29 Secrets

Feel like you’re in a hairstyle rut? Just like a pair of earrings or shoes can change your outfit, hair accessories are an easy way to add some pizzazz (not to mention control your wayward mane). And if the recent batch of celeb looks are anything to go by, hair bling is having a style moment. At the Golden Globes, Carey Mulligan topped her short crop with a delicate metal band and Rose Byrne anchored retro waves with a vintage-looking hair comb, while Jessica Alba kept a chic updo together with a black ribbon on the Valentine’s Day red carpet.

Here are five ways to shake up your mane with the right accessory:

Bobby pins:

These handy little tools work wonders for any type of hair, whether you’re holding back your bangs in that “in-between” stage, or you need to pin together a sophisticated twist or bun. For a more avant-garde look, don’t bother keeping your bobby pins in the background – place three or four brightly coloured pins in a row for an update on the old stand-by.

Barrettes:

Use one or two barrettes with a little sparkle to dress up a short ’do or blunt bob. Just keep hair accessories on the small side if you have a close crop, so that they don’t overpower your face.

Hair combs:

If you love wearing your long hair down, but need to make it special for a big event, just make a clean side part and add a statement piece on one side of your head for a shot of asymmetrical elegance. On more casual days, you can use drugstore plastic combs on both sides to get the half-up, half-down look. If you’ve never worn a hair comb before, just remember to insert it towards your roots (or away from the grain), to make it stay in place.

Stretchy bands:

On bad hair days, your go-to ponytail or bun doesn’t have to look like a last resort. Tidy up an updo with a simple, stretchy band. Stick to solid colours (especially black) to keep the look more modern, less soccer mom.

Headbands:

A colourful headband is still the most surefire way to add some life to a boring hairstyle or outfit. If you’re worried that the Gossip Girl ship has sailed, try pairing the headband with a decidedly unpreppy outfit (that means no plaid!) or with a messy side braid.