Hair accessories aren’t just about looking cute – they actually save you time in the morning and make your daughter feel good about herself. Things like scrunchies, clips, and headbands keep her hair under control during school, and you can even sit down together and make your own. Taking care of her hair with the right accessories now helps her learn habits she’ll use her whole life.
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Having a daughter is such a blessing. As a mom, you can adore them in so many different ways, and girl babies love to try new things like new shoes, new outfits, and new hairstyles. My little Nadia, who’s 5 years old and absolutely chubby and lovely, is so fashion-conscious that I need to keep her closet prepared all the time! And honestly? I love this attitude of hers. It’s so cute watching her pick out her favourite colours and get excited about getting dressed up for the day.
One thing I’ve realised over these five years is that kids’ hair accessories are not just about looking cute (though that’s definitely a bonus!). They’re about making mornings easier, keeping hair neat during school, and giving our little ones the confidence to feel fabulous. Whether it’s a colourful scrunchie that keeps flyaways in check or a cute hair clip that makes her feel like a princess, the right hair accessories for kids can transform a regular day into something special.
In this guide, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about kids’ hair accessories. You will get ideas on adorable essential styles every girl should have, school-ready hairstyles that actually last the whole school year, and some fun, easy DIY projects you can make with your daughter.
So grab a coffee, relax, and let’s talk about hair accessories together.
Some Adorable and Essential Hair Accessories Names
After trying different fancy, simple, and even some trendy hair clips, ribbons, and bands, I’ve stuck with some ideas that actually work. As you all know, I’ve already discussed trendy kids’ fashion items in my previous blog. So today, let me share the 7 hair accessories that have become my go-to favourites for Nadia and are absolute must-haves for every little girl’s collection.
Hair Scrunchies
Scrunchies are my go-to because they’re made from soft fabrics like satin and velvet that won’t damage delicate hair like metal or rubber bands do. The fabric coating protects each strand from breakage and keeps hair healthy even with daily use.
Nadia’s hair feels smoother when I use scrunchies than when I use regular elastics. You can wear them for ponytails, buns, braids, or twisted hairstyles. Since they come in endless colours and patterns, your daughter gets to choose what makes her happy.
Hair Clips
When Nadia’s hair is all over the place after sleeping or playing, a good claw clip helps a lot. These clips work on both thick and thin hair without slipping out. What I’ve noticed is that they handle the messy flyaways really well without pulling.
They have millions of options like simple pastels to fun geometric patterns, holographic finishes, and character-themed clips. You can find them in literally any aesthetic your daughter loves, so there’s no boring hair days.
Hair Bows
Hair bows are such a mood changer. It is very trendy right now, and it makes her feel special. You can attach them to clips, barrettes, or tie them directly into braids.
Kids look so cute when you mix different bow sizes for the occasion. Smaller bows for everyday school is a good choice, but when you need to put on a party-ready look, then big bows look very elegant.
Headbands
When kids play, and you can see their messy hair all over their faces, it feels so uncomfortable (at least for me!).
I love the padded elastic headbands because they keep all her hair pushed back and don’t fall off. Even when Nadia’s running wild at the playground, they stay right where I put them.
There are different designs. Animal ear themes, floral prints, oversized padded ones for a trendy look, or simple solid colours. They work on good hair days and bad hair days. When her hair’s messy, a headband just fixes everything.
Hair Ties & Elastics
There’s a difference between fabric-covered elastics and regular rubber bands. Fabric elastics prevent hair breakage and don’t leave creases that damage hair strands. They last longer, too, because the coating protects both the elastic and your child’s hair.
I keep a stash of colourful, patterned ones everywhere because they keep disappearing.
Bobby Pins
The day Nadia got bangs is a struggle I’ll never forget. Hair slipped out of braids, escaped buns, and poked through every headband.
Bobby pins work best for securing loose strands and keeping braids from falling apart throughout the day.
The embellished versions with glitter, pearls, or fun designs double as decoration. I use them to pin backside pieces or create little details that make a simple ponytail look more finished.
