How to Use Hair Accessories Creatively

How much design is too much? This question has been worrying all kinds of artists throughout the times. We are living in the very fun cultural period of fashion, where basically anything goes. Use your imagination and sense of style to buy, craft, and mix hairpieces to make your hair-styling games truly exciting. Use the “Save” option on Instagram to collect ideas — and on Pinterest, of course. Here are some of my ideas of how to accessorize your hairstyles and surprise everyone.

#1: Wrap a Hair Vine

Want an accessory that can’t be missed? A hair vine is a way to go. From full to delicate, they come in a variety of styles for any occasion. I got this floral one from Amazon, and I wrapped it like a headband and around the braid.

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#2: Fresh Flowers

Of course, I can’t get too into this without bringing up one of the most popular accessories, fresh flowers. Baby’s Breath is one of the most popular flowers. What is my pro tip for making sure those flowers stay put? Slip a bobby pin into the stems and then pin them in place. (this works great with big flowers, too. Take a peek)

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#3: Woodland Pins

I grabbed these adorable pins from Amazon, and I love the woodland-fairy vibes they can add to any style. They’re bobby-pin style, so they’re an easy accessory to use!

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#4: Gold Flakes

Glam it up with some gold flakes and hairspray. Grab some gold gilding (you can find this at about any craft store.), and stick it to the hair using a strong-hold hairspray. When you’re ready for a change, they brush right out.

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#5: Double Scrunchy

What’s better than one scrunchy? Two. A quick style with two braids and two scrunchies makes this double the fun.

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#6: Pearl Baubles

You really can’t go wrong by slipping a few pearl baubles into any style, but especially a braid. You can get groups of these at craft stores in various colors, and then slip a pin into them after you’ve put them in place.

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#7: Boho Headbands

If you have a headband that you can remove the elastic part of like the one shown, from Pink Pewter, wrap it around the back part of your head and pin it into place above your braids. You can also do the same trick with other hairstyles as well as loose hair.

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#8: Beaded Hair Combs

Beaded hair combs add an air of elegance. They’re easy to use; just slide them into the style, and they can be bent to fit the shape of your hairstyle. Great for going from day to night styles!

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#9: A Non-Boring Single Barrette

Barrettes now come in a variety of colors and shapes. They’re so much fun and a quick way to snap on a bit of bling on your way out the door. Down hairdos to all your hair up, they fit in anywhere.

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#10: Extra Glam Headbands

The headband is the classic hair accessory. You can choose nearly any fabric, from velvet to solid, matte to glitter, 3D to smooth. Simply pick which one (OK, maybe that’s not so simple), slide it on and you’re done. This black velvet and pearl beauty are made by Pastel Renaissance.

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#11: Oversized Scrunchies

These hairpieces feel dressier and more appropriate for festive events than scrunchies of normal size. By the way, you don’t have to buy one because YouTube is full of DIY Scrunchie tutorials.

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#12: Hair Charmsies

Hair charms are very subtle, yet bold, hair accessories. You can buy a handful of charm sizes or craft some yourself. We should really write an entire article on using these little pieces. There are also some tutorial videos on YouTube; there aren’t that many yet because this trend has just begun.

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 Since the very announcement of the election results, first ladies’ hairstyles and fashion choices have come into the spotlight. Jill Biden’s haircut seems to have changed only slightly in recent decades, but as she is stepping into this new role of a FLOTUS, many try to guess what Biden’s hairstyle tells about the first lady-to-be and how it compares to past first ladies’ looks.

See the most memorable hairstyles of Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama, Melania Trump, and Jill Biden along with the story behind their hairstyle choices.

Why Does a First Lady’s Hairstyle Matter?

The Economist has recently been bold enough to claim that the FLOTUS’ hairstyle has a “political message in every strand”. Whether conveying a serious political message or giving away a natural feminine wish to look young and beautiful, any change in the first lady’s haircut does make a sensation in the media. Hillary Clinton once made a perfect joke about the idea, saying, “If I want to knock a story off the front page, I just change my hairstyle.”

