Life

Fashion: How to style this season's coolest hair accessories

Prudence Wade asks an expert for top tips on how to give clips, headbands and ribbons a grown-up update

Imogen Silk Knotted Headband, £59 (was £65), available from Alice and Blair
Imogen Silk Knotted Headband, £59 (was £65), available from Alice and Blair Imogen Silk Knotted Headband, £59 (was £65), available from Alice and Blair

IT'S easy to get bored of your hairstyle – after all, most of us have had it the same way for years. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to switch up your look without doing anything extreme. High fashion has wised up to the infinite possibilities that come with hair accessories, giving retro bows and clips an update for 2020.

Pulling off the right hair accessory requires a bit more thought than just placing it on your head but, done right, they can be a chic way to transform your look for the New Year and beyond...

HEADBANDS

The best thing about this trend is you can choose a headband to suit your personality. If you're always on the cutting edge of style, combine it with another trend and opt for a pearl-studded headband. Or, if you have quirkier taste, invest in a knotted band in a bright colour. Of course, adding jewels is always a good choice – particularly for a New Year night out. Try backcombing the area where you are going to put the headband first, then it will sit better within the hair and be more secure.

:: Alice and Blair Imogen Silk Knotted Headband, £59 (was £65)

Black Suedette Faux Pearl Embellished Headband, £5.99, New Look
Black Suedette Faux Pearl Embellished Headband, £5.99, New Look Black Suedette Faux Pearl Embellished Headband, £5.99, New Look
Plaited Alice Band, £7.20 (was £9)
Plaited Alice Band, £7.20 (was £9) Plaited Alice Band, £7.20 (was £9)

HAIR CLIPS AND BARRETTES

Slides and clips are a fantastic and cheap way to accessorise hair. Prep the hair with a texture spray or dry shampoo first, to give it a bit of grip. If your locks are too silky and soft, the clips will just slide on out. For extra security take a small section of hair, twist and tie with a rubber elastic, then pin or slide your clips into it.

4 Pack Christmas Gem Hair Slides, £6.99, and 2 Pack Silver Cubic Zirconia Hair Slides, £9.99, New Look
4 Pack Christmas Gem Hair Slides, £6.99, and 2 Pack Silver Cubic Zirconia Hair Slides, £9.99, New Look 4 Pack Christmas Gem Hair Slides, £6.99, and 2 Pack Silver Cubic Zirconia Hair Slides, £9.99, New Look
Luna Moon & Starburst Gem Hair Clips Pack of Two, £15, Oliver Bonas
Luna Moon & Starburst Gem Hair Clips Pack of Two, £15, Oliver Bonas Luna Moon & Starburst Gem Hair Clips Pack of Two, £15, Oliver Bonas
Gold Colour Pearl Hair Clip Multipack, £10, River Island
Gold Colour Pearl Hair Clip Multipack, £10, River Island Gold Colour Pearl Hair Clip Multipack, £10, River Island

RIBBONS

It is possible to style this simple accessory in a grown-up way. Tightly wrap a red ribbon around a high ponytail to create a 'show pony' look, secured with bobby pins around the base. You want your pony as high as possible and your hair as sleek as you can get it. It's an easy look to create yourself at home, and you can add an extra retro flair by curling the ends of your hair outwards.

Black Pearl Bow Hair Clip, £8.50, Miss Selfridge
Black Pearl Bow Hair Clip, £8.50, Miss Selfridge Black Pearl Bow Hair Clip, £8.50, Miss Selfridge
Asos Design Bow Hair Tie in Silver Shimmer, £6
Asos Design Bow Hair Tie in Silver Shimmer, £6 Asos Design Bow Hair Tie in Silver Shimmer, £6

JEWELLERY

Ad a bit of sparkle to your hair by using old chains or necklaces wrapped around the base of a ponytail and securing them in place with a small kirby grip. Have a look in your jewellery box, as brooches and earrings can double up as great hair accessories too. A fun way to dress up a simple plait or braid is to place small hoop or diamante earrings down it to add a bit of sparkle and movement.

Invisibobble Waver Slide-Lock Hair Clip in Pretty Dark, £4.99, Asos
Invisibobble Waver Slide-Lock Hair Clip in Pretty Dark, £4.99, Asos Invisibobble Waver Slide-Lock Hair Clip in Pretty Dark, £4.99, Asos
4X Mini Crystal Hoop Earrings Pack, £6.40 (was £8), Accessorize
4X Mini Crystal Hoop Earrings Pack, £6.40 (was £8), Accessorize 4X Mini Crystal Hoop Earrings Pack, £6.40 (was £8), Accessorize
Ashiana Silver Chain Drop Hair Slide, £14 (was £28), Asos
Ashiana Silver Chain Drop Hair Slide, £14 (was £28), Asos Ashiana Silver Chain Drop Hair Slide, £14 (was £28), Asos