After several summers dominated by minimalist accessories and barely-there styling, this season’s hair accessory trends are embracing a much more playful approach. From polka dots and crochet textures to ocean-inspired embellishments and nostalgic bandanas, the biggest summer hair trends feel like a natural extension of the wider fashion and beauty landscape right now.
We’re seeing the same influences appear across multiple categories. Polka dots, for example, have emerged as one of fashion’s defining prints of the season, appearing everywhere from dresses to swimwear, while coastal-inspired jewellery featuring shells, pearls and marine motifs continues to dominate our holiday wardrobes. At the same time, beauty trends are becoming softer and more effortless, with undone textures and practical styling taking precedence over perfectly polished looks.
The result is a new wave of accessories that feel equal parts fashionable and functional (with a touch of fun). Whether it’s an elasticated headband that keeps hair off your face during a heatwave, a crochet scrunchie that adds texture to a simple bun, or a statement claw clip that instantly elevates a holiday outfit, this season’s accessories are designed to work hard while still making an impact.
There’s also a strong sense of nostalgia running through many of these trends. Bandanas nod to Y2K style, crochet references handcrafted bohemian style, and resin clips bring a colourful, vintage-inspired feel to everyday looks. Yet despite these retro influences, each trend feels thoroughly modern thanks to elevated materials and contemporary styling.
The best part? Unlike major haircut or colour trends, hair accessories offer an easy and affordable way to update your look for summer. Whether you’re heading to the beach, planning a city break or simply looking for ways to elevate your everyday hairstyle, these are the hair accessory trends set to define the season.
1. Polka Dots
If there is one print defining summer 2026, it’s polka dots. Having already established themselves as a key fashion trend, it was only a matter of time before they made their way into hair accessories, too. This season, the classic pattern is appearing on everything from elasticated headbands and oversized scrunchies to silk scarves and statement bows. The appeal lies in its ability to feel simultaneously playful and sophisticated. A polka dot accessory instantly adds interest to even the simplest hairstyle, whether that’s a low bun, ponytail, or loose waves. Opt for classic monochrome styles for a timeless feel, or lean into colourful interpretations for a more fashion-forward approach. Either way, expect polka dots to become the easiest way to add a trend-led touch to your summer looks.
Ateljé
Spot on Scrunchie
This scrunchie offers one of the easiest ways to tap into the trend. The playful print instantly elevates even the simplest ponytail or bun.
Oliver Bonas
2-Pack Polka Dot Claw Clips
Combining one of the season’s most sought-after prints with one of its most wearable accessories, this polka dot claw clip makes creating an elevated updo feel almost effortless. Pair with relaxed tailoring or a simple linen dress for maximum impact.
ASOS
Headband With Polka Dot Pattern in Black and Beige
Equal parts functional and fashionable, this headband taps into two major summer trends at once. The elasticated design keeps hair comfortably in place throughout the day, while the polka dot print adds a playful, retro-inspired finish.
2. Bandanas
Bandanas continue their fashion comeback this summer, moving far beyond their festival-only reputation. Influenced by both Y2K styling and the wider bohemian aesthetic currently dominating fashion, they’re becoming a go-to accessory for warm-weather dressing. Worn tied over the head, folded into a headband or wrapped around a ponytail, bandanas offer endless styling versatility. They’re also one of the most practical trends of the season, helping to keep hair controlled on humid days while adding personality to an outfit. Lightweight cotton and silk styles feel particularly relevant for summer, especially when paired with relaxed tailoring, floaty dresses, or swimwear on holiday.
Sui Ava
Headscarf in Brown and Blue Floral Print
Whether styled over loose waves or tied around a low ponytail, this floral bandana brings a relaxed, vintage-inspired feel that looks effortlessly cool rather than overly styled.
M&S
2 Pack Pure Cotton Printed Headscarves
Offering both a classic polka dot option and a versatile plain design, this two-pack makes experimenting with the headscarf trend refreshingly easy.
Free People
Graceland Solid Sheer Hair Scarf
Butter yellow continues to dominate fashion and beauty trends, making this sheer bandana feel especially current. The lightweight fabric gives it an airy, romantic quality that’s perfect for summer, whilst the soft pastel shade adds a subtle pop of colour without overwhelming an outfit.
3. Resin Claw Clips
The claw clip remains a staple, but this season it’s receiving a playful update through colourful resin finishes and sculptural shapes. Inspired by the growing appetite for statement accessories, resin clips offer a simple way to elevate everyday hairstyles without much effort. Tortoiseshell remains a classic choice, but we’re also seeing marbled finishes, translucent designs and vibrant colours that feel perfectly suited to summer. They’re ideal for creating effortless twists and updos while still making a style statement. Functional yet fashionable, resin claw clips strike the perfect balance between practicality and personality, making them one of the season’s most wearable trends.
Oliver Bonas
Hazel Brown & Pink Stripe Hair Claw Clip
The combination of warm brown tones and playful pink stripes gives this claw clip a distinctly vintage-inspired feel.
The White Company
Medium Resin Hair Clip
Some accessories never truly go out of style, and a tortoiseshell clip is one of them. Chic and endlessly wearable, it’s the hair equivalent of a great leather handbag.
Tort
Lora Bébé Clip in Rose Tortoiseshell
Mini clips are ideal for accessorising an up-do or (more practically) for clipping a fringe back from your face during hot weather.
4. Crochet
Crochet has become one of the defining textures of summer fashion, so it’s no surprise to see it influencing hair accessories too. Crochet scrunchies, headbands or bandanas bring a handcrafted, artisanal quality to hairstyles that feel perfectly aligned with the season’s relaxed mood. The texture adds visual interest while maintaining a soft, effortless feel, making these pieces particularly effective when paired with loose waves, braids or natural hair textures. Neutral shades create a subtle bohemian look, while brighter colours tap into the joyful spirit of summer dressing. For those looking to embrace the crochet trend without investing in clothing, hair accessories offer an easy entry point.
ASOS
Crochet Knit Headscarf in Cream
Crochet remains one of summer’s defining textures, and this cream headscarf offers a particularly elevated take on the trend. The neutral shade keeps it feeling sophisticated, whilst the handcrafted texture brings a relaxed, artisanal quality that pairs beautifully with linen, denim or floaty summer dresses.
H&M
Crochet Cotton Headband
Part practical accessory, part fashion statement, this crochet headband combines comfort with texture.
JJXX
Crochet Scrunchie in Pink and Red
The playful colour combination immediately catches the eye, but it’s the crochet texture that makes this scrunchie feel particularly trend-forward. Whether wrapped around a messy bun or low ponytail, it adds colour, personality, and a handcrafted feel to everyday hairstyles.
5. Ocean-Inspired
Coastal influences continue to dominate fashion and jewellery trends, with shells, starfish, pearls and marine motifs appearing everywhere this season. Naturally, the trend has now extended to hair accessories. From shell-shaped claw clips and pearl-embellished slides to starfish hair clips and ocean-inspired embellishments, these accessories bring a playful holiday feel to any look. While they’re an obvious choice for beach destinations, they can work just as well in everyday settings when styled thoughtfully. The key is choosing elevated designs that reference the trend without feeling overly literal. Think subtle pearl detailing, iridescent finishes, and sculptural shell shapes rather than novelty pieces.
Pieces
Seaside Hair Claw in Red and White
With its beachy aesthetic and playful design, this claw clip instantly brings a holiday mood to any hairstyle. It’s the kind of piece that feels equally at home on a seaside getaway or paired with everyday summer dressing.
New Look
Gold Tone Textured Starfish Hair Clip
Starfish motifs have emerged as one of the defining jewellery trends of the season, making this hair clip feel particularly fashion-forward. The textured gold finish gives it a more elevated feel than novelty versions, allowing it to add a subtle nod to the ocean-inspired trend without feeling costume-like.
M&S
Metal Shell Mini Claw Clips
The metallic finish keeps these mini shell clips feeling polished and grown-up, while their smaller size makes them perfect for securing face-framing sections or adding interest to simple styles.
6. Elasticated Headbands
Perhaps the most practical trend of the season, elasticated headbands prove that functionality and style can coexist. As temperatures rise and effortless beauty continues to dominate, these comfortable accessories have become a fashion insider favourite. Unlike rigid headbands, elasticated styles sit comfortably for extended wear and work across a variety of hair types and textures. They’re ideal for keeping hair away from the face during hot weather whilst still looking polished and intentional. Available in everything from minimalist jersey fabrics to embellished and woven finishes, they offer an easy way to elevate everyday hairstyles. Expect to see them paired with slicked-back buns, loose waves and natural textures throughout the summer.
ROOP
Jennifer Stretch Headband in Black
Simple, versatile and undeniably chic, a wide black headband is the kind of accessory you’ll reach for repeatedly. The elasticated fit makes it comfortable enough for all-day wear, while the minimalist design works with everything from gym looks to tailored summer outfits.
Damson Madder
Stretch Headband
The warm colour palette gives this headband a distinctly retro feel that ties in perfectly with the season’s bohemian influences. Comfortable, practical, and surprisingly versatile, it’s an easy way to add colour and pattern to everyday hairstyles without requiring much effort.
For those who prefer their accessories with a little more edge, a studded headband offers a welcome alternative to softer summer trends. The embellishment adds instant interest to sleek buns, ponytails and loose hair alike, proving that functional accessories don’t have to be understated.
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