Buying jewelry gets expensive, but the act of accessorizing doesn’t have to be. The secret? Focus on decorating a different part of your person — like your hair.In fact, a chic hair accessory is not unlike the signature piece of jewelry you swore you would wear every day, but somehow sits on your dresser collecting dust. The difference is, the kind that adorns your hair also has a useful function of keeping your locks in place. (Win-win!)
Of course, it's no secret that there are a lot of not-so-cute hair accessories out there. So, we've sorted through the selection and picked the best of the best. Ahead, you'll find editor-approved options for every budget, from '90s throwback scrunchies made modern in smooth (faux) leather to sleek and simple clips that will add instant allure to any undone 'do.
These small, sleek braid holders are the midi-rings of the hair accessory world. Translation: They're modern, simple, and will garner lots of attention. Plus, they won't slip off.
Caravan Pacific Brass Braid Ties $32, available at Caravan Pacific.
This simple, geometric stick-and-ring hair duo gets a playful upgrade thanks to an arrow design. And while the separate pieces may confuse you at first (the circle and stick are not connected), we assure you it’s easy. Simply pull a section of hair halfway though the ring like you would through a hair tie, stick the rod under the hair that’s looping out of the circle, and gently pull tight.
Monki Arrow Hairpin, $10.50, available at ASOS.
Lauren Conrad's go-to hairstylist, Kristin Ess, recently used this romantic accessory in the star's hair — and we haven't been able to stop thinking about it since. Not sure you want to invest? Keep clicking.
Lelet NY Heart Crystal Top Knot, $289, available at Lelet NY.
Thank to the popularity of these hair necklaces, also called hair falls or hair chains, brands like Topshop have more affordable options. We love this jeweled one, just be sure you cross a second bobby pin over the attached ones to keep it secure.
Topshop Stone Multi Chain Hair Drape, $13.20, available at Nordstrom.
Sure, it’s a serious hair accessory investment, but such a breathtaking piece could never come cheap. After all, it looks like an heirloom straight out of The Great Gatsby. So, if you’re the type who wears the same LBD to every formal event, opting to just switch up your accessories, this is a pretty great pick.
Ben Amun Crystal Hair Comb $372, available at Ben Amun.
The marble trend need not apply to interior design fans only. Just pick up this clip. [Ed. Note: This would look particularly cool if you’re rocking opal, rainbow, or pastel hair.]
H&M Marble Barrette $6.99, available at H&M.
The sheer weightiness of this handmade bronze hair pin makes it feel like a talisman with mystical powers that will lead you to the right style every day. Okay, maybe not, but man would it look cool placed in your go-to bun or topknot!
Neal Folke Hair Pin, $96, available at Neal Jewelry.
Add some goddess vibes to your up- or half-do with a gilded leaf from Cult Gaia. This comb is like a next-gen flower crown: a touch of nature with a rad metallic finish.
Cult Gaia Dani Comb $60, available at Cult Gaia.
Your middle school mecca for all things smiley face and glittery is an untapped resource for more mature hair accessories, too! These simple clips are a great way to keep a deep side part in place or simply keep your bangs off your face.
Claire’s Mixed Metal Slide Hair Clips Set, $5.50, available at Claire's.
We love when hair accessories look like jewelry, like this mystical-looking hair pick from CAM Jewelry. Why? It gives an otherworldly touch to your messy updo.
CAM Illumination Hair Pick $70, available at CAM Jewelry.
A metal cuff around your ponytail has the benefit of looking chic and tough at the same time, depending on how you style your 'do. Or, if you want to really make a statement, match it to your biggest pair of hoops.
L. Erickson Ponytail Cuff, $22, available at Nordstrom.
You can’t go wrong with a simple metallic barrette. This one from J.Crew comes in a few different finishes and widths so you can literally build a hair accessory wardrobe or just pick the one you fancy the most.
J.Crew Thin Metal Barrette, $10, available at J.Crew.
If you’re into crystals — or even if you aren’t — the structured quartz atop this gold-plated hair pin makes for a Stevie Nicks-by-way-of-Bergdorf vibe. Translation: Your bun will be fancy and cool.
Colette Malouf Steel Icicle Hair Pin, $198, available at Lyst.
Wearing simple bobby pins can be incredibly stylish — this we know— but when you want a little something extra, we prefer a pin adorned with sleek enamel. Bonus? The work just as well as bobby pins when used in your topknot.
Accessorize Set of 8 Tortoise Slides $13.50, available at Accessorize.
You could say scrunchies are back thanks to a love of all things '80s and '90s — but be sure you pick one that feels of-the-moment. For example, this faux leather option from cult Swedish brand & Other Stories is way more Rihanna than Kimmy Gibbler.
& Other Stories Leather Scrunchie $19, available at & Other Stories.
A simple gold circle adds polish to any pulled-back hairstyle. Bonus: no accidental snagging of other hairs, thank to its circle design.
Riviera Gold Circle Barrette $8, available at Ulta.
If you’re serious about accessorizing your hair, why not invest in a hunk of metal with this sculptural piece from Sylvain Le Hen? With its clean, rose gold finish, it’s all the jewelry you'll need.
Sylvain Le Hen Barrette 089, $60, available at The Dreslyn.
Ponytails can be a dead giveaway that you woke up a bit too late. But the small luxe detail of something like this metallic leather ponytail holder will ward off this notion. It’s a lot of responsibility for this little strip of leather, but it's up to the challenge.
Surond Studio Gold Leather Ponytail Holder, $12, available at Etsy.
These beautiful vintage clips deliver Art Deco vibes and hold your 'do in place. We recommend going with a style that's loosely pulled back and soft — go too severe or sleek and they'll lose part of their charm.
ModCloth Stars In Your Favor Pin Set $12.99, available at ModCloth.
Part Spice Girls, part Clueless, and totally of-the-moment, this is the most affordable way to embrace the faux fur trend and keep your day-two hair pulled into a low pony.
Topshop Pom-Pom Hairties, $12, available at Topshop.
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