Hair Accessories

Having the right hair accessories can take a so-so style to a spectacular one. There are many types of accessories, however, and it is best to try several styles to find the one that works best.

Head bands.

Ponytail Holder Hair Accessories

Ponytail holders, also known as pony-o's or hair ties, are the little black dresses of the hair accessory world. Elastic ponytail holders can create a wide variety of styles, from classic ponytails to braids to trendy bun looks. Ponytail holder selections include:

• Standard Ponytail Holders: An elastic band usually held together with a small metal band.
• No Damage Ponytail Holders: A continuous strip of elastic that reduces hair damage.
• Hair 'Hose': Stretchy bands consisting of nylon or other hosiery materials.
• Scrunchies: Elastic bands surrounded by a strip of fabric that ruffles or bunches up around the band.
• Decorative Elastics: Ponytail holders with a central jewel or design accent.

Hair ties and elastics come in a wide variety of sizes. A standard medium size can work with many styles and hair types. For small braids, multiple tie backs, or fine hair, small and mini elastics are needed. If you have thick hair, large or oversize holders will work well.

Hair Clips

Medium-sized plastic claw clip.

"Hair clips" is a generic term for a wide variety of hair accessories. Hair clips can pull hair back, away from the face, or just add some pizzazz to a style. Hair clips range from simple to elaborate, come in a variety of sizes, and work by clamping or snapping down on a portion of hair.

• Barrettes: Although the majority of barrettes are metal, they can be made from a wide variety of materials, from plastic to wood. Available in small, medium, and large sizes, barrettes snap or clasp close to hold a portion of hair in place.
• Alligator Clamps: Alligator clamps generally com in small to medium sizes. They open by squeezing one end and close down on the hair. They hold a small to medium amount of hair.
• Condor Clips: Similar to alligator clamps, condor clips are larger and hold more hair. They can be used to secure messy or piecy buns and updos.
• Hair Claws or Jaws: Hair claws or jaws are squeezed open and gather together a portion of hair in its 'jaw' or 'claw.' Mini claw clips look cute pulling back small portions of hair, while larger jaw clips can pull back larger portions of hair and secure updos.
• Hair Snaps: Used mainly for decorative purposes, hair snaps are tiny clips that hold only few strands of hair.

Hair Pins

Hair pins are smaller than clips and slide into hair rather than clamp down. They are used for both securing portions of hair in a style and for decoration. Bobby pins are used in both everyday and dressy hairstyles, while chignon pins and hair pin jewels are hair accessories usually reserved for formal occasions.

Hair Sticks

Hair sticks are hair accessories used in securing buns and updos. Small hair sticks can be used to secure partial updos and smaller amounts if hair. Wood is a popular material for hair sticks, although metal, plastic, and other materials are available. In addition to hair sticks, variations like hair forks, hair prongs, and hair spikes are available.

Headbands and Wraps

Head bands and wraps hold hair back away from the face and come in several styles. Some headbands are made of stiff materials like plastic or metal, with or without gripping combs, and rest on the head ending behind the ears. Other headbands and wraps are made of soft elastic or conforming materials and wrap completely around the head.

Bridal, Prom, and Formal Occasion Hair Accessories

Bridal, prom, and formal occasion hair accessories often have jewels, pearls, crystal or other décor. Popular hair pieces include:

• Tiaras or jeweled headbands
• Jeweled or decorated combs
• Bun wraps
• Hair Jewels (clips, pins, or magnets)
• Flowers (real or silk)
• Ribbons or bows
• Beads or strands of beads

In Conclusion

Hair accessories are available virtually everywhere from drugstores and mass merchandise retailers to specialty jewelry and accessory shops. A simple black barrette may be just the thing to tame down your curls at the office, or a rhinestone condor clip could be the ticket to jazz up your updo for a girl's night out. A new hair accessory doesn't cost much, and may be just the thing to make you feel like a million bucks.

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