If social media is anything to go by, we’re officially in the era of bows, claw clips and oversized scrunchies. Hair accessories are now bigger than ever, not only having taken TikTok by storm but also having undergone quite the rebrand, with luxury designers like Gucci and Balmain reimagining these once-overlooked staples.
No longer associated with just an event or childhood dress-up, day-to-day hair accessories have taken a classy, elegant – and most importantly, ‘grown up’ – turn. Even the royals have got the memo.
Over the weekend, Zara Tindall stunned at the Cheltenham Racecourse for Festival Trials Day, opting for a nonchalant updo - with a sophisticated twist. Letting her ruched headband take centre stage, she sported a perfectly put-together look for a race day, using a simple accessory to complement the chocolate fur trims on her jacket.
We spoke to professional hairstylist Adem Oygur of Adem London, to get the lowdown on how exactly Zara’s headband elevates her style. Above all, he explains that drawing attention to the face while complementing the overall hairstyle is key.
“The headband frames her features beautifully and helps to keep the updo polished and secure. It’s especially flattering because it adds dimension and a focal point to the hair without overwhelming her look, making it an elegant, yet effortless, addition,” says Adem.
For midlife women especially, Adem adds that striking a balance between chic and practical is essential: “Padded or embellished headbands can add volume and a youthful touch, while sleek claw clips or tortoiseshell barrettes work well for everyday wear. Silk scrunchies are also a great option – they’re gentle on the hair and add a touch of refinement without looking too casual.”
In addition to elevating a simple everyday ‘do, hair accessories can also offer a low-effort way to mask tired hair between wash days. From a French pin for a 10-second chignon to a classy barrette for a bouncy half-up half-down, shop our top picks for the best ‘grown up’ hair accessories.
