The Chicest Hair Accessories Your Friends Will Wear for the Holidays—and Every Day After | Allure

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A ponytail is a ponytail is a ponytail…until it's adorned with a plush velvet bow and suddenly it’s ready for Chanel’s runway show—or your next festive fête. That’s the beauty of hair accessories: Silk ribbons and crystal-encrusted barrettes have the power to make everyday styles (a voluminous blowout, a sleek chignon, or, perhaps, a French twist if you are really skilled) look all dressed up—and ready to party.

New York City-based hairstylist Joey George references jazz musicians and actresses—including Celia Cruz, Nina Simone, Astrid Gilberto, Elizabeth Taylor, and Claudia Cardinale whose hair was regularly bedazzled with hair gems—as his “favorite holiday hair icons.” As George says, “The adornments these individuals wore in their hair elevated their style in a way that felt royal.”

But besides looking undeniably regal, there is something about clipping on a crown jewel—like the viral Lelet Pony Cuff—that will make you feel like a princess, too. Seriously. And that is exactly why these crown jewels make the perfect holiday gift. Because who doesn’t want that for their best friend, mom, or sister?

If your loved one is a maximalist or a minimalist, you’ve come to the right place. “You can layer pieces or opt for just one barrette and keep it minimalistic,” says George, who has been reaching for accessories designed by Khaite, Alaia, Lelet, and Camila Paris. And he says literal jewelry has a way of making a statement too: “Khaite’s ‘hand’ cuff is a dual-purpose accessory, typically worn as a bracelet—but you could use it as a ponytail cuff which is super chic.” (That goes for all chunky bracelets or earrings, not just designer objects priced at $2,200.) Hairstylist Justine Marjan also sources accessories from her jewelry box: “Mixed metals will be big this holiday season,” she says, adding “It’s fun to incorporate your favorite personal jewelry items into your hair.”

There’s something special about taking something “old”, and making it brand new. And designer Jennifer Behr has collaborated with New York Vintage to do exactly that. Together, they have reimagined antique artifacts and couture into something slightly more wearable in 2024. The collection includes an assortment of statement-making accessories, such as headbands blooming with florals and pearls thoughtfully sourced from the 1930s.

Splurging on 18-karat gold or something bespoke isn’t required though: “I love getting silk ribbons and gold thread from a fabric store and making my own bows or weaving the ribbon into braids,” says Marjan. “The thread is especially beautiful wrapped about the base of a pony to conceal your elastic and used at the end of a braid to conceal the elastic.” And though a yard of ribbon might not feel all that giftable, we do recommend topping all presents with a pretty bow that will double as a hair accessory.

Ahead, we rounded up the most fabulous hair accessories—with favorites from Allure editors—destined to surprise and delight everyone on your nice list.

“Jennifer Behr’s accessories are inherently special, but the option to add a monogram turned this bow barrette into a must-gift for me,” says Allure content director Kara McGrath. “In the sea of bows we’re likely to see this holiday party season, a personalized one guarantees your giftee will stand out.”

Jennifer Behr

Jennifer Behr

Kara McGrath wearing the Jennifer Behr Monogram Adley Velvet Bow Barrette in Pinot.

You could gift your hostess with a poinsettia…or we recommend you surprise them with a clip in full bloom. One thing is for certain: The latter will last a lot longer.

Alexandre de Paris

Neiman Marcus

Lelet NY

Moda Operandi

“On my first wear of the Lelet Glossy Double Arch Pony Cuff, my ponytail went from basic to runway chic,” says Talia Gutierrez, Allure's associate manager of special projects. Experts agree: “Pony cuffs can take simple hairstyles and elevate them in an eye-catching way,” hairstylist Mitchell Ramazon previously told Allure.

Lelet NY

Moda Operandi

Bergdorf Goodman

Talia Gutierrez wearing the Lelet Glossy Double Arch Pony Cuff in Silver.

A designer bag is nice and all, but so is a Prada (or Loewe) clip—and these accessories are guaranteed to turn heads.

Prada

Saks Fifth Avenue

Farfetch

Loewe

Net-a-Porter

“My hair has only just become long enough to tie back or up with a scarf, so naturally, I'm obsessed with doing this right now,” says Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen. “Sometimes I like to tie it in a little bow around an otherwise casual ponytail or bun, or I use it as a headband. (If you tie a knot at the top of it, make sure to tuck in the ends, lest you wind up giving less holiday chic and more Rosie the Riveter.)”

Belle & Bloom

Nordstrom

Nicola Dall'Asen wearing a silk hair scarf.

A headband is the little black dress of hair accessories: A wardrobe staple, appropriate for every occasion. When I have a festive fête on my calendar, there is a good chance I will be wearing a Jennifer Behr headband. In particular, I love Jennifer Behr Czarina Headband, a statement piece adorned in hundreds of crystals that can make my blowout party-ready in three seconds flat. (Shop all my favorite products on my beauty edit.)

Hairstylist Lacy Redway loves a thick headband to push hair back and off of the face. “For a ‘60s touch, tease hair behind the hairline and use Tresemmé's Extra Hold Hairspray to keep intact,” says Redway, a Tresemmé ambassador.

Jennifer Behr

Jennifer Behr

Saks Fifth Avenue

Paige Stables wearing the Jennifer Behr Czarina Headband.

Roger Vivier

Net-a-Porter

“Whoever you gift the Kristin Ess Oversized Scrunchie to—whether it be your relative with laid-back style or a friend who loves a perfectly coiffed updo—will appreciate its versatility and elevated pattern,” says senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor, who uses it to secure a low bun or high ponytail.

Kristin Ess

ASOS

Target

In need of more gifting inspo? Browe all our gift guides:

Now, watch Allure Best of Beauty cover star Alia Bhatt talk through her favorite things:

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