Holiday Hair Add Ins

If you're looking for an instant way to add some oomph to your updo, you're in luck!  Pretty pieces to slide and clip into your hair are easier to find than ever.  Sliding a glittering clip or fluffy flower into your hair is an easy way to take your pony tail from ho-hum everyday to extra special or special occasion.  I use hair add ins as secret trick to fix updos that go up slightly off center.  Bun not quite round enough?  Stick a flower next to it and it will look just fine.  Did you curling pull your pony tail to the right?  Slide a jewel encrusted stick next to the base and no one will notice.

Haven't ever indulged in an extra hair accessory?  Now that the holiday season is upon us it's the perfect time to try.  I've rounded up some of my favorite ideas for adding a little extra sparkle and special-nesss to your next hair occasion.  Find these pieces online or in stores...but don't forget to check your jewelry box (you can pin in a brooch with a handful of bobbi-pins) and check your childhood jewelry stash.  You never know what you'll find, I found a pair of cute red and white "Kirsten" barrettes.  If you want to buy though, check these out:

Shabby Chic Hair Flower  - These small flowers are super easy to work with.  Just pop in place with the attached prongs and pin down any layers that are sticking up.  Great for sides of buns/pony tails, nestled in curls, or fixing off center work.

Glam Girl Baretter Flowers - If you don't want to deal with prongs, these snap barrettes are a "snap" to put in.  If you have a pony tail, wear on on each side of it so the flowers touch at the top of your head.  If you're sticking them both near a bun or messy up do, wear them side by side so they look like one piece.  These are also great for pinning back bangs.

Softies Stars These new soft barrettes from Goodie promise to "make hair styling fun and easy for girls to use too.  Softies are free of snaps and clips delivering a comfortable, no-fuss styling experience."  I've never tried them, but they seem to go on almost like velcro.  They would make a fun, playful addition to just about any hair style and since they're flat can go almost anywhere.  Just be careful pulling them out.

T-Shirt Headband - I'm not a big fan of headbands, but these cute DIY t-shirt ones are easy to use and you don't have to worry about pinching.  Don't want to do it yourself?  Check out this cute satin wrapped headband from Forever 21.

Glitter Bows - Bows are back!  Curl your hair and pop these in for a totally cute effect or add one to a super sleek 'do to take the edge off.

Swooping Feather Hair Clip - This Urban Outfitters piece has a decisively vintage feel and would be perfect for a holiday party.  Clip back your bangs, or let it peek out from an updo or next to a French twist.

Adorn Jewelry Bobbi Pins - Want to go simple and chic?  Try these little gold bobbi pins.  You could also create your own version by gluing crystals of glittery baubles or beads to your own bobbi pins...just make sure the glue is dry before you try it!

Multi Flower Head Wrap - Head wraps are like the chic-er sister of the headband.  They'll look perfect and slightly flapper inspired with sleek strands, but don't be afraid to tuck the band part underneath the flowers and pin it in place at the back of your head for a more fascinator feel.  What is a fascinator?  Check out this blog post I wrote a few years ago here.

Debbie Lee Long Comb - If you have an extra special event, like a wedding, charity gala, or black tie ball, you'll want to spend a little bit more to get a piece with staying power.  Look for pieces made with real crystals and metal combs (the plastic ones are easy to break).  Smaller combs are easier to work with while longer ones look beautiful coming out of French twists.

Need some help with creating your updo?  Check out this post.

~Kirsten