As the first lady becomes a hostess of the White House, her hairstyle comes to convey the emotional atmosphere that a presidential family brings into the space. More than that, modern society increasingly sees first ladies as full-fledged political advisors and expects them to shape, not just reflect, their time.

And they often do. Promoting important social initiatives, these women of power also inspire thousands of women around the globe to try on a first lady’s look and mimic cuts. Here are the most memorable FLOTUS hairstyles we have seen in the last few decades.

Hillary Clinton Blowout Lob Hairstyle

Hillary Clinton’s hairstyle has been changing so often that the media even started suspecting indecisiveness and volatility in her personality. Hillary has been more than aware of this close attention to her haircut and prominently spread her life wisdom in the address to the Yale students in 2001, “The most important thing I have to say to you today is that hair matters. Pay attention to your hair, because everyone else will.”

One of the most flattering hairstyles Hillary wore as the first lady was a bouffant lob hairstyle with longer layers and soft curls. A truly gorgeous hairstyle making her look confident yet feminine.

Hillary Clinton Choppy Layered Bob

Whether responding to criticism for rapid hair-volution or attending to the recommendations of a new stylist, Isabelle Goetz, Hillary adopted her trademark choppy bob. An elevated quiff and the blown-back or tucked behind the ears locks perfectly open up her face.

Over the years, Hillary Clinton’s hair color ranged from blonde to caramel balayage. In 2015, the former first lady, and the presidential candidate, said she had been dyeing her hair for a long time now and promised that we are never going to see her turn white in a White House.

Laura Bush Hairstyle

Despite the opposing views on her husband’s presidency, Laura Bush is one of the most popular first ladies ever, largely due to her calm and friendly nature. The latter might have been reflected in her hairstyle, too.

Laura Bush has been consistent in her hair preferences, sporting some amazing short hairstyles for as long as we know her. Jagged cut and tapered into the back hair gives an elegant and neat look to the first lady, reminiscent of her experience as a grade school teacher and a librarian.

Laura Bush Short Haircut

Short, straight pixie cut with a side parting and feathered side-swept bangs is another noteworthy hairstyle of the FLOTUS. Uniform layers cut all through the back and sides show off lots of texture and create an overall sense of balance.

The hair color plays into the overall look. Namely, the golden brown shade of the brunette hair adds up to Laura Bush’s image of a natural and approachable beauty.

Michelle Obama Hair

Michelle Obama’s stylist confessed that he loved to change her hairstyles depending on the dress or occasion, and she did try lots of ’dos. Still, her first term as a hostess of the White House is primarily associated with relaxers and strengtheners.

This look features a chic blunt bob with a blowout and volume on the crown and is one of the most flattering hairstyles Michelle wore as a FLOTUS.

Michelle Obama 2nd Term Hairstyle

Michelle Obama celebrated her birthday and the second inauguration of her husband with a new haircut. The immediate reaction of the media and the president followed. “To address the most significant event of the weekend, I love her bangs,” has become one of the most cited words the president uttered during inauguration festivities.

This curl pattern and some natural fullness was a step toward embracing a natural hairstyle. Michelle made the final move only in 2017, though. While Michelle Obama’s natural hairstyle received universal acclaim, many regret that she did not send this powerful message while being a FLOTUS.

Melania Trump Hairstyle

A long hairstyle with a middle parting, long curtain bangs and soft curls directed away from the face made a signature Melania Trump hairstyle. The color of her hair has been brown with some caramel blonde highlights during all of the years of her husband’s presidency.

While the hairstyle conveyed stability and made the first lady look incredibly young, the glossy coif received its might of criticism. In particular, the ever-perfect blowouts and restrained emotions made the former fashion model look quite distant, not soft and open as her hairstylist describes her.

