Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Good Accessory

Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Good Accessory

By Izzy Meza

What does one consider a good accessory? Perhaps a pearl-bedazzled barrette, a silk scarf, or even an entire bird, as seen on the head of one Miss Carrie Bradshaw during her wedding to Mr. Big, which did end up in shambles—but I digress. What I am trying to say is that anything can quite literally become a good hair accessory as long as you know how to use it right. I mean, just look at the hairstyles of Marie Antoinette or Queen Charlotte. Perhaps you might not want to walk around with a display of crystal swans swirling around in your wig, but definitely something similar and more subdued! In order to choose the right hair accessory, one must consider the condition of their scalp, the last time they washed their hair, and the length of it. You wouldn’t want to use a gold hair clip on a buzzcut, now would you?

Let us start by determining the freshness of our hair. Let's say your hair is freshly washed and air-dried. I would suggest possibly doing a side part and using a small hair clip or barrette on the side of the part. It's simple, quick, and gives you a bit of volume (if you typically part your hair down the middle; otherwise, go the other direction). You’ll end up looking like an on-the-go Catriona Grey during her Miss Universe win back in 2018. Now, let’s say your hair is freshly washed and blow-dried! If today is the day you want to go all out and achieve that Victoria’s Secret angel look or just want a really shiny, sleek style, then leave your hair as is! Your hair is the accessory! Let everyone know how absolutely marvelous you are at blow-drying your hair, which is something that we teach you here at Frenchie’s Hair—so ask your stylist for an education session! Oh, but if you feel like your outfit is missing something, and it might just be a hair accessory, I understand! I would probably go for a headband if your outfit is more Blair Waldorf academia-inspired. You could also use a pair of chic sunglasses from your closet for an edgier look!

Now, let’s say our hair is not freshly washed. Perhaps you are on the second, third, or even fourth day and feel like your hair needs a good pick-me-up. This is when I would pull out the fun accessories! Before any of that, I would first recommend using our Fresh Effect dry shampoo to just make your scalp feel a bit better. Now, one option would be to use a silk or satin scarf. It’s ideal to use a square one so it folds nicely on your head. Start by grabbing your scarf and folding it in half diagonally, with the corners touching. Place the straight folded edge on your head about ¼ to ½ inch past the hairline. Next, take the two corners that are not touching on either side of your head, bring them down and back, and tie them together right underneath the occipital bone, beneath all your hair. Anchor with bobby pins on each side if needed. Great! Now you look like a fabulous little cottagecore girl on her way to pick some berries or something. I don’t know; I’m a hairstylist. Continuing on, if you really want to just hide your hair and not care about it for a few hours until you wash it, might I suggest a hat? Perhaps it’s an extremely sunny day outside, and you’re not a fan of UV rays—opt for a large straw sunhat! They are absolutely breathable, super affordable, and you might even look like Samantha Jones lounging on her patio in her LA home across from the beach. If a sunhat isn’t your cup of tea, how about a good pageboy cap instead? This little hairstylist predicts that pageboy caps will be making a resurgence soon. Just look at Ariana Grande during her "Yes, And?" music video. She looked stellar, and it’s because pageboy caps add a certain formal playfulness that elevates any outfit! If pageboy caps aren’t your thing either, might I suggest a baseball cap with a low ponytail? It’s classic and gives you that chic Pilates Mom off-duty look!

Now, don’t think I forgot about my men and nonbinary folks with shorter locks! I dare all of you to step out of your comfort zone a bit and try my silk scarf trick from above! It adds a romantic vibe to your outfit and works just as well on your head as it does on our more feminine icons. The sunglasses trick also applies to you! For men and masc-identifying folks, a square face shape is ideal to enhance your masculinity. Sunglasses resting on top of your head help square out your face a bit and give you a stronger look if that’s what you’re going for. Just remember, don’t put them on—let them rest on your head to create a nonchalant but awake vibe! Now, if you really want to step out of your comfort zone and do something daring, try adding a small amount of glitter to your hair gel or pomade for a mane of unicorn sparkle or glitter nightmares for weeks. Either way, like a peacock showing off its feathers, you’re sure to catch the attention of anyone walking down the street!

Remember, the way you present yourself to the world is entirely up to you. Wear whatever you’d like and be that person who walks down the street and makes others think, "Wow, that person must go to Frenchie’s Hair in the Oliver Exchange building downtown. I should book an appointment there as soon as possible!" It’s always good to note: never underestimate the power of a good accessory!