This trend is not just a figment of our imagination
A virus is currently running rampant on social networks: hair clips like the ones you remember from your childhood.
As a child, my hair reached down to my bottom. My mum wanted it that way so she could style it. Day after day. She was at least as creative as my many hair clips, which were decorated with Disney characters, flowers, dice or star appliqués. Her favourite hairstyle on me was a side ponytail. I wasn't really amused. Neither was she when I grabbed the scissors one morning and cut my mane to shoulder length. As I had no hair-cutting skills whatsoever, she took me to her trusted hairdresser the same day, who cut it even shorter. I was devastated as I didn't like my new look at all. Mum, if you're reading this: You were right then (as always).
If I had known that hair jewellery would one day be fashionable again, I wouldn't have thrown one or two of them away. Ever since fashion houses like Gucci and Versace sent their models out on the catwalk with girly-style barrettes, it's not just me who has been convinced of this comeback, but the fashion world too. Thanks to rhinestone and pearl appliqués, the look is also wearable for adults. The bigger and kitschier, the better. Staples and the like are not only a fashion statement, but have also become an accessory in their own right. Even better: it helps you out of your hair misery on a bad hair day.
If you don't like the beaded look, you can go for monochrome metal clips in gold or leo instead. Blogger and author Fanny Ekstrand, who has perfectly coordinated her hair jewellery, is a good example of this trendy hairstyle.
But back to the actual trend, which is not just about the barrettes per se, but about the fact that they work as a team player. There should be at least two at a time. This will turn any outfit, no matter how simple, into an eye-catcher.
The styling with open hair is particularly popular. Create a deep side parting (a centre parting also works) and pin two to three clips to the side of the hair above the ear. This looks pretty and also prevents individual strands from falling non-stop into your face. If you don't like wearing your hair down, the principle also works with a ponytail. Here, you can wear the clips on the left or right and also decorate the ponytail itself with a wide barrette.
If you are a chignon wearer, an alternative is a high chignon, which you can enhance with a low-set hair clip. This replaces the many bobby pins that you normally use to secure loose strands and baby hair at the back of your head. This way, you can kill two birds with one stone.
We made the hair clips pictured here ourselves under the direction of Luisa. We'll show you how in the second part. If you don't want to miss the hair jewellery DIY, follow me by clicking on the "Follow author" button.
When I’m not exploring the depths of the sea as an open water diver, I enjoy plunging into the world of fashion. On the streets of Paris, Milan and New York is where I keep my eyes peeled for the latest trends. And I’ll show you how to take them from the catwalk to your everyday life.