I went to Coachella 2026, and all I got was a newfound interest in hair accessories (and Bieber fever, of course). Truthfully, I never really cared about what went in my hair. I’d toss in a claw clip before a workout class or hide my greasy bangs behind a headband. But intentionally designing a whole look around a hair accessory? Never. But at Coachella, the tides changed for me. Everyone was covered in crochet caps, bandanas, and cute clips that actually made the outfit, not just hid their dirty hair (but ya know, they do that too). Honestly, summer 2026 won’t be so much about haircuts and color trends; it’s all about what you clip, tie, and stack into your strands instead.
I can’t stop wearing them. It’s the easiest way to lazily do my hair but look like I’ve spent way more time on it. And they don’t require any heat to look good—a necessity in high-temp weather. Need some inspo? Discover all the biggest hair accessory trends I’m excited about this summer, and shop my favorites from Emi Jay, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and more.
1. Tassel Scarves
Urban Outfitters Oversized Fringed Crochet Headscarf
Urban Outfitters Tassel Trim Satin Triangle Scarf
I kept seeing these worn as belts, then at Coachella, everyone had them tied like a bandana around their head. The tassels are a fun textural add for any hair length too.
2. Striped Clips
ZARA Three-Pack Striped Hair Clips
ASOS DESIGN Striped Hair Clip
Like a striped beach towel, these instantly feel summery and fun. And there are about a zillion colors to choose from.
3. Crochet and chains
Crochet and chains excite me.. or whatever Rihanna said! Whether it’s a cap, a hood, or a scarf, both sheer fabrics make your look immediately cooler. I expect we’ll see these all festival season. (I wore my crochet cap to Coachella already, FYI.)
4. Mermaidcore
Chunks Jellyfish Swirl Hair Barrette
It’s not summertime without accessories that remind you of the sea. There is no shortage of shell clips out there, but I’m anticipating even more nods to the beach—with fish, pearls, starfish, and more adorning barrettes, extensions, slides, claw clips, and more.
5. Flower Clips
Urban Outfitters Hibiscus Flower Hair Clip & Brooch
Call it the Zara Larsson effect, but a tropical flower in your hair instantly gives “Midnight Sun” energy, whether it’s a slick back, half-up, or integrated into beachy waves.
6. Lace
Emi Jay Infinity Headband
Free People Forever Lace Triangle Scarf
She’s beauty, she’s grace, her hair’s covered in lace! I love how these accessories can go demure and soft, or can easily be edged up in a boho look, depending on how your hair’s styled underneath.
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Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing stories on hair, makeup, and nails.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you “have to try.” Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair ‘do every few months.
