The Effortless Silk Scarf
Few accessories are as versatile as the silk scarf. A staple of the 1940s and 50s, it was used to protect intricate hairstyles or add a touch of polished elegance. Women in the 40s used them as practical head wraps, while 50s screen sirens tied them around
ponytails or wore them as chic head coverings. Today, the scarf is just as relevant. Tie a small one around the base of a ponytail or bun for a pop of colour. For a more classic look, fold it into a long band and wear it as a headband, tying it at the nape of your neck. It’s an instant way to elevate second-day hair or add a sophisticated finish to a simple outfit.
The Roaring Twenties Headband
When you think of the 1920s, you likely picture a flapper with a bejewelled headband worn low across the forehead. These pieces, often adorned with feathers, beads, and sequins, were the perfect complement to the short bob hairstyles that defined the era's new sense of freedom. While the forehead-adorning style is perfect for a themed party, the spirit of the '20s headband lives on in modern designs. Today, embellished headbands with pearls, crystals, or geometric details add a touch of glamour without feeling like a costume. A simple, wide headband in velvet or satin can also echo the bold styles of the 1960s, especially when paired with a little volume at the crown.
The Resurgent Claw Clip
The claw clip, an undeniable icon of the 1990s, has made a major comeback. Once considered purely functional for quickly tossing your hair up, it's now celebrated for its chic effortlessness. The 90s were all about casual, undone styles, and the claw clip was the perfect tool. Today's revival sees the clip used in much the same way: for creating an easy French twist or a half-up style. The modern update comes in the form of materials and design, with options ranging from minimalist metal clips to colourful acetate and classic tortoiseshell. It’s proof that a good, functional design never truly goes out of style.
Decorative Barrettes and Pins
From simple bobby pins to ornate barrettes, these small accessories have a long history of both function and decoration. Bobby pins became essential in the 1920s for securing the era's popular pin curls and finger waves. In the 1950s, delicate pearl hair clips added a touch of femininity. Today, barrettes and pins are being used as statement pieces. Try using a pair of contrasting barrettes to pin back one side of your hair, or use a single, sculptural clip to secure a low ponytail. These small touches can add personality and polish with minimal effort, transforming a simple hairstyle into a deliberate look.
The Comeback Scrunchie
Once a defining accessory of the late 80s and 90s, the scrunchie has returned from the fashion wilderness. Far from its polarising past, it's now appreciated as a gentle alternative to traditional hair elastics that prevents breakage and creasing. The modern take on the scrunchie often involves luxurious fabrics like silk or satin, making it feel more like a thoughtful accessory than a last-minute afterthought. Use an oversized scrunchie to create a voluminous high ponytail or a loose, low bun. It’s a playful nod to nostalgia that also happens to be practical and kind to your hair.
