It's always a good idea to have a few hairstyles up your sleeve for those times when you want to spice things up a bit. And ideally, they're looks you can do in five minutes flat. Sadly, it's rare to have time to mess with a variety of hot tools (or sometimes even shampoo and conditioner), so having a few tricks tucked away can come in handy.
That's where badass hair accessories come in. We've seen hair adornments all over the runways for the past few seasons — from Prada's Fall 2015 clipped ponytails to Rodarte's floral hair pins. By simply topping off your half-up style with a decorative pin or barrette, you can instantly upgrade its cool factor — in no time at all. Ahead, 10 toppers that will elevate your look.
Stack Your Barrettes
This barrette duo can be worn stacked or alone, depending on your style of choice. The branch looks great over a half-up style by itself, but if you're looking for a little something extra, stack 'em. Plus, if you simply need some flyaway wrangling for your shorter strands, these will help keep everything in place.
Chloe + Isabel Branch Barette Duo, $32, available at Chloe + Isabel.
Decorate Your Topknot
Even if you haven't quite perfected the topknot, don't fret. Add a tiny hair pin, like this floral one from ASOS, to take the attention away from the fact that your bun isn't exactly as "perfect" as you'd like it to be. You can place the pin wherever you'd like on the bun — the top or side — allowing you to continuously change up your new go-to look.
ASOS Rose Leaf Hair Clip, $8.55, available at ASOS.
Go For The Bling
If you're wearing your hair down or pulling it back to hide second-day grease, you can add a bit of bling with a chain headband. If you're in the latter category, muss up your hair around the band with your fingertips (and loads of dry shampoo) and no one will be the wiser about your oily strands.
Chloe + Isabel Crystal + Chain Strands Stretch Headband, $58, available at Chloe + Isabel.
Comb It In
For those with ethereal braiding skills, this crescent comb is exactly what you need to top off your look. The hair comb curves to fit the shape of your head, will slide in easily, and makes sure everything stays put.
PLUIE Crescent Comb, $121, available at Shopbop.
Spike It
Whether you're pulling your hair all the way up or simply just need one side off your face, investing in some bobby pins with a bit of edge is well worth it. These faux-pearl-and-spike pins are perfect for adding a bit of 'tude to any style.
Rosantica Contrasti Gold-Tone Faux Pearl Hair Slides, $100, available at Net-a-Porter.
Put A Bow On It
Some may think of an oversized bow as childish, but when used on the right hairstyle, it can be oh-so-cool. This bow barrette can top off your topknot or a half-up style, adding just the right touch of style — without too much work (or thought).
Forever21 Oversized Bow Barrette, $2.80, available at Forever21.
Pom-Poms Are Back
If the bow isn't for you, try a pom-pom instead. A beaded one, that is. Getting a hair tie with a little something extra on it will instantly update the simple ponytail we all rely on way too often. This way, even if you're pulling your hair into a simple low pony, you'll still know it has that cool factor.
Rosantica Pom-Pom Gold-Tone Turquoise Hair Tie, $70, available at Net-a-Porter.
Add A Clip To Your Half-Knot
If you struggle with the half-up knot, get an intricate hair clip and simply clip it over your half-up style to add intrigue and keep things in place. This way, you can just pull your hair back into a ponytail, loop it under the elastic, then clip the pin in place to complete the look.
Anthropologie Triangle Hair Clip, $12, available at Anthropologie.
Accent Your Pony With A Metal Bow
Even easier than the pom-pom (or, perhaps, better for the average office) is the simple metal bow. Again, this accessory easily updates any ponytail you scrambled to assemble at the last minute, but can also work with any outfit — from a flannel to a shift dress.
Orelia Metal Bow Hairband, $30.79, available at ASOS.
Add A Bit Of Tortoiseshell
Tortoiseshell has had its heyday as a hair color, but it's now resurfaced as an accessory trend. Use this as it was originally intentioned to pull back your strands in the half-up style, or place it above your ear and pull back the hair on just one side of your head.
Orelia Tortoiseshell Clips, $13.69, available at ASOS.
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