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We all know the difference a stylish statement necklace orchunky gold hoop earrings can make in elevating your everyday look. But perhaps what your collection is missing isn’t in the form of a more traditional accessory — it could be a hair barrette.
Whether you’re keeping up with the latest international runways or checking out the biggest street style trends, hair barrettes for adults are popping up everywhere. After being popularized in the 1980s and taking the early 2000s by storm (hello, butterfly clips), the barrette is back in a reimagined and contemporary way with styles, shapes, and sizes to match any hair type and aesthetic you desire.
“The most fashionable people I see will throw on something special and one-of-a-kind in their hair,” said Joe Van O, stylist and creative director of Elena Velez. “That just empowers the look and is really a reflection of their core personal style.”
From the studded style seen in Tom Ford’s spring 2022 collection to the classic bow adorning the Chanel Fall 2019 runway, the barrette is as versatile as it is functional. No matter if you’re looking to embellish a half-up hairstyle or simply pin back curtain bangs, a cute barrette can take you from day to night and can easily pair with the chunky earrings or minimalist jewelry already in your rotation. Not only that, they’re made for every kind of hair type and cut. Try styling your short bob ornamented with metal hair barrettes for a sultry look, or throw up loose curls in a sleek French barrette for a timeless feel.
With a seemingly unlimited array of styles on the market, it can be hard to decide what’s right for you, which is why we have tapped experts and their product picks to compile this guide of all the best hair clip barrettes, including hair barrettes for thick hair and hair barrettes for thin hair, that will make you stand out this season.
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Top Hair Barrettes for 2023
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Jennifer Behr Joelle Barrette
Best Barrette for a Wedding
- Colorway: Silver
- Material: Rhodium and Swarovski crystals
- Best for: Any hair type
- Revolve Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
- MyTheresa Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
Add a touch of sparkle to the fanciest of ‘fits with thisFrench-style hair clip from Jennifer Behr. Known for their luxurious handmade hair accessories, Jennifer Behr designed this Swarovski crystal-adorned hair barrette as a statement piece for your next big event — whether you’re the bride or you’re slipping on your best wedding guest dress. A steel clip closure meets round and oval-cut crystals in this hair clip barrette, sure to catch the light from any angle. And it’s versatile, too — pin both horizontally or vertically to switch up your look.
Price upon publish date of this article: $126
Courtesy of Revolve
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Gaios Connection Peaceful Warrior Set
Best Large Hair Barrette
- Colorway: Gold and white
- Material: Gold plated brass
- Best for: Any hair type
- Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
Ditch the traditional barrette and go all out with these graceful charm barrettes from Gaios. Crystal-embellished celestial shapes hang from a curved gold bar that drapes elegantly across the head, no matter the placement. Wear atop curly braids to really tie in the look, or pair with a silk slip dress for added sophistication.
Price upon publish date of this article: $295
Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue
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Scünci No-Slip Grip Thin Barrettes 2-Pack
Best Non-Slip Barrette
- Colorway: Black and brown
- Best for: Thin hair
- Interesting notes: Customizable grip
- Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Go back to the basics with these non-slip clips from cult-favorite accessory brand Scünci. Shockingly affordable and sold in a two-pack, these black and brown hair barrettes for adults are perfect for even the finest hair. The sleek look makes them easy to throw on for an everyday style or a slicked-back evening look. Even better, they’re equipped for a strong hold, making them perfect for any ‘do you want to perfect.
What reviewers say: “These hair clips are the only ones I can use that don’t damage my fine hair. Other hair clips that don’t have the no-slip plastic (bare metal only) cut into and break my hair. I hope Scunci never stops making these!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $4.84
Courtesy of Amazon
Emi Jay Popstar Clips
Best Patterned Barrettes
- Colorway: Blue and white
- Material: Resin and gold-toned metal
- Best for: Any hair type
- Revolve Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Sometimes, less isn’t more. Ditch the solid neutrals and go for a fun pattern to add life to your hair. These mini clips are a cute addition to your accessory rotation, ideal for wearing alone or stacking together. With three styles available — blue floral, pink marble, and an opalescent finish — you’ll never run out of options.
What reviewers say: “These perfectly top off any look. Casual or formal, they add a touch of pop and color to any look.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $32
Courtesy of Revolve
France Luxe Rectangle Volume Barrette
Best Barrette for Thick Hair
- Colorway: White
- Material: Cellulose acetate
- Best for: Thick hair
- Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
For all the thick hair girlies out there, don’t count yourself out! France Luxe has you covered with various styles and colors of barrettes perfect for even the thickest hair. This rectangular clip boasts a milky color finished with a polished sheen. Stay classic with white or black, or add color to your up-do with their brighter, patterned styles.
Price upon publish date of this article: $24
Courtesy of Amazon
Goody Hair Barrettes Clips for Fine Hair
Best Barrette for Fine Hair
- Colorway: Silver, pink, gold, tortise
- Best for: Thin hair
- Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
If you’re searching for an everyday barrette to hold fine hair, look no further than these small hair barrettes from Goody. Known for their versatile and functional hair accessories, Goody’s specially designed barrettes are equipped with an extra small clasp to ensure the clip lays flat against your hair. Bonus points for the 4-pack.
Price upon publish date of this article: $4.95
Courtesy of Amazon
Free People Dash Hair Clips Set of 6
Best Barrette for a Night Out
- Colorway: Lilac
- Material: Metal
- Best for: Any hair type
- Retailer availability: 5
- Free People Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
Looking to spice up your next girls’ night out ‘fit? These star-shaped hair clips are sure to be your new go-to. Offered in a set of six and featuring a cutout shape and beaded embellishments, they’re perfect for accenting a braid or stacking in an updo. You’ll want to snag these small hair barrettes in all five colors — nestle them into waves after using a dry texture spray.
Price upon publish date of this article: $24
Courtesy of Free People
Chanel Bow Barrette
Cute Barrette for an Adult
- Colorway: Black
- Material: Lambskin and glass pearls
- Best for: Any hair type
- Chanel Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
Few brands do luxury hair barrettes as well as Chanel. Recognized by their timeless bow style, this lambskin clip is a contemporary take on the traditional designer look. Glass pearls add a touch of femininity while a gold double-C embellishment hints towards luxury. Take inspo from the runway and add this dressy hair barrette to a pulled-back pony style that works with any length and hair type.
Price upon publish date of this article: $950
Courtesy of Chanel
Ferragamo Vara Bow Denim Hair Clip
Best Casual Barrette
- Colorway: Denim
- Material: Brass
- Best for: Any hair type
- LouisaViaRoma Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.2/5 stars
Denim has found its way into hair accessories, and we love it. This unique hair barrette from Ferragamo features a structured bow in light denim material that is as fashionable as it is unique. Try pairing it with a white tank and leather pants to take you from shopping to happy hour. A silver buckle with brand-name detailing will add edge to any look.
Price upon publish date of this article: $250
Courtesy of Louisaviaroma
Tasha 2-Pack Brushed Metal Barrettes
Best Everyday Barrette
- Colorway: Gold
- Material: Metal
- Best for: Any hair type
- Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
The search for the perfect everyday barrette is over with these two styles from Nordstrom. Sleek and sophisticated in geometric shapes, a thin clip meets a shiny gold finish to enliven your tresses in any style. Pop them in a fresh blow out or add them as accents to a ponytail — they’re thin enough to hide under even fine strands.
Price upon publish date of this article: $28
Courtesy of Nordstrom
Lelet NY Chain & Pearl Drop Barrette
Best Chunky Barrette
- Colorway: Gold
- Material: 14k gold plated
- Best for: Any hair type
Take inspiration from the Mermaidcore trend with this piece from luxury hair accessory brand Lelet. This cute hair barrette features a chain link design with drop glass pearls. It can hold your hair in a half-up-half-down look or add polish when you slide it behind your ear; either way, you’re sure to turn heads no matter how you style it.
