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Summer 2026 Hair Accessory Trends: Shell Clips, Polka Dots, Resin Claws & More
PPublished: June 16, 2026 | Reading time: 5 minutes
Sources: Who What Wear (May-June 2026) | Marie Claire Taiwan (May 2026) | Grazia (May 2026)
This roundup covers all the top picks for Summer 2026 Hair Accessories featured in these leading fashion publications.
Hair Accessories Are Finally Getting the Spotlight
For years, hair accessories were the afterthought.
You’d put on your earrings, your necklace, your bracelets. And then — maybe — you’d grab a plain black elastic.
Not anymore.
According to Who What Wear’s May 2026 report, Summer 2026 Hair Accessories are finally having their big fashion moment. [Source: Who What Wear, “What Is a ‘Hairscarf’? The Easy Summer Hair Trend to Try RN”, May 11, 2026]
Here are 5 standout styles of Summer 2026 Hair Accessories for summer 2026 — and how to wear them.
Trend 1: Ocean-Inspired / Shell Elements
Shells and pearls are everywhere this season — in jewelry, on bags, and now the star detail of trendy Summer 2026 Hair Accessories.
Who What Wear notes that shell and pearl accents are appearing across multiple accessory categories this summer. [Source: Who What Wear, “Accessory Trends That Are Set to Dominate Summer”, May 2026]
How to wear it:
- Tuck a small shell clip behind your ear, one of the most beloved pieces of Summer 2026 Hair Accessories
- Use a pearl claw clip to hold a half-up style
- Scatter pearl pins through a messy bun
Shop our picks:
👉 Pearl Hair Clip
Trend 2: Polka Dots Are Back
Polka dots are one of the most important prints featured in Summer 2026 Hair Accessories this year.
According to Marie Claire Taiwan’s May 2026 report, polka dots are dominating runways and street style this season. [Source: Marie Claire Taiwan, “Polka Dot is the Hottest Print of 2026”, May 15, 2026]
How to wear it:
- Wear a polka dot headband with a low ponytail, one fun staple from Summer 2026 Hair Accessories
- Tie a polka dot bandana around a top knot
- Use a polka dot scrunchie as a bracelet
Shop our picks:
👉 Polka Dot Scrunchie Set (if available)
Trend 3: Resin Claw Clips
Claw clips are no longer just “something to throw your hair up with.” They’re a core statement piece within Summer 2026 Hair Accessories.
Who What Wear identifies claw clips — especially resin and tortoiseshell styles — as a key hair accessory trend for summer 2026. [Source: Who What Wear, summer 2026 accessory forecast]
How to wear it:
- Twist damp hair and clip up — leave a few strands loose
- Use a small claw clip for face-framing sections
Shop our picks:
👉 Resin Claw Clip Set
Trend 4: Bandanas / Headscarves
Bandanas are back — and they’re bigger than ever.
Who What Wear’s May 2026 report highlights the “hairscarf” as one of the easiest summer hair trends to try. The trend is inspired by 70s bohemian style and the current Y2K revival. [Source: Who What Wear, “What Is a ‘Hairscarf’? The Easy Summer Hair Trend to Try RN”, May 11, 2026]
According to Grazia’s May 2026 report, bandanas are being worn in three ways this season: tied at the crown (70s style), folded as a thin headband (minimalist), or wrapped around a ponytail (playful). [Source: Grazia, “What’s in my beauty bag: Emma Louise Connolly on her summer hair staples”, May 20, 2026]
How to wear it:
- Fold into a triangle, tie at the top of your head (retro)
- Fold into a thin strip, use as a headband (minimalist)
- Tie around a high ponytail or bun
Trend 5: Stretchy Headbands
Summer is hot. You want your hair off your face.
Stretchy headbands are the practical answer — and according to trend forecasts, they’re having a moment in 2026. Unlike rigid headbands that pinch, stretchy ones are comfortable for all-day wear.
How to wear it:
- Pair with a slicked-back low bun (polished)
- Pair with loose waves (relaxed)
Shop our picks:
👉 Stretchy Knit Headband Set (if available)
Quick Guide: Which Hair Trend Is Yours?
| Your Vibe | Try This | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Beachy, relaxed | Ocean-inspired clips | Who What Wear |
| Playful, vintage | Polka dots | Marie Claire |
| Cool, effortless | Resin claw clips | Who What Wear |
| Free-spirited | Bandanas | Who What Wear / Grazia |
| Polished, practical | Stretchy headbands | Trend forecast |
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. No haircut needed. No color change. Just a clip, a band, or a scarf.
Shop the Story: Editor’s Picks
| Trend | Our Pick | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean-inspired | Pearl Hair Clip | Under $15 |
| Resin claw clips | Claw Clip Set (3 sizes) | Under $12 |
| Bandanas | Silk Hair Scarf | Under $10 |
Sources (Click to Verify)
- Who What Wear: What Is a ‘Hairscarf’? The Easy Summer Hair Trend to Try RN — May 11, 2026
- Who What Wear: Accessory Trends That Are Set to Dominate Summer — May 2026
- Marie Claire Taiwan: Polka Dot is the Hottest Print of 2026 — May 15, 2026
- Grazia: What’s in my beauty bag: Emma Louise Connolly on her summer hair staples — May 20, 2026