Pearl & Beaded Accessories
Pearl clips and beaded hair sticks look really nice without being over-the-top. I save them for school events, photo days, or when we’re visiting family. They have this pretty shine, but it’s not too much. I use them when Nadia needs a neat, polished look. They make even simple buns feel special.
School-Ready Hair Styles and Accessories Options for a Perfect Look
My daughter just started pre-school, and I can see that her hairstyle needs a change. School-friendly, polished, and formal in some way. She can’t have her hair flying in her face during class, and honestly, teachers appreciate it when kids look neat and put-together. So my everyday choices are something like these 5 styles that have become my lifesavers on school mornings.
Ponytail
This is my fastest go-to option. I brush Nadia’s hair, gather it at the back of her head, and secure it with a fabric-covered elastic or scrunchie.
For a polished touch, I sometimes add a small hair clip or bow at the base of the ponytail. It takes literally two minutes, keeps her hair completely out of her face, and she looks ready for the classroom.
Braids
Braids are the ultimate school hairstyle because they last the entire day without getting messy. I do a simple three-strand braid starting from the crown and tie it with a scrunchie at the end.
Sometimes, I use a thicker fabric scrunchie or add a matching bow at the bottom. Sometimes I do two side braids, which look extra neat. Nadia’s teachers always compliment her when she has braids because they look intentional and well-groomed.
In fact, protective hairstyles like braids are one of the best ways to prevent tangles, and if you want more braid inspiration, check out my blog on Braiding Hairstyles for Kids.
Half-Up Style
This style gives a perfect semi-formal look. I brush her hair, take a section from the top, and clip it back using a claw clip or a cute hair bow clip.
The rest of her hair flows down, which she loves to show off her nice, long blond hair. It only takes three minutes, and it keeps the front hair from falling into her face during class.
Double Buns
I do double buns like dividing her hair into two sections, twisting each side, and securing them with scrunchies on either side of her head. The buns stay tight throughout the entire school day, even when she’s running around.
Sleek Ponytail
When I want her to look super formal for school photos or special events, I do a sleek ponytail. I brush her hair smooth, apply a tiny bit of hair serum or smoothing product to tame flyaways, gather everything into a high or low ponytail, and secure it with a scrunchie.
Then I use a bobby pin to tuck any loose strands and sometimes add a small pearl clip or embellished bobby pin for elegance. It looks professionally done and keeps her looking neat all day long.
Fun Easy DIY Kids Hair Accessories
DIY projects are such a fun way to bond with your daughter while creating something she’ll actually use and love. DIY Kids Clothing Ideas is also a nice blog you can read to spend quality time with your kids.
These hair accessory projects are perfect for weekend activities or rainy afternoons. You and your daughter can sit together, make memories, and end up with adorable handmade accessories that cost way less than store-bought ones. Let’s make some magic happen.
Fabric Scrunchies
Cut a strip of soft fabric about 5 inches long and 2 inches wide. Fold it in half lengthwise with the right sides facing each other. Sew along the long edge to form a tube. Then turn the tube right-side out so the seam is hidden.
Insert a thin elastic band through the fabric tube using a safety pin or turning tool. Bring the ends of the fabric together, fold the edges inward, and sew both ends closed to enclose the elastic.
And just like that, she has her own custom scrunchie.
Beaded Hair Clips
Get a plain metal clip and whatever colourful beads she likes. Hot glue the beads onto the clip in any pattern she wants. Just make sure it’s totally dry before she wears it.
You can create stripes, gradients, or random designs. The clip becomes uniquely tailored to her style. This project takes 15 minutes and yields stunning results.
Ribbon Bows
Take a ribbon about 12 inches long and fold it into a bow shape. Grab the middle, then wrap ribbon or thread around it to keep the bow together.
Glue this bow onto a clip or a small rubber band using fabric glue or hot glue. Your daughter gets to pick the ribbon colour and thickness, making each bow completely her own creation.
Felt Flowers
Cut out petal shapes from colourful felt sheets. You can freehand them or use a template. Stack multiple layers of petals and glue them together, slightly offsetting each layer to create a full, dimensional flower.
Add a pearl or bead in the centre if you want. Glue the finished flower onto a bobby pin, clip, or headband. It looks so cute and lively.
