STYLE

Bye, bad hair days!

The 2023 catwalk saw everything from bows to bobby pins, but the lewks don't stop there: Think claw clips for the laid-back, barrettes for the fashion fan and headbands for the preppy princess. So, who do you want to be today?

Bring on the bows

Images: @sandyliang, @paigelorenze | The Hair Edit Satin Bow Ponytail Hook, $5, thehairedit.com. Urban Outfitters Satin Bow Hair Slide 6-Pack Set, $14, urbanoutfitters.com.

Let's be honest, it's super easy to tie a bow around pretty much any hairstyle (think: ponytail, half-up or updo). But why not try designer Sandy Liang's fall runway approach and fasten bow clips all over your strands? Just call us...bowed over.

Make-it-modern scrunchie

Images: @nikkinelms, @scunci | Slip Positano Large Scrunchies, $39 for 3, slip.com. Scunci Scrunchies, $5 for 10, riteaid.com.

Why stop at one hair tie when you can use multiple? For a look like Janelle Monaé's, try tying a band or two every few inches to add contrast. The same works for layering larger scrunchies (or even simple black bands) for a more polished style. And because there are so many colors, prints and sizes to choose from, you can easily switch up your look depending on your vibe.

She's got claws

Images: @sofiarichiegrainge, @hoskelsa | Allkinds Coloured Matte Claw Clip, $6, allkinds.com. Emi Jay Sweetheart Clip in Pink Angel Food, $32, emijay.com.

Claw clips are the fast style fix of choice for Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, Sofia Richie Grainge and, well, pretty much everyone we know. For medium to long hair lengths, stylist Priscilla Vales recommends parting hair down the center and gathering it low at the nape of the neck before twisting it into the clip. (Get the cool-girl look by pulling two face-framing pieces free.)

With the band

Images: @by.regiina, @followingsunshine_ | Djerf Avenue Rainbow Headband, $44, djerfavenue.com. Kitsch Cotton 2 pc. Adjustable Headbands, $12, mykitsch.com.

Previously reserved for either lazy days or sweating it out at the gym, wide, stretchy headbands are now so fashionable that a few were even spotted on the Met Gala carpet. It's really as simple as slipping one on and deciding which look goes with the band. Will you opt for straight, curly, braided, a high pony, maybe even a slicked-back bun? The limit does not exist.

Bitty butterflies

Images: @laurapolko, @laurenreneeee | Goody Planet Goody Kids Butterfly Claw Jaw Clips, $6 for 6, walmart.com. Kitsch Clear No-Snag Elastics, $3, ulta.com.

It's true: Butterfly clips are just as much fun now as they were in the early aughts. If your hair is on the finer side and you don't need the clip to hold too much, you can basically pop them wherever you want (use a clear elastic first, then place the clip over top for extra security). The cutest way to wear them? Part your hair down the middle and create two or four sections away from the face. Totally awesome.

Barrettes, bb

Images: @isabellacarrr, @amberfillerup | Bellefixe Moscow Mule Collection Embossed Snap Clip Set, $10, bellefixe.com. Kristin Ess Celestial Bobby Pins, $8, target.com. R+Co Zig Zag Root Teasing + Texture Spray, $36, randco.com.

No longer relegated to keeping strays off your face, high-fashion houses like Chanel and Fendi sent their models down the runway with clips of all kinds. While you can truly put them anywhere, hairstylist Marwa Bashir suggests using texture spray to ensure an all-day hold, then placing the clip by following the line of the cheekbone (go above or behind the ear) to accentuate your features.

Crowning glory

Images: @keke, @ken_kenn | Lele Sadoughi Headband, $65, lelesadoughi.com. Locks & Mane Spa Bubble Headband, $12, ulta.com. Dove Beauty Refresh + Care Coconut Dry Shampoo, $7, target.com.

From Blair Waldorf to a million GRWM TikToks, the headband's versatility knows no bounds: It's great on any style (even a short pixie can wear one, confirms Bashir). Hate that "my hair is plastered to my head" vibe? Prep strands with a few spritzes of dry shampoo to build in some volume (or just, ya know, keep on that padded headband to make a statement—zero styling required).

Hey, girl! Just wanted to let you know that this story originally ran in our August/September 2023 issue. Want more? Read the print mag for free *today* when you click HERE.

Got a favorite hair accessory? Tag us in your go-to hair looks for a chance to get featured @girlslifemag!

Looking for more hair inspo? Check out these posts:
🎀 4 cute hairstyles to wear with hats
🎀 5 cute ways to style a bandana in your hair
🎀 How to elevate your basic half-up half-down hairstyle

Slider image: @mmivia
Top image: @theserieshsm

by Lisa DeSantis | 9/15/2023