Melania Trump Updo

An excellent alternative to the iconic Melania Trump hairstyle is her elegant updos. This chic French twist updo with a bouffant and color highlights can leave anyone speechless. By the way, the first lady did resort to an updo hairstyle on Inauguration Day.

Jill Biden Haircut

Jill Biden isn’t new to the White House; she spent eight years as America’s second lady. What is new is that Dr. Jill Biden is the first FLOTUS ever to keep her paying job alongside her official duties as a hostess of the White House.

Will that mean that she won’t have much time to style her hair or care to know what the media thinks about it? Maybe. Thankfully, Jill’s iconic straight medium-length, layered haircut, with a middle parting and curtain bangs, is quite easy to style.

Jill Biden Hairstyle with Curls and Flicked Ends

A shoulder-length haircut with flicked ends, wispy bangs, and a side parting is another look Jill Biden is sporting. A messy touch, and shiny hair the color of sand, gives away her extremely fun-loving nature, which has been pointed out by the media and her five grandchildren, alike. It also makes the first lady-in-waiting look friendly and approachable.

 When we want to dry hair fast, we normally reach for a hairdryer, often with some remorse for all the blow drying hair damage we are going to cause. What if I told you that I know how to make hair dry faster and with less damage at the same time?

Read on to see some ‘healthy hair drying’ myths busted and to adopt the best drying routine.

Does Blow Drying Damage Hair?

The short answer is yes, it does. Hairdryers expose your hair to heat, which makes it rough and brittle and causes split ends. Here is how it happens.

Your hair remains strong and shiny when its outer layer, the cuticle, is safely protecting the inner cortex containing water. Too much heat damages the cuticles and makes the trapped water form bubbles and break the hair.

Is cold blow drying bad for hair then?

You might have guessed right, it’s not. The sad part is that it won’t let you dry your hair fast either. Thus, while cold air drying does miracles defining shine and setting naughty strands in place, blowing cold air through your soaking wet mane is both vain and unpleasant.

Photo Credit: PEXELS

Air Drying vs. Blow Drying

Before you ditch your hairdryer and start sacrificing time to air dry your hair instead, please be informed that it is not always better to let your hair dry naturally.

Adam Reed, ghd global ambassador, warns that hair absorbs much water while washing, and waiting for all the water to evaporate in the air takes much time. The problem here is not only that nobody has time for that; the longer time the hair stays wet, the more the cortex swells and cracks, causing permanent hair damage.

Recent research carried out in Korea confirms that a long-lasting wet stage is as harmful as exposure to high drying temperatures. More than that, researchers suggest that the right blow drying technique brings much better results than natural hair drying.

5 Steps to Drying Your Hair Quickly Without Damaging It

Thankfully, a healthy hair drying routine exists, and the process is not long or painful. Just follow these 5 steps and learn to avoid the mistakes women are prone to make.

1. Use Hair Conditioner

I can almost hear you saying that applying a conditioner is part of washing your hair, not drying it. But hear this: Hair conditioners not only nourish your hair and prevent breakage making it easy to detangle your hair after washing, but they also actually help your hair dry faster.

The secret is that conditioners create a gentle coating that repels water and prevents excessive soaking of your tresses. If you have curly hair, using leave-in conditioners will also let you stop hair frizzing after washing.

2. Be Gentle and Use the Right Towel

Drying hair with a towel is not a good way to dry your hair fast without a blow dryer. Instead, it is another myth that needs to be busted. The fact is, wet hair is very susceptible to damage, so rubbing the moisture out can seriously harm the cuticles.

To make your hair dry faster, use a super-absorbent hair-drying towel to blot excessive moisture or, if you have long thick hair, wrap it up, turban-style. Soft microfiber towels work best here, but you can also dry hair with a cotton T-shirt, piling your hair on your head for 10 to 20 minutes.

Photo Credit: PEXELS

3. Fluff the Roots of Your Hair

Roots remain wet longer than the ends and leaving them half-dry can be dangerous, especially in cold weather. This is why so many women prefer to be safe than sorry and blow dry on high heat, running the risk of fried hair.

