Hair hardware is the easiest way to bling up any hairstyle this summer

With summer almost upon us (fingers and toes crossed), it’s time to start preparing for all the upcoming festivals, weddings and parties on the horizon. If you’re looking for a simple way to take your hair from drab to fab, then hair hardware might be the trend for you. Coined by leading hair stylist and trend forecaster Tom Smith, it’s universal for all hair types and styles and a quick way of bringing extra sparkle with little effort.

“It works just as well for minimalists as it does for maximalists,” he says. “Whether you’re adding a sleek metal clip to a ponytail, or layering multiple decorative pins into a braided look, hair hardware is a simple way to add interest and individuality.”

Michael Buckner/Getty Images

Don’t worry, cute hair bows are very much still on the summer moodboard, but if you’re looking for a different vibe why not try sprinkling some diamantés or pearls through your locks? Or if you want to go all out, try a stack of statement clips nestled among a messy bun or around the base of your ponytail. Whatever your mood, mixing and matching is encouraged for a unique look.

If you’re looking to splurge, brands like Lelet NY, Jennifer Behr, and Alighieri are great go-tos for a variety of chic hair accessories from jewel-encrusted floral clips to sculptural ponytail cuffs. The best part about the trend though, is that you can reuse accessories you’ve already got lying around at home without needing to spend a penny.

“Vintage brooches, earrings, or even belt buckles can be repurposed in clever ways,” Tom explains. “I love the jewellery market by Camden Passage in Islington or you can also get great finds on eBay. The key is to be creative and choose items that add interest without overwhelming the hair.”

When removing your hair hardware at the end of the day, Tom warns to be extra careful to avoid any damage. “Never sleep with hair accessories left in and remove them gently and one by one rather than tearing them from the hair,” he advises. “If you’re trying this trend repeatedly, be sure to add them into different areas of your hair and take care not to add too much weight to finer areas of your hair.”

If hair hardware sounds like your summer style, here are some of our faves for inspiration…

Statement brooch

Styled by Vernon Francois for Chanel’s Cruise 2026 show, Lupita Nyong’o’s hair was the best of both worlds – pairing a statement logo brooch with a trio of cascading ribbons at the back.

Pearls

We love this mermaid-esque smattering of hair pearls from Jennifer Behr, cleverly magnetised to keep them in place.

Gems

Or if diamonds are your best friend, try sprinkling them throughout your hair à la Megan Thee Stallion at the 2025 Met Gala.

Vintage headdress

A solid party option, serve vintage glamour in this beaded diamond headdress.

Blingy clips

Slides don’t have to be simple, we love these blinged-up Simone Rocha flower pins.

Flower power

Transforming your hair into a garden in bloom, these golden flower clips from Lelet NY are punctuated with pearls for extra glam.

Ponytail cuff

A more everyday version of the trend, add interest to your ponytail with a statement cuff in metal, marble, or pearl.

Animal clips

Eagle-eyed fans at this year’s Met Gala will have spotted a cute alligator clip hidden in Lana Del Rey’s curls courtesy of New Orleans hair accessory brand Relic Room. They’ve also got spiders, skulls, and flies for a spooky twist

Clips on clips on clips

This one is for the maximalists. Why stop at two or three hair clips when you can add more? Teyana Taylor’s clip-covered finger wave looks like it’s made of pure gold.

Pretty as a princess

An easy one to start with, go for a princess vibe by adding a sleek metal headband for extra sparkle.

Triple stack

Why stop at one ponytail cuff when you can have three?