12 Best Hair Barrettes 2024 – WWD

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We all know the difference a stylish statement necklace or chunky 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 clips, including cute hair barrettes for thick hair and thin hair, that will make you stand out this season.

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Top Hair Barrettes of 2024

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Cute Hair Barrettes Inspiration 

With oversized silhouettes and statement pieces regaining popularity on social media and the runways, it’s no surprise that hair barrettes trend is still going strong. In 2023, many of the year’s most memorable fashion moments have referenced the accessory paired with slicked-back hairstyles, bubble shades, and equally chunky jewelry. Expect to see the same trends make their way into 2024 — frequently styled for aesthetic rather than purely functional purposes — barrettes are adored from the streets to the runway to the red carpet.

And much like fashion houses, celebrities and creators are also showcasing the hair trend. 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.

Below, draw inspiration for how to wear your new hair barrettes for any occasion and season.

Go below the bun

Adding a barrette under an everyday bun is one of the simplest ways to incorporate the hair clip trend. It’s an excellent way to hold flyaways in place with little effort, and it spices up a minimal hairstyle when you’re craving a change. And the bigger the barrette, the more attention it gets. Opt for larger-sized picks when accessorizing an under-the-bun look — tiny, sleek clips tend to get lost in your hair and won’t be noticeable.

Try heavy metals

This year, ditch the notion that barrettes only serve to keep hairs in place. Another idea we’re breaking up with? That your hair accessories need to be toned down. Instead, shop for cute hair barrettes that help create a unique look that you can make your signature design. Create fun and flirty patterns that catch the eye. Move over statement necklaces, hair barrettes are here for all the attention.

Take a bow

Classic bows also influence modern hair barrettes. One brand that coined the trend is Chanel — take the above photo from 1980, for example. Bows have been a long-time hair staple that isn’t going anywhere. Now, you can pick up a bow from Chanel for your collection to create a chic and feminine style that suits all occasions. But it’s important to note that you don’t have to tie them to your strands physically; instead, grab a hair barrette. The clip style makes it easy to snap into your hair and secure it.

Wear them as jewelry

Fashion tastemakers are also on board with adding more flair to their outfit by using over-the-top barrettes as hair jewelry. Need some inspiration? Fashion influencer Chiara Ferragni donned a gleaming large hair clip from Schiaparelli on top of a low bun. You can also select statement earrings to complement your hair piece for a cohesive detail.

Make your ‘do designer

Designer hair barrettes have recently resurged due to luxury brands featuring them as an accessory on runways. Fendi, Prada, Balmain, Versace, and more fashion houses have offered their takes on classic hair clips by adding luxurious materials like lambskin, leather, resin, and even crystals to the once simple designs.

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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.

Taylor Lane is a WWD and Footwear News contributing freelance beauty and fashion shopping writer based in Charleston, South Carolina. The former New Yorker previously held on-staff shopping writer roles at Yahoo Life and Dotdash Meredith. Lane’s bylines have appeared in publications like InStyle, Forbes Vetted, Women’s Health, and more. Lane has several years of editorial experience covering beauty and fashion, reporting on everything from stylish and functional sneakers to the latest and greatest beauty products. Lane updated this story with more hair barrette trend details and new product releases to wear the trend in 2024 with effortlessly chic style.