When choosing hair accessories, look for sturdy construction and a smooth finish. Cracked plastic, exposed metal or an unprotected clasping mechanism can result in ruined hairstyles and torn or tangled hair. These listed accessories range from elegant to casual, and will help keep your hair protected as well as pretty.
Ficcare Beak Clips
The first thing many people notice about Ficcare clips is their price. Handmade and handpainted, Ficcares are something of a collector's item. In terms of hair-gripping ability, however, the clips are worth their weight in gold. A sturdy spring mechanism keeps hair secure even though the beak is not fully closed, allowing the clip to be inserted into a bun or updo to hold varying amounts of hair. Cheaper beak clips tend to have poor holding power and may have exposed springs, which can catch in hair.
The Ficcare range (pronounced fe-KAARE) also includes barrettes and hair pins; however, the term 'Ficcare' usually applies to the traditional beak clips.
Flexi-8s
A somewhat cheaper option, Flexi-8s are flexible barrettes designed to accommodate varying amounts of hair. Unlike rigid barrettes, which can only clasp a certain amount of hair, Flexi-8s have a sliding pin closing mechanism. The barrette, which is shaped like a sideways 8, can be bent around a larger or smaller amount of hair and securely closed. As a result the barrettes can be used to secure whole buns as well as smaller sections of hair, such as half-ponytails. Best of all, the sliding pin mechanism will not snag hair like a regular barrette clasp.
Amish Straight Pins
Straight-sided hair pins have been around for millenia; now they are starting to make a comeback. Regular bobby pins tend to be poorly-made with plastic or wax ends which quickly break off, snagging and tearing at hair.
Amish pins are shaped like little tent pegs and made out of galvanised metal. The sharp points slide easily into hair, and the pins are inserted with a 'sewing' up-and-down motion in order to fasten a bun or updo. Once the insertion technique is learned, the holding power of Amish pins is surprising, and the sturdily-made pins will last indefinitely.
The most authentic Amish pins are sold through many online Mennonite stores.
Hairsticks
Another age-old hair accessory which is back in vogue, hairsticks are simply long skewers of wood, bone, plastic or metal which are inserted into the hair to hold it fast. A hairstick can be as simple as a wooden chopstick, or as elaborate as the bejewelled and beaded hand-turned sticks which pepper Etsy stores. Inserting hairsticks takes a little practice, but a sturdy hairstick or two can form the basis of numerous hairstyles.
The most hair-friendly hairsticks have fairly sharp points for easy insertion. Wooden hairsticks should be perfectly smooth—sanded down after purchasing if necessary—to avoid snagging. Plastic hairsticks should be sturdy, otherwise they risk being snapped by thick hair. Some fancy hairsticks are topped with beaded dangles; these should be used with care, as they can catch on hair.
Snag-Free Hair Elastics
The mainstay of many a ponytail, simple hair elastics are a common cause of broken hair. Elastics which are closed with metal strips are best avoided. The next best are closed with glue; still better are the seamless elastics, often marketed as 'ouchless' or 'snag-free'. It is worth while buying ouchless elastics in bulk, and replacing them as they begin to fray or lose elasticity.
Scrunchies
They may conjure up images of cheerleaders and bobby sox, but a simple scrunchie is one of the most hair-friendly accessories on the market. Snag-free, metal-free and not unduly tight, scrunchies can be brightly-coloured or elegant black velvet, and can hold hairdos ranging from buns to ponytails.
