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Every season comes with its own flurry of trends, whether runway-influenced wardrobe overhauls or new makeup movements. Summer 2026 proves to be no different as it ushers in a new era of summer manicures (Seaglass nails! Pillbox manis!), hair inspiration, and makeup trends—but undoubtedly, the beauty category generating the most buzz this summer is hair accessories.
I won’t lie to you and pretend that hair accessories have never been front-page news in the fashion world, but it seems like tastemakers and celebrities alike have been putting equal effort into their hair accessories and full ensembles. Take it from notable content creator and Who What Wear Editor in Residence Coco Schiffer, who styles luxury campaigns and jetsets the world frequently, seeing all walks of fashion. “I feel like silk scarves, crochet caps, and French pins are going to be everywhere this summer,” Schiffer states. “They all have this really effortless, slightly nostalgic vibe that makes even the simplest outfit feel more interesting,” she adds. “It’s very ‘thrown together in the chicest way possible.'”
Celebrity hairstylists and salon founders would have to agree. “We’re in a major ‘low-maintenance luxury’ era,” professional hairstylist Christine Bellemare explains. “People want to look polished and put-together without looking overly done, and accessories are one of the easiest ways to make hair feel intentional with minimal effort.” In short, we’ll know you have taste if we spot you in any of these trends. The best part? These bits and bobs zap lengthy hairstyling processes to under-five-minute fixes. Keep scrolling for the It-hair accessories that threaten to make our credit card statements read like telephone numbers.
5 Summer Hair Accessories to Wear in Summer 2026
Crochet Caps
Knit details like crochet seem to always resurface when the temps heat up, and this summer is no different. Except that this season, we’re putting it on our heads. “Crochet can be anything from headbands to caps, which are very trendy this season,” says celebrity hairstylist Stephanie Angelone. However, it’s crochet caps (and even small half-scarves) that are stealing the limelight nowadays. “They’re great for festival season, beach vibes, and fun to throw on and tie your summer look together,” she adds.
These caps are typically easy to style, seeing as you can slip them over your head and go, but you may need to thread a few sneaky hair pins through the bottom edges to hold them in place—especially if you plan to spend your day dancing at a music festival. However, your locks do require a bit of styling (if you’d like) as the hair often hangs limp underneath. “When doing a crochet head piece, I always recommend a fun tousled beach wave, or just your natural hair air dried,” says Angelone. As for the outfit, Schiffer envisions a crochet cap with an oversized button-down at the beach, and we’re totally on board.
Free People
Mila Sequin Disco Cap
Urban Outfitters
Oversized Fringed Crochet Headscarf
Wear it With
J.Crew
Étienne Oversized Shirt
Urban Outfitters
Out From Under Slip Away Lace Trim Satin Shorts
Vince
Barcelona Jelly Cage Mule
Silk Scarves
Silk scarves are, without a doubt, one of the most Instagrammed accessory trends these days. Whether exploring the streets of Lake Como or schlepping in New York City, you’re sure to spot a stylish person wearing a chic scarf tied in their hair one way or another. “I think people want accessories that feel easy and personal instead of overly styled,” says Schiffer. “I’m always collecting vintage silk scarves because they instantly make an outfit feel more polished.”
Whether you choose to go the vintage route like Schiffer or choose to shop one of our favorites below, you’re instantly upgrading your summer wardrobe with this one small addition. “The best accessories right now feel like part of the outfit, not just something functional,” says Bellemare. “They make basics feel cooler without trying too hard,” Schiffer agrees. Try laying one over your hairline and tying it under your locks at the nape of your neck, or layering it with a loose, low bun for a romantic, Euro-summer aesthetic. Schiffer’s only ask? Keep it simple: a white tank and jeans is all it needs. “They instantly make everything feel more intentional,” she explains.
Lovers and Friends
Amaya Scarf
Madewell
Small Silk Bandana
Free People
Essential Triangