It’s not often that the hottest trend in fashion and beauty is functional, affordable, and flattering on everyone – but hair clips are it.
Some of the most highly recognized designers from Alexander Wang to Donatella Versace sent their models down the runway during fashion week with clips, pins, barrettes, and headbands making hair accessories the go-to trend this season. The best part of this look is the versatility, and of course, the nostalgia of the 90’s when snap clips took over hairstyles and got scattered around our backpacks, purses, and vanities.
Hair clips, however, have grown up since then, with more designs and options than just clipping two on either side of your part. It’s also a trend that’s no longer reserved for our little sisters, with women sporting the hair trend during their 9 to 5 or for a night out.
There are several ways to incorporate the hair clip trend into your look. Whether you are using them to keep your hair out of your face when you’re working, to add a pop or colour to a monochrome outfit, or to glam up your hair for a night out, hair clips don’t have to cost a fortune or require any heavy styling. Here are some easy ways to wear hair clips like a cool girl, without looking like you're still in grade school.
Business casual
Take it from the king of accessory designers himself, Michael Kors. “I’ve always thought of accessories as the exclamation point of a woman’s outfit,” he said. No matter what your 9 to 5 is, we all have a go-to hairstyle that gets us up and out of the house as soon as possible. Whether it’s simple waves, a run-through with a straightening iron, or a topknot, sometimes it’s all about speed over style from Monday to Friday. The beauty of the hair clip trend is you don’t need much time to incorporate it into your look.
Use a metallic bobby pin or barrette where your hair parts if you’re wearing it down, wavy, straight, or curly. For straight hair, add a clip to both sides, or just one at the side of your part. Placing a few smaller or thinner clips or bobby pins just above the ear is also a simple and subtle option. For those with curly or more voluminous hair, choose bigger or more intricate clips or barrettes so they stand out from your curls. This little detail adds some pizzazz to your everyday look.
For more of a statement look, try out a jumbo clip at your side part, or gather some hair behind your head and secure it in place with a large clip.
If a sleek bun or ponytail is your thing, add a clip around the pony for some drama.
For a more sophisticated or elegant take, on the hair clip, get your hands-on pearl-detailed hair accessories for that more grown-up feel.
Chic and girly
Headed to brunch? A day of shopping? Or just grabbing a coffee with your girls? Hair clips can add a simple touch of personality to an otherwise casual look, making it totally Instragram-worthy.
Have fun with it and try out the layered look. Gather your hair to one side and secure a couple clips, one under the other. You can also mix and match with colors or textures for a bolder look.
Add a twist or a braid and pin it back with a jumbo clip or several small ones.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match accessories and break traditional style rules. Tie your hair back with a scarf and pin any loose hairs with clips or bobby pins that will compliment your look. The trick is to avoid over-styling your hair itself and let the hair clips be the star of the show.
Edgy and cool
Statement clips or slogan barrettes are perfect for an edgier look. Forget wearing your heart on your sleeve, put your feels on your hair. British designer Ashley Williams is famous for putting statement clips (made with crystals, no less) on the map, adorning her models during fashion week with clips with crystallized words on them. While Ashley Williams’ clips can run you upwards of $100, there are several more affordable dupes that can easily fit any budget.
Sport these crystal-adorned clips with your LBD or motto jacket. They can be pinned into sleek, straight hair, or at the side of a bun or ponytail. Slogan barrettes and branded clips enable you to create playful looks easily.
Want to dial up the drama and have even more fun with your look? Try out hair extensions for more volume and length or to play with colors and texture without commitment or damage. Try creating a long, thick braid, and adding multiple pins throughout!
Branded clips are right in line with the slogan barrettes at the haute couture houses, and we are all over it. From pearl clips at the Chanel show to crystal encrusted Gucci barrettes, we can now cover ourselves in luxury from head to toe.
Romantic date
For a date night out, we think simple is sexy. Whether this is a metallic clip or a barrette pinning soft waves to one side of your face, your hair accessory should compliment your entire OOTN. Depending on your plans for the night, a little glitter or metallic pin just above the ear can add a nice feminine touch. If the occasion is more on the fancy side, opt for a clip that’s a little heavier on the embellishment.
To get the look, twist your hair away from your face and securing it with a metallic clip.
Hair clips for wedding
Decorative clips and pins have long been used in bridal fashion, and while usually reserved for the bride and her maids, we think guests can rock them too.
For the bride, clips with added details like florals or feathers help compliment the veil, or can sometimes replace it entirely for a more modern look. Brides can also opt to change their hair after the ceremony into something more modern and dance-appropriate. In this case, a hair clip switch is an easy way to transform your look from classic to edgy.
Hair extensions are also often used on the bride for her big day to help create a fuller updo, more voluminous curls, or to easily add body and length. Hair clips can help in the styling process and compliment the bride’s overall wedding look seamlessly. The best part is a bridal hair clip is one of those wedding accessories you can easily reuse time and time again.
For wedding guests, hair clips are the perfect dress-up accessory.. Opt for an accent color, pearls, or crystals for a glamorous touch.
Hair clip tips
When it comes to hair clips, placement is everything. Be sure to insert your clip in a manner that can help highlight your eyes or cheekbones, such as just above the ear with a low side-part.
Don’t be afraid to use more than one clip and align them to secure more hair, instead of trying to jam and close a bunch of hair into just one clip.
While hair clips can add to your look, they don’t have to be the center of the show. Scatter one or two clips (especially more decorative or larger ones) behind your head for an equally stylish look.
Like any trend, be kind to your hair. There are so many options for hair clips available in terms of materials and the type of clasps or closures. Look for clips that won’t tug or break your hair. Also, try to find sizes and shapes that suit your hair texture, so they won’t get lost in your mane.
Have fun with it! The hair clip trend has a youthful image attached to it and pairing it with denim overalls, for example, may amplify a nostalgic look and feel – and if that’s what you’re going for, rock it! Otherwise, pair the trend with modern looks and styles to give it a more mature feel.
Let Instagram and Pinterest be your guide. Not sure where to start? Look for inspiration online. Find women who have similar hair color, length, and texture and see how they mix and match the look. With hair clips available in a range of prices, it’s easy to pick up a variety of options within your budget to play around with. The beauty of the hair clip trend is its versatility and adaptability, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
What do you think of the hair clip trend? Are you for it or against it? Let us know in the comments below!
Written by: Roslyn Solomon