Price upon publish date of this article: $158
Winona Irene Rose Barrette Set
Best Accent Barrettes
- Colorway: Red and green
- Material: Cellulose acetate
- Best for: Any hair type
Barrettes don’t always have to be functional. Play around with shapes, sizes, and colors to add life to any hairstyle. These vibrant rose clips are perfect for pinning between loose curls or around a pony for an extra pop of elegance — they’re some of the most unique hair barrettes on our list.
Price upon publish date of this article: $18
The Different Types of Hair Barrettes
- French hair barrettes: Instantly recognizable, the French barrette is a classic silhouette that is ideal for even the thickest hair and is made to hold styles in place for any occasion. Classified by a long rectangular base, this barrette features a tension bar that secures by two clips, holding your hair snugly in between. Perfect for half-up-half-down styles, you can also stick an oversized one in a low pony for a polished feel.
- Fancy hair barrettes: Experiment with embellishments and texture for your next big event, and snag a barrette that takes your look to the next level. “People who are into a more feminine look can go for the pearls and the bows and the ribbon, all these hyper-girly accents,” says Van O. Play up your personal style and snag everything from silk and diamond-encrusted clips to charmed barrettes to take your individuality from your outfit into your hair.
- Plastic hair barrettes: Functional and accessible, plastic barrettes are perhaps most synonymous with the Y2K trends we see everywhere today. From butterfly clips to multicolored bows, they are usually smaller and slimmer in size, making them great for thinner hair or for adorning thicker styles.
- Classic metal hair barrettes: You can never go wrong collecting a variety of metal barrettes. “If you want a more a more streamlined or corporate look, think all metal neutral tones like black, tan, and brown,” suggests Van O. Generally seen in the form of small, triangular clips, they’re extremely versatile for everyday wear, yet customizable enough for stacking and layering to add a bit of edge to your hairstyle.
Hair Barrette Trends for 2023 — Hairstyles With Barrettes
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Oversized silhouettes and statement pieces have dominated recent runway and street trends, and hair barrettes are no exception. Many of the year’s most memorable fashion moments have referenced the accessory paired with slicked-back hairstyles, bubble shades, and equally chunky jewelry. A recurring theme seen throughout NYFW Fall 2023 — frequently styled for aesthetic rather than purely functional purposes — barrettes are adored from the streets to the runway to the red carpet.
Once you have a barrette, it’s time to decide on one of many hairstyles with barrettes. Celebs like Adrienne Bailon opted for pinned-back styles at awards shows, while others like Gigi Hadid rocked an embellished Prada French barrette atop a high pony for the 2021 Met Gala. You can also take cues from street style trends of slicked back hair and unexpected updos — each of these looks bode well for accessorizing with barrettes.
While barrettes are designed for hair, their versatility isn’t limited to just that. Another on-trend way to wear them is as an accessory to your clothing and everyday handbags. “I love using charm barrettes when styling shoots because they literally will clip on any piece of clothing in ways that move around the body. You can even clip them on your shoulder bag or belt,” said Van O. “It’s a really cool way to utilize pieces in different ways.”
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Meet the Expert
Joe Van O is a stylist, fashion director, and creative consultant living in New York City. He has worked with names like Elena Velez, DKNY, Nike, Calvin Klein, and Equinox, styling models, designers, and celebrities in everything from hair barrettes to cocktail dresses.
Meet the Author
Anika Ljung is a contributing writer for WWD where she writes stories on the latest fashion and accessory trends, keeping a close eye on both the runway and the zeitgeist to inform her pieces. Based in New York City, her work has appeared in V Magazine, V MAN, CR Fashion Book, and Brides, among others, and she is an assistant stylist for various independent creatives around the city. For this story on the cutest hair barrettes, Ljung interviewed a stylist and combed through hair barrette options to select the best for different hair types and aesthetics.