To dry your roots fast without causing damage, make sure they get as much airflow as possible. Shake your head from side to side, turn it upside down, or run your fingers through hair strands, thus opening up the roots. Needless to say, do this outside the humid bathroom where you have just showered.

4. Comb Your Hair

Note that brushing hair when it’s wet is one of the damaging hair habits stylists recommend to avoid. Still, using a wide-tooth comb to separate some hair strands will promote airflow and make your hair dry faster.

Another option is to use a microfiber brush with soft bristles that soak water. The brush does not damage the cuticles but allows getting down to hair styling faster.

5. Use Protective Blow-Drying Techniques

Now, when your hair is rough-dried, blow dry it to get the necessary volume and styling. To blow-dry hair without damage, follow these simple rules:

• Stick to cooler temperatures;
• Use an ionic hair dryer that dries hair faster even on cooler settings;
• Hold the blow dryer 6 inches away from your hair;
• Move the blow dryer around letting separate strands cool down a bit before a new round of heat;
• Apply heat protectant products.

You may finish styling with cold hair blowing; this will help close the cuticles and make hair smooth and shiny.

Photo Credit: PEXELS

A Bonus Speed-Drying Hack

A tricky way to save time drying your hair is not washing it at all. In fact, there are many good reasons to stop washing hair daily, and escaping the chance to stress your hair with the drying routine is just one of them.

Wash less frequently or use dry shampoos every other day, and your hair will be more than grateful.

Bottom Line

Drying your hair fast does not need to harm your tresses. Blot the moisture and rough-dry your mane, then blow dry it with warm air, holding the hairdryer at a distance and moving it around. Finish with some cold air blowing to fix your hairstyle, and here you are, ready to go out sporting your gorgeous, healthy and shiny hair.

 #1: French Fishtail Braid

This is a great boho style for a date night, bridesmaid or party. As a rule, hairstyles for medium hair in the shape of a wreath are pretty versatile and simple enough to complement any outfit. Wear it with an evening dress or to add a feminine hint to a classic oversized suit; it will look amazing anyway.

#2: Micro Front Braids

This style pairs really well with anyone who loves messy waves and has somewhat of a middle part. Add two thin braids on both sides—they don’t have to be perfectly weaved — and your “beachy” look becomes grungy. Add some hair rings when weaving the braids, and this will become the ultimate hairstyle for rock concerts, festivals, and parties.

#3: Fishtail Ponytail

A fishtail braid is a great way to spice up a classic ponytail. All you do is wrap the ponytail with the braid and let the rest hang down. Sure, this is a more discreet, yet unusual and stylish everyday updo. So feel free to wear it to work, when meeting your friends for a cup of coffee or going on a date to the cinema.

#4: Big and Little Braid

I’ve been LOVING micro braids lately! So, of course, it’s even more fun to add some micro braids with a big dutch braid. Together, they create a hairstyle decorated with jewelry chains, which looks so delicate and sweet. Isn’t it perfect for an elegant bride or bridesmaid look?

#5: Summer Camp Braids

These accent braids remind me of braiding bracelets at summer camp, and I’m here for it. Such a detailed braid, this hairstyle is created for special occasions. Make sure to spray it with strong-hold hairspray so that your hair remains irresistible throughout the event till late at night.

#6: Braided Updo

This is all one big, Dutch braid, starting from the left side of the head and turning into a low, centered bun. Leave a few strands out along the hairline when weaving the braid diagonally downwards to create the effect of slight negligence. If you’re looking for a flawless elegant updo for a wedding, photoshoot, birthday or corporate party, or any other event at all, this is it!

#7: French Braided Updo

We have another braided updo, but this time it’s for shoulder-length hair and is a French braid. Lightness, carelessness, and romantic Provence fleur wear it anytime you want to feel special and feminine. The beauty is you can combine it with any clothing, from jeans and a blouse to a dress and heels.

