13 Fall Hair Accessories Trends to Expect in Autumn 2024

Autumn is nearly here which means many of us are brainstorming ways to elevate our wardrobes. And though revamping your whole closet isn't always feasible, smaller additions can go a long way. Fall hair accessories offer an opportunity to experiment with new trends without making a huge investment. Generally speaking, hair accessories are much more affordable than clothes are shoes, but still have the ability to make a notable impact on your seasonal appearance. With that in mind, we chatted with a few hairstylists and one shopping expert about the fall hair accessories trends that are about to dominate our feeds (and real life). Keep reading to uncover your faves.

Meet Our Expert

• Marwa Bashir is a hairstylist and colorist based in Nashville, Tennessee. She is an R+Co and R+COLOR Collective Member.

• Jen Reed is an influencer and shopping expert. She is the founder of Life in Lilac.

• Eyal Berger is a hairstylist and extension specialist. He is the Creative Director at Valery Joseph Miami Design District.

• Franck Izquierdo is a hairstylist and co-founder of IGK Hair Care.

Ribbons

“Ribbons provide a touch of romance to any look,” says hairstylist Marwa Bashir, who is an R+Co and R+COLOR Collective Member. “I like adding them into a braid because it’s an unexpected way to accessorize.” Her tip for keeping the slippery fabric strips in place? Use a styling paste!

Embellished Headbands

Remember the 2019 and 2020 headband craze? (Prada, you really outdid yourself!) It’s back in full swing, baby! “I'm seeing them everywhere, from delicate to oversized,” says influencer and shopping expert Jen Reed, founder of Life in Lilac. “We're going to keep seeing headbands everywhere, and I love these as a way to really bring an outfit together. These add another point of interest to streamlined looks, and really stand out.”

More specifically, Bashir says that braided and embellished headbands are worth working into your styling routine, as are tortoiseshell and feather designs. “They are a great way to help bring an outfit to life, adding something colorful or even a fall texture like leather or velvet,” she says. “Tortoiseshell headbands feel like Blair Waldorf in Gossip Girl—she’s who I am channeling to add some sophistication to my fall hair. And feather headbands and accessories are a special way to usher in some glam before the holidays come around.”

Bows

Whether you tie your ribbons in bows or opt for a pre-tied barrette, Reed says bows are a must for fall 2024. “We're seeing them everywhere, from oversized, dramatic variations to smaller, dainty variations—we're seeing so many brands partake in this trend,” she explains. “I particularly love the ones that feel feminine but still have a bit of edge to them, like [a] faux leather version.”

That said, if your goal is to look effortlessly chic (or shall we say, demure), Eyal Berger, Creative Director at Valery Joseph Miami Design District, suggests opting for a more organic hand-tied style. “Or, even finish off the end of a braid with a smaller, bow-tied ribbon. The possibilities are endless,” he says.

Speaking of smaller bows, IGK Hair Care co-founder Franck Izquierdo points out that mini bow clips make for an old money look. “Small bows are making a big impact this season,” he assures us.

Stretchy Comb Headbands

Y2K beauty trends have been making the rounds the past few years so it was only a matter of time before the stretchy comb headband became a mainstay once more. “Stretchy comb headbands takes me back to Y2K immediately, and that is what fall is screaming to me,” Bashir says. “I like that you can pick a color that blends in with hair to just add some texture and interest to the hair.” To keep it from slipping out (and to enhance shine for a more wet look), she suggests using a hair balm on the hairline.

Leopard Accessories

Leopard print is always a popular choice for fall but it’s been the most dominant animal print of 2024, as a whole. “Leopard is huge for this fall, and we're even seeing it in hair accessories,” Reed says. Whether you opt for a scrunchie, headband, or oversized clip, she says “you'll add major dimension to any look with a leopard element.”

Embellished Barrettes

Fall 2024 is all about thoughtful embellishments, whether it’s a headband, clawclip, or barrette. The latter is expected to be particularly popular, though. “Embellished barrettes are the easiest way to elevate any party or going out look,” Reed says. “We're seeing them at so many retailers this fall, and they're such a great way to add texture and creativity to any look.”

So, what makes an embellished barrette? Rhinestones, velvet accents, or even unexpected metal designs. Think: the kitschy clips of 2019, popularized by Justine Marjan.

If you want your barrette ‘do to really stand out, Berger says to rock a stick barrette. “It’s a take on the classic barrette with more support,” he explains. “Used at the base of a bun or the top of a ponytail, this lesser-known hair piece is the perfect way to stand out with your hairstyle.”

Scarves and Bandanas

Bashir, Izquierdo, and Reed agree that headscarves are a must for fall 2024. “A head scarf is my favorite cozy accessory before beanies or fall hats,” Bashir says. “I am using headscarves to add some cottage core vibes this fall.”

Scarves are also a great way to accentuate a more toned-down look. “Scarves are going to be a huge hair trend this upcoming season,” Reed says. “Add some color to a low ponytail for a chic, put-together look, or even woven through a messy braid for an effortlessly cool vibe.”

No matter how you rock a scarf, Izquierdo says that “they add a touch of elegance.”

Oversized Scrunchies

Don’t worry, scrunchies aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Specifically, Bashir says larger (silkier) scrunchies are making the rounds for fall 2024. “Big silky scrunchies are such an elevated way to bring some interest to a bun or ponytail,” she says. “The silk is more luxe than just a regular ponytail and makes it feel like I’m dressing up.”

Izquierdo agrees. “The oversized scrunchie trend is back, bringing fun and volume to buns, ponytails, and braids,” he says.

Pony Cuffs

Speaking of luxe hair accents, cuffs are an extremely stylish (yet very simple) way to elevate any ponytail or bun. “Pony cuffs are like jewelry for your hair,” Bashir exclaims. “I love to wear tons of jewelry, and I love that we can add something in our hair with a cuff.”

Reed is a fan, too. “One of the biggest trends we're seeing for hair accessories right now is the metallic cuff,” she reveals. “Chunky gold or silver cuffs that you can use to really accentuate a ponytail, braid, or half-up style—these feel fresh and chic, and can even be layered and mismatched throughout a ponytail for style with an extra edge.”

Wide-Band Black Headbands

Whether you’re going to the gym or for a night out on the town, wide black elastic headbands are worth considering for your hair. “I am loving wide black headbands for fall because as the temperature drops, it keeps the ears cozy,” Bashir says. “It’s also another way for me to keep my bangs swept away for a new look.”

Claw Clips

Claw clips have been a cult-favorite hair accessory for decades, but especially in 2024. For fall, our experts expect to see them in various shapes and sizes. “The claw clip: a girl's best friend,” Berger says. “These days, claw clip designs have strayed from the classic plastic. Clips are now adorned with jewels, velvet, silk and so much more. Wear it back half-up for a more casual look or at the base of a hair twist.”

Another option? Go miniature. “Searching for an effortlessly chic look? Search no further than a mini metal claw clip,” Berger says. “Pull hair back loosely to create a half-up, messy yet flirt look.”

Metal Bobbi Pins

This is an offshoot of the embellished barrette trend. “Metal bobby pins are a fun way to accessorize your hair,” Berger says. “You can wear multiple pins on slicked back hair or a few to accentuate a fun pony or twist hairstyle. Some may like to cross bobby pins over each other in an ‘X’ formation for another variation.”

Floral Accessories

Florals might not be groundbreaking for spring but they are a bit unexpected for fall. “We're seeing floral embellishments, rosettes, and more trending for hair accessories,” Reed says. “I'm seeing them in all different textures and colors and the addition of one of these adds such a feminine, romantic touch to any look.”

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