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 wearing a glimmering accessory—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?
Our Top Hair Accessory Gifts
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.