#8: Large Dutch Side Braid

To achieve this style, you need to first do a Dutch braid and then add a texturizing powder to help pull out and fluff the braid. Spice it up with cute hair accessories — rings, ribbons, baby’s breath, pins, etc. This hairdo is as simple as it can be, and I guess, that is the secret to its boho magnificence and charm.

#9: Deconstructed Down Braid

This style has a large side braid, but it has curls falling out of the braid to make it look deconstructed. The down braid looks especially exquisite in long and thick hair, as there is the voluminous many-level effect created. Just imagine this gorgeous elegant braid falling down the shoulders covered with the gentle fabrics of a wedding dress. All grace and femininity!

#10: Twist

If you have no idea how to braid, a twist can do the same job. It’s simpler than a French or Dutch braid and gives a similar look. To get such a volumetric effect, fix each strand, binding securely with invisible pins or small bands, otherwise, the hairdo will prematurely fall apart. Besides, light waves or curls also add volume and cute messiness to the style.

#11: Updo Micro-Twist

Throwing in a small French twist to an updo can bring it to the next level. The updo comes up looking complicated and sophisticated, but the whole point is to create the volumetric and slightly deconstructed effect. When putting the hair up together, pull some thin locks out here and there, and don’t forget to frame the face with a couple of curls, as well!

#12: Pigtail Braids

Who doesn’t love braided pigtails? This style is a little different than traditional Dutch braid because this style was created with many, many elastics. This hairdo allows women to feel like a fragile young lady at the same time as feeling like a rocker. In addition, braided pigtails make the face oval look cuter and the hair visually more voluminous.

#13: Bubble Braid

This style is best achieved on long hair with several elastics. Gather a ponytail, secure it with an elastic band, then, tease the rest of the ponytail to make the sections voluminous and pretty. Each time you tie a new elastic, hold the tail firmly with one hand and pull the elastic over the tail with the other hand to create the bubble effect.

#14: Cornrows Into Ponytail

I am obsessed with everything about this look. The variation of sized and shaped braids into a ponytail is so beautiful and spectacular. Try adding colorful elastics and create a sewn effect between the frontal accent braids; this will give you a slight hint of the ethnic look and will definitely draw everyone’s attention.

#15: Festival Braids

I love seeing festival braids, and I love the colors of these boxed braids. What a great way to decorate your hair with your favorite colors without damaging it with actual dyes. Another advantage of this hairstyle is that such braids are long-lasting and fun to play with.

#16: Front Micro Fishtail Braid

All you need to know for this style is how to create a tight fishtail braid. Divide your hair into two sections. Weave a braid, alternately adding thin strands from the right and left sections and overlapping them. Make sure to weave the strands tight, and at the end, fix the braid with a strong elastic band or hair clip. Voilà!

#17: Dutch Braid into Top Knot

This style is perfect for all ages and isn’t as complicated as it looks. Part your hair in half, using a comb or your fingers, secure one section of your hair, tuck your head down and start braiding. Then secure the braid and create a small, messy bun, and repeat everything on another side. For a playful effect, add some glitter fixation spray at the end.

#18: Cornrows into Mohawk

Cornrows are such a cool way to add an edge to a style. This combination is insanely dashing; cornrows create a symmetrical framing and ideal contours, and the mohawk is all messy and rocky. This style is definitely for someone who likes grungy and daring looks or wants to be in the spotlight at an event.

#19: Infinity Braids

Infinity braids are not for the faint of heart. They look so cool and unique, yet take a very long time to create. When weaving the strands, your movements will resemble an infinity sign; that’s how the hairstyle got its name. Experiment with accessories, colorful tresses and the updo variations.

#20: Headband Braid

Everyone is wearing headbands nowadays, so why not make one out of your own hair? Spice up your casual, loose hairstyle with such a beautiful accent and transform it into a special one. This is a cute option, if you’re going to a birthday party, a wedding or just to meet your friends, and want to look simple yet elegant enough.