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Summer 2026 Hair Accessories: 5 Trends That Are Taking Over
Published: July 2026 | Reading time: 5 minutes
Category: Accessories
Focus Keyword: summer hair accessories 2026
Hair Accessories Are Finally Having Their Moment
For years, hair accessories were an afterthought. You’d throw on a plain black elastic and call it a day.
Not anymore.
After several summers dominated by minimalist accessories, Who What Wear reports that the core vibe of summer hair accessories 2026 leans into a much more playful approach -9.
“”People want to look polished and put-together without looking overly done, and accessories are one of the easiest ways to make hair feel intentional with minimal effort,” celebrity hairstylist Christine Bellemare tells Who What Wear, a key styling tip for anyone testing out summer hair accessories 2026 -8.
Here are the 5 biggest looks defining summer hair accessories 2026 — and exactly how to wear them.
1. Crochet Caps
Crochet seems to always resurface when temperatures heat up, and crochet caps stand out as a standout piece within summer hair accessories 2026, but this summer is different — now we’re putting it on our heads.
“Crochet can be anything from headbands to caps, which are very trendy this season,” says celebrity master stylist Steph Angelone -8. “They’re great for festival season, beach vibes, and fun to throw on and tie your summer look together, one of the most versatile picks from summer hair accessories 2026.”
How to style: Pair a crochet cap with an oversized button-down shirt at the beach, or wear it with a simple tank and denim shorts -8.
Shop our picks: Hair Accessories Collection
2. Silk Scarves
Silk scarves are, without a doubt, one of the most Instagrammed accessory trends right now. Whether exploring Lake Como or strolling in NYC, you’re sure to spot a stylish person wearing a chic scarf tied in their hair.
“I think people want accessories that feel easy and personal instead of overly styled,” says Who What Wear editor in residence Coco Schiffer. “I’m always collecting vintage silk scarves because they instantly make an outfit feel more polished” -8.
How to style: Lay a scarf over your hairline and tie it under your locks at the nape of your neck, or layer it with a loose, low bun for a romantic Euro-summer aesthetic -8. The classic combo: a white tank and jeans.
Shop our picks: Hair Accessories Collection
3. French Pins
French pins — those elegant two-pronged pins that make it easy to throw your hair up in an effortless chignon — are coming back in a big way this summer.
“For French pins, I usually gravitate toward really simple tortoiseshell or metal styles that feel timeless and easy,” Schiffer shares -8.
How to style: A French pin with a sleek low bun and a jewelry stack feels incredibly chic. They’re small details that completely change the look -8.
4. Ocean-Inspired Adornments
Shells, pearls, starfish — coastal influences continue to dominate fashion and jewelry trends, and now they’ve extended to hair accessories.
“I’m seeing a huge resurgence of oversize claw clips, silk scarves, statement barrettes, and ocean-inspired accessories,” says Bellemare -8.
How to style: Use a shell-shaped claw clip or pearl-embellished pin to add a playful holiday feel to any look. Pair with flowing fabrics and natural textures -9.
Shop our picks: Pearl Hair Clip | Hair Accessories Collection
5. Resin Claw Clips
The claw clip remains a staple, but this summer it’s receiving a colorful update through resin finishes and sculptural shapes.
Tortoiseshell remains a classic choice, but we’re also seeing marbled finishes, translucent designs, and vibrant colors that feel perfectly suited to summer -9.
How to style: Use a statement resin clip to create effortless twists and updos. The clip itself becomes part of the outfit.
Shop our picks: Resin Claw Clip Set
Quick Guide: Which Trend Is Yours?
| Your Vibe | Try This |
|---|---|
| Music festival or beach day | Crochet cap |
| Romantic, polished, effortless | Silk scarf |
| Minimalist and elegant | French pin |
| Playful and coastal | Ocean-inspired clips |
| Everyday but intentional | Resin claw clip |
From the Editor’s Desk
The best part about hair accessories? They’re the cheapest way to refresh your style. A $10 clip can make a $50 outfit look like $200.
As Who What Wear puts it: “Unlike major haircut or color trends, hair accessories offer an easy and affordable way to update your look for summer” -9.
Shop the Story
| Product | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Pearl Hair Clip | Ocean-inspired, elegant, timeless |
| Resin Claw Clip Set | Colorful, functional, trendy |
| Hair Scarf / Bandana | Versatile, romantic, effortless |
| Tortoiseshell Accessories | Classic, chic, works with everything |
Sources
- Who What Wear: These Are the Summer Hair Accessories It Girls Can’t Stop Wearing — June 2026
- Who What Wear: The Biggest Hair Accessory Trends to Know for Summer 2026 — June 2026
- Who What Wear: 16 Hair Accessories That Will Be Everywhere This Festival Season — May 2026
