In fact, you can flaunt the combs on any other occasion like parties, proms, receptions, birthdays, Valentine’s Day and more. Don’t worry you won’t look overdone at all!
This stylish jewelry can be worn as a side comb with open hair, or you can either attach them around a bun or style the pieces with half up half down hair.
Important Tips:
- Please make sure the jewelry has no contact with water, alkali liquor or any caustic liquid.
- It is suggested to store the pieces in an enclosed package after using them to prevent decoloration.
- Take them off before bedtime, so the ornaments don’t break while you are sound asleep.
Pros
- Fancy and versatile
- Convenient design
- Easy to use
- Goes well with a variety of hairdos
- Ensures a secure hold
Cons
- It is a delicate product so require a lot of care for handling.
6. Exacoo Silver Tiara Wedding Tiaras and Crowns for Women
Here is a super gorgeous tiara that is bound to give you a royal look, regardless of your age! Yes, you read it right. This hair jewelry is suitable for all age groups, be it a teenager or her mother in her forties. Every girl on this planet deserve to look like a princess at least once in life. No?
This particular piece is versatile, pretty, inexpensive, stylish, comfortable and whatnot. It is embellished with rhinestone and beautiful diamond-cut stones for a luxurious look. Moreover, it is made of alloy with hard texture and gold-plated metal for aesthetics and practicality.
For added security and safety, the crown comes equipped with two round holes on both its sides for attachment purpose, ensuring a secure hold than the one with combs. Besides, you can flaunt this gorgeous jewelry effortlessly on any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, prom, fancy dress, Valentine’s Day or even your own wedding day!
Pros
- Gorgeous and versatile
- Inexpensive
- Suitable for all age groups
- Ensure secure fit
- Embellished with A-grade rhinestones
- Smooth edges
Cons
- Its stones may fall out easily
- Not much durable
| Numblartd Vintage Flowers Hair Claw Jaw Clips Pins with Rhinestone | HYFEEL Large French Barrettes | Ondder Headbands for Women Knotted Turban Headbands | 16 Pieces Rhinestone Bobby Pin | 2 Pieces Wedding Headband Bridal Hair Pieces Silver Rhinestone Hair Side Comb | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Imitation stones and metal alloys | Cellulose acetate, metal | Plastic and fabric | Metal and rhinestones | Silver copper wire, rhinestones |
| Color Options | Gold base with purple, red, pink , green flowers | Ivory, Blue, and Tortoiseshell | Several colors and patterns | Silver or gold with different rhinestone color options | Silver with multicolored stone options |
| Durability | High | Low | Medium | Low | Low |
| Main Disadvantage | Not for silky or very straight hair | Not for very thick hair | No teeth for extra grip | Hard to handle at first | Delicate and require a lot of care |
| Size in inches | 2 x 1.57 | 3.6 x 0.63 x 0.8 | 1.2: inside headband 2: fabric covering | 2.36 x 0.63 | 4.13 x 8.46 |
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| Exacoo Silver Tiara Wedding Tiaras and Crowns for Women | |
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| Material | Crystal, metal alloy, rhinestones |
| Color Options | Shades of silver, gold, and rose gold |
| Durability | Low |
| Main Disadvantage | Rhinestones easily fall out |
| Size in inches | 2.2 x 6.1 |
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Hair Jewelry Worth Buying?
There are so many advantages of buying hair jewelry and not even a single disadvantage. Every penny spent on purchasing hair ornaments is totally worth it! In this guide, we have discussed the top 5 hair accessories, their usage, purpose and the best options to buy. However, these were just our suggestions, and you have the right to choose what suits your hair the best.