The Only 5 Hair Accessories You Actually Need in Your Routine
Updated August 28, 2026.
Open any beauty drawer and you'll probably find a tangle of accessories you never use — clips that don't hold, headbands that give you a headache, scrunchies from five years ago that stretch out within a week.
Here's the thing. You don't need more accessories. You need the right ones.
These are the five pieces that actually earn their place in your daily routine — and why each one matters.
1. A Good Claw Clip
The claw clip has had its comeback — and it's not going anywhere. But not all claw clips are created equal.
A well-made claw clip holds your hair without slipping, without snapping, and without leaving a dent when you take it out. For thick hair, size matters — go jumbo. For medium hair, a large clip gives you the most flexibility in styling.
What makes the difference: the tension of the teeth and the quality of the hinge. A cheap clip flexes too much and loses grip. A good one snaps shut cleanly and stays put all day.
Use it for: quick updos, half-up styles, gym hair, anything that needs to look effortless.
2. Satin Scrunchies
The scrunchie has been unfairly dismissed for years. In reality, a satin scrunchie is one of the most hair-friendly accessories you can own.
The satin fabric creates almost no friction against your hair, which means less breakage, less frizz, and no crease when you take it down. They're especially important for fine hair, colour-treated hair, or anyone who ties their hair up every single day.
Keep two or three on rotation — one for your wrist, one at your desk, one in your bag.
Use it for: everyday ponytails, braids, sleeping with hair up, or wearing as a wrist accessory.
3. A Headband That Actually Stays
The problem with most headbands isn't the style — it's the fit. They look great for about 20 minutes, then start sliding back or digging into your temples.
A zig-zag headband grips without pressure. The shape locks it in place at the right point on your head, so it doesn't migrate backward throughout the day. A padded headband adds comfort for longer wear.
This is the piece that upgrades a simple look instantly — gym, work, or a night out.
Use it for: keeping hair back cleanly, post-workout styling, adding structure to simple outfits.
4. Spiral Coil Hair Ties
These look simple but solve a real problem. Spiral coil ties distribute tension across the full coil instead of cutting into one point on your hair — which means no breakage at the tie point, no dent, and no snapping.
They're especially good for thick hair that eats through regular elastics, and for active women who need a strong hold without the damage.
Use it for: workouts, all-day wear, thick hair, any time you need a hold that won't budge.
5. A Decorative Clip or Barrette
This is the piece that turns a practical hairstyle into an intentional one.
A flower claw clip, a pearl barrette, or a decorative pin takes two seconds to add and completely changes the feel of a look. It's the difference between hair that's just out of the way and hair that looks styled.
Keep one in your bag. You'll reach for it more than you think.
Use it for: finishing a half-up look, pinning back a section, adding detail to a bun or braid.
The Simple Rule
If an accessory doesn't hold, hurts after an hour, or leaves your hair worse than it found it — it's not earning its place.
These five pieces cover every situation — quick mornings, long days, workouts, and nights out. That's all you need.
Build your everyday hair-accessory routine
Compare our claw clips, scrunchies, headbands, hair ties and heatless styling accessories. Choose shapes and sizes based on your hair density and the amount of hair you want to secure.
Further reading
For general guidance about reducing tension and heat during styling, see the American Academy of Dermatology’s hair-styling guidance.
About the author
Ramon Julian writes practical GlowKit guides about choosing and styling everyday hair accessories. Product recommendations are based on the item details and styling uses described in the GlowKit catalog.