I remember coming back on the coach from sports day a couple of years ago and having an interesting – and also rather disturbing – conversation with a friend about hair accessories. Interesting in that my friend was telling me about the use of hairpins (essential hair accessories in Ancient China) in Ancient C-dramas, traditionally used for tying up buns, but here, depicted with multiple uses, even doubling up as a pen. Disturbing, however, in that one of the multiple uses involved using the hairpins to store poison… And although the latter usage is historically inaccurate, I think we could learn a lot from some of their hair styling and accessories. Although, of course, I wouldn’t condone using one to poison an ex or supo partner, no matter how infuriating. Using such accessories can form creative hairstyles or finish a look, and perhaps even add a touch of practicality to your outfit.

“There is a huge range of hair accessories to choose from, with something to suit everyone”

This particular friend took inspiration from these C-dramas she watched, notably placing a couple of pencils in her bun, giving her a more creative, artistic look. Personally, I think this is an incredibly practical hair accessory if, like me, you’re old-fashioned and still like putting pen to paper. It might also come in handy when sprinting to a 9am and triumphantly taking your place with a minute to spare, you suddenly realise you’ve left all your stationary in college. However, there is a huge range of hair accessories to choose from, with something to suit everyone, so, if writing implements really aren’t your thing, rest assured, there are multiple options.

I’ve always admired a friend’s use of claw clips to create a range of effortless, sophisticated hairstyles, so I recently bought a purple butterfly-shaped claw clip I had been eyeing for a while, and honestly, it has been one of the best fashion investments I’ve made in a long time. The versatility of the accessory makes it a useful addition to most outfits and makes hair-styling in the morning much more fun. There are so many different ways of experimenting with claw clips: you could have your hair half-up, half-down, or use it to fasten a ponytail, fix a braid or create a bun. Being an oversized hair accessory, it makes a statement, which could compliment or contrast with your outfits, depending on colour and style, always enhancing the simplest look.

“I myself have found them to be an accessory that can be repurposed from the more conventional styles of previous generations”

Another hair accessory that is coming back into fashion is the silk scarf. Previously used by our mothers’ and grandmothers’ generations and often associated with the late Queen Elizabeth, they’re now being taken up in great numbers and more creative, modern ways. After discovering my aunt’s abandoned collection of scarves a few years back, and rewatching the Bollywood film Dil to Pagal Hai (a film that, at the time of its creation, set the Indian fashion scene alight), I remember spending hours matching scarves to my outfits and finding different ways to style them. I myself have found them to be an accessory that can be repurposed from the more conventional styles of previous generations. Although some choose to wear them more traditionally, opting for square scarves folded diagonally and tied around the head, we’re seeing more creative ways of wearing scarves, such as twisting them into hairbands, braiding them into your hair, or simply using them to tie a ponytail or bun. You can also play with colours and patterns, adding excitement and colour to any outfit.

Hair accessories are an amazing way for you to complete an outfit. They’re often neglected, with most focusing on clothing and jewellery and leaving their hair down or using the most boring black hairbands, but it’s important to notice the impact they can have on your look. They can add a feature point to more conventional outfit choices, or serve a second use as a practical item. They can even act as a nod to a close family member, if you choose to repurpose some borrowed or given accessories – a way of integrating past fashions and keeping your family close. So, get experimenting – don’t just keep your hair in flowing locks or boring hairbands, try out different hair styles and accessories and add a pop of colour and joy to your hairstyles this Easter Term. It may just brighten up a day of exams to have a bit of fun in your outfit choice.