We all have those mornings where we just want to throw our hair up with a scrunchie and leave it at that. Every so often, we find ourselves wanting to add a bit more *spice* to the look. Switching up your hairstyles adds an exciting element to your overall put-together-ness (yes, we just made that one up). Plus, let’s be real—it’s super fun. Here are five different styles and accessories that you can use to upgrade your hair game:

Headbands

Starting off simple, let’s talk about headbands. The best thing about them is that they work for every hair length and texture. Lately, we’ve been seeing a lot of white cotton headbands. These little guys are simple, inexpensive, and sporty. Just push back your hair with one and then pull out some small strands. This will soften the look and frame your face. It’s important to note that there are hundreds of different headband styles, so if sporty isn’t your vibe, don’t fret. For a preppier piece, look no further than the knot headband. It’s more elaborate and has a hard base, which makes it stand out more in your locks (this will also give you that iconic Blair Waldorf look.)

Faux Curtain Bangs

From TikTok to Instagram, you have probably seen the curtain bang trend before. Curtain bangs pay homage to the seventies, when stars like Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin first popularized them. For anyone unfamiliar, curtain bangs are characterized by their long layer-like appearance that frame the face. Rather than having a harsh straight cut, this style evokes simplicity with its wisps. The name “curtain bangs” was given because of the way they drape open over the face, much like a curtain. If you’re too afraid to make the big decision to get bangs, don’t worry, because it’s easy to fake! All you need is a large-barrel curling iron. On each side of your head, curl a small front section of hair inwards towards your face. You’re not done there. Next, pin your hair in line with your brow bone. This will set your hair into the correct shape. Make sure that your hair is not pulled taut with the pin. Instead, it should form a large curvature, like a draped curtain. Leave this to set for at least fifteen minutes, or until you’re sure that your hair has fully cooled. Then unpin and enjoy your commitment-free curtain bang.

Statement Strands 

Statement strands add that special little pop of texture to your hair. What this entails is grabbing small sections from the top layer of your hair right by the roots and braiding, crimping, or bedazzling them (yes, bedazzling). Braiding is self-explanatory, but make sure to have small hair elastics on hand to get them secure. Crimped hair is making a comeback, after first becoming huge in the eighties. The “hair blinger” is just as fun as its name suggests. A lot like a typical straightener, you clamp the hair blinger over a small section of hair and voila, sparkles.

Blowouts

Blowouts are back, baby! Everyone is living for this fun classic ‘do, but making trips to the salon is pricey. Thankfully, you can still get the look using the tools you already have. We are going to go over three techniques that all require one key final step: setting your hair in large rollers. The simplest of the three is to curl your hair as normal using a large-barrel curling iron. The second way is with a rounded hair straightener. For an easy trick to get a wave with a straightener: with one hand clamping the flat iron, use the other to pull the unstraightened piece perpendicular to the straightener. The curved exterior of the iron sends your strands in at an angle that produces a wave (and if all else fails: YouTube tutorials save lives). The last way to achieve the blowout look is using a blow dryer, a concentrated nozzle, and a round brush. After attaching the nozzle to the dryer, start to dry your hair. When you reach the ends of your hair, rotate the round brush so that only the ends wrap up around it. 

Hair Clips

The two biggest types of hair clips on our recommendation list are claw clips and barrettes. Claw clips have reemerged in the world of fashion and beauty, along with many other favorites of the early 2000s. Simply twist your hair back and clip it into place, fluffing up small wisps of hair to give it that messy-but-cute look. Barrettes are also just as fun and versatile. Some staple ways to style include dressing up a high ponytail with [barrettes] pinned at the front. Alternatively, you can pin a small front section of hair back behind your ear for a style that looks like a million bucks.

Article Written by Ashley Alvarado & Katie Collins, Designs by Anna Keller, Media by Angela Kraus