While I love a chic hairstyle (Tracee Ellis Ross is my forever inspiration), I have to admit something: I really hate doing my hair. However, as a fully-fledged adult, I can’t use that excuse when I have to show up in the world every day at my very public-facing job. So over the years, I’ve had to get creative. How so? Well, the long and short of it, hair accessories are saving my life, and there’s an entire world out there for people who not only love to style their hair but also use these accessories as an extension of their own personal style.
“The hair accessories that are trending for summer 2026 are nostalgic and are reminiscent of the ‘90s and early 2000’s. There’s even a bit of a Victorian-era influence going on,” Nashville-based color specialist at Eric Marshall Salon, Leslie Shores, tells me. “Women want to wear their hair half-up or pulled back in a pretty, feminine way that makes them feel majestic yet organic. Pretty, but not trying too hard.”
According to Shores, people are yearning for a time when life was simpler, “before technology hit.” There’s a certain freedom that the best summer hair accessories provide, so if you’re in your “live and let live” era, keep reading for the hair accessories that will provide the perfect finishing touch for your summer wardrobe.
Jelly Claw Clips
(Image credit: Getty Images)
I’m sure you’ve seen the resurgence of the ‘90s jelly aesthetic in the fashion space (The Row’s Mara Flats immediately come to mind), but the fun is extending over to the hair space as well. “Just like jelly nails that have been trending and the jelly sandals that have made a comeback, jelly claw clips are back in,” master celebrity stylist at RPZL Hair Extension & Blowout Bar in NYC, Stephanie Angelone, says. “Adding a fun jelly claw clip to your look is such a fun way to stay on theme for summer 2026.”
RPZL
Jelly Accete Claw Clip
Bgffuy
Tortoise Shell Claw Clips
Lace Details
(Image credit: Getty Images)
If you’re one of the many people obsessed with the Doên aesthetic this summer, then you’re likely as obsessed with a good lacy detail as I am. Luckily for us, lace-inspired hair accessories are also having a moment. “Lace and crochet bandanas and headbands are a fantastic blend of functionality and style,” Shores says. “They’re great for pulling the hair back off the face while simultaneously adding that old-world glamour. They also feel super romantic with messy hair, waves, [and braids].”
Frankies Bikinis
X Paige Lorenze Lover Lace Headband
Free People
Felicity Hair Scarf
Seashell Details
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Water signs and summer brides, this one is for you. “Mermaid hair always spikes in the summer because people are looking for easy, effortless hairstyles,” Shores says. “One of my favorite ways to do this? Use seashell clips and barrettes. You can pull your hair back or half-up, and these accessories look phenomenal on both wet and dry hair.” Angelone agrees, adding that “seashell accessories can provide an elevated, dressier look for summer nights, especially if you opt for clips with silver and gold hardware.”
Solar Eclipse
Hand-Painted Seashell Claw Hair Clip
Jennifer Behr
Wade Gold-Plated Hair Clip
Floral Details
(Image credit: Getty Images)
I can attest that this next trend is absolutely beautiful, because every time I see it on the streets of New York City—particularly in coily hair—it takes my breath away. “Befriend your local florist or pick some up at the farmer’s market, but flowers in your hair will always trend during the summer months,” Shores says. “You can’t tuck them behind the ear or bobby pin them into whatever position you’d like.”
Jennifer Behr
Zinnia Set of Five Silver-Tone Mother-Of-Pearl Headpiece
Anthropologie
Orchid French Hair Pin
Oversized Scrunchies
(Image credit: Getty Images)
“A large fluffy scrunchie with a fun summer pattern is always a fun way to throw your hair up and out of your face after a day at the beach,” Angelone says. Pro tip: Use the scrunchie as a pop of color in your outfit for a chic, low-effort, but still put-together vibe.
Sézane x SEA NY
Woodstock Patchwork Scrunchie
Kitsch
Kitsch Recycled Satin Oversized Scrunchies (Was $12)
Hair-Toned Clips
(Image credit: ARACHNE)
One of the chicest ways to incorporate accessories into your summer hairstyles? Use clips that match your hair color. “Matching hair accessories to the hair color itself gives a Y2K-inspired updo a refined, fashion-forward finish that feels both playful and elevated,” editorial hairstylist Hayley Logan says. “It’s a modern take on a nostalgic trend that adds subtle dimension while maintaining a cohesive look.”
Arachne
Miniclaws Glossy Mini Claw Clips
Scunci
Small Open Cut Square Claw Clips
Mini Clips and Barrettes
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Whether you’re a true beauty minimalist at heart or are just getting into the hair accessories game, tiny clips are a fantastic option to have in your back pocket. “Minimalist barrettes and mini clips are fabulous to add a little something extra to your hair,” Shores says. “You can go for metallic and sparkly details and wear them pulled to the side at the top of the head or add several to an updo.” Shores says these pieces look particularly fantastic in long hair, bobs, pixie cuts, or even people with bangs, especially if you’re growing them out and want to keep them out of your face in the heat.
Sheglam
Cupid’s Charm Lovely Crystal Hair Clips
Violet and Brooks Cassie
Banana Claw Clip Pair
Hair Cuffs
(Image credit: Getty Images)
“During the hot summer days when you want to throw your hair up in a ponytail, adding a fun cuff elevates the look,” Angelone says. Cuffs feel almost like bracelets for your hair, so why not stack them like the style here?
Casa Clara
Murray Hair Tie (Was $21)
Zeyer
Metal Ponytail Hair Cuffs
Hair Jewelry
(Image credit: Getty Images)
One of my favorite easy hair accessories? Gemstones. “These little jewels are beautiful on long flowing straight or wavy hair, and also to embellish a ponytail,” Shores says. If you have any music festivals coming up, turquoise stones would make a perfect addition to a southwestern-inspired outfit.
Make It Real
Snap N’ Glam Reusable Gem Hair Kit (Was $36.99)
Hally
Gem Pen Hair Gem Styling Set
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Meet the Experts
Leslie Shores is a Nashville-based color specialist at Eric Marshall Salon.
Stephanie Angelone is a NYC-based hair extension specialist.
Hayley Logan is a NYC-based freelance hairstylist.
