How To Get Party Hair Accessories To Stay In Place
This party season, it’s time to turn your hair into the main event. Bows, clips, headbands, and even embellished ’80-style barrettes are back in a big way—and no, they’re not just for kids or brides. These accessories are your shortcut to transforming your look from ‘just rolled out of bed’ to red carpet-ready. Here’s everything you need to know about styling them like a pro, keeping them in place all night, and dressing up your hair without spending hours in front of the mirror.
Bows & clips
Think oversized velvet bows and pearl-adorned clips for a touch of elegance or rhinestone-studded barrettes to give your hair a subtle sparkle. The trick? Keep the rest of your look sleek and simple. A low ponytail tied with a dramatic bow screams “chic,” while stacking clips on one side of a sleek blowout gives cool-girl energy with minimal effort.
Pro tip: Mist your hair with a texturising spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray (from £22) to give your strands enough grip to hold the accessories without slipping. Fine hair? Tease the roots gently with a comb before sliding in your clip for extra security.
Headbands
Headbands are your go-to for instant polish, whether you’re into padded velvet, satin with jewels, or metallic gold for a festive feel. “Pair a chunky headband with loose waves for a modern, party-perfect look or pull your hair back into a sleek bun for maximum drama,” suggests Sophie Harris, Principal Stylist at Josh Wood. And the best bit is that this style flatters all hair lengths.
Pro tip: Use a touch of Josh Wood Miracle Hair Oil (£15) to smooth flyaways before slipping on your headband
Headbands are your go-to for instant polish, whether you’re into padded velvet, satin with jewels, or metallic gold for a festive feel.
Barrettes and sparkly pins
Why wear one barrette when you could wear three? Stack them on one side of your part for a bold asymmetrical vibe, or scatter sparkly pins across a messy bun for a playful, undone look that still feels put-together.
Pro tip: Use a small spritz of Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Spray (£5.50) to lock them in place—especially if you’re dancing the night away.
Oversized scrunchies
The ’90s hair trend that’s gone XXL in the best possible way. These voluminous accessories are perfect for transforming a basic bun or ponytail into a major style statement. To pull it off, go for bold textures like velvet or satin in rich jewel tones—they give a luxe vibe without trying too hard. Match your scrunchie to your makeup (hello, metallic scrunchie with a shimmery eye!)
Pro tip: Spritz your ponytail with texture or dry shampoo spray, such as K18 Airwash (£48) before tying it up to avoid that “too flat” look.
Always secure with an elastic first to make sure your scrunchie doesn’t slip.
Home styling tips
If your hair needs a little extra drama before the accessories go in, here’s how to create a pro-level style at home.
Slicked perfection: Use a boar-bristle brush and Hairstory Hair Holding Wax (£31) for a high-shine finish that pairs beautifully with minimalist clips or metallic headbands.
Quick fix: “Spray Sam McKnight Cool Girl Barely There Texture Spray (£27) on roots on clean or next day hair. It will give hair an instant boost of volume and make it a great base to add any hair accessories or to do a quick up-do,” claims Sophie Harris, Principal Stylist at Josh Wood.
Protect your strands: When using styling tools like straighteners, curling irons, and hair dryers, don’t forget to give your hair the protection it needs to keep your strands healthy. We love Hairstory’s Primer (£37.05) – a lightweight formula which also helps with detangling.
Undone texture: Don’t have time for a blowout? Twist damp hair into two loose buns and let them air dry. Unwind them for effortless waves, perfect for a bow or scattered barrettes.
DIY glam: Take a simple ponytail to glam status by wrapping a velvet ribbon around the base or twisting it through a braid.
Final touches
Your hair accessories deserve to be the star, but don’t forget the details. A light spritz of a shine spray like R+Co Trophy Shine + Texture Spray (£24.50) will give your hair a polished finish, while a few bobby pins tucked discreetly into your updo will ensure everything stays in place.
Whether you’re channelling old-Hollywood glam or leaning into the viral preppy look, there’s a style—and a sparkle—for everyone.