Glitter Bobby Pins
It’s a very easy one! Start with plain bobby pins and cover them with clear nail polish or Mod Podge. Immediately roll them in glitter while still wet, or sprinkle glitter on top and let it dry.
Once completely dry, seal it with another layer of clear polish to keep the glitter from coming off. They look like something you’d buy at a fancy salon, but they cost basically nothing!
How to Manage Tangled Hair?
One afternoon, I was blow-drying Nadia’s hair, and some of it got sucked into the dryer without me realising. By the time I realised what happened, her hair was so badly tangled that I literally couldn’t comb through it. I tried everything at home for two days, but nothing worked. The knot was so tight and close to her scalp that I had no choice but to take her to a professional salon.
Reasons Why Hair Gets Tangled
There are so many reasons why kids’ hair gets tangled. Some are obvious, others you might not even think about. Here’s a breakdown of the most common reasons and what they can lead to:
| Reason | What It Causes |
| Heat damage from hair dryers or styling tools | Dry, brittle hair that tangles easily |
| Swimming in chlorinated water without protection | Chemical damage and major knots |
| Friction from sleeping without protection | Matted hair and breakage by morning |
| Dry weather and low humidity | Static and tangled strands throughout the day |
| Not brushing regularly | Knots pile up and become impossible to untangle |
| Product buildup from conditioners and serums | Heavy, sticky hair that clumps together |
| Rough fabric accessories (metal, cheap elastics) | Hair breaks and creates more tangles |
| Playing and running around without hair secured | Constant friction causes knots to form |
Prevention Ideas of Tangles
Dealing with severe tangles is stressful for both you and your daughter. You can use these remedies or daily habits, honestly, to make her hair flawless again:
- Brush gently every morning and night with a wide-tooth comb.
- Use a leave-in conditioner spray before brushing.
- Braid or bun her hair before sleeping
- Avoid heat tools whenever possible.
- Keep hair moisturised with regular conditioning.
- Use fabric-covered hair ties instead of rubber bands.
- Trim every 6-8 weeks to remove damaged ends.
Accessory Habits to Reduce Tangles
Some hair accessories actually cause more tangles than they prevent. You can avoid or use the mentioned accessories with caution:
- Metal clips with rough edges
- Cheap elastic bands with exposed metal
- Clips that are too tight create tension knots.
- Leaving the same accessory in for hours causes matting.
- Hair sticks and pins without smooth ends catch strands.
- Decorative clips with sharp decorations snag easily.
- Rubber bands without any fabric coating are the worst for tangling.
- Over-tightened scrunchies leave creases that become weak spots for tangles.
Instead, stick with soft fabric scrunchies, smooth claw clips, padded headbands, and fabric-covered elastics that won’t damage her hair or create tangles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Change Accessories?
I switch out Nadia’s accessories every few weeks so she doesn’t get bored. But really, you should replace them when they start looking worn out – like when the elastic gets loose, the colour fades, or the clips get bent.
Are Metal Accessories Safe?
Metal clips are fine as long as they’re smooth. Cheap ones sometimes have rough edges that snag hair. I always check them first – if it feels smooth, it’s good to go.
How Tight Should Accessories Be?
This is so important. The accessory should be tight enough to stay in place but loose enough that you can easily slip a finger underneath. If she complains about headaches or you see red marks on her scalp, it’s too tight.
How to Clean & Care for Accessories?
I wash the fabric ones with soap and water and let them dry. Clips just get wiped down. Everything stays in a little box. Super easy, and they don’t fall apart as fast.
Accessories for Sensitive Scalps?
If her scalp is sensitive, stick with soft fabric scrunchies, padded headbands, and smooth clips. Keep the tension loose and don’t leave accessories in for more than 6-8 hours.
Conclusion
After all this time with Nadia, I get that hair accessories are way more than pretty things. They save me on hectic mornings, boost her confidence, and create little moments between us that I cherish.
Her hair changes all the time, and so does what she likes. But taking care of it together teaches her how to care for herself. Hair accessories stop being just about style and become part of her daily routine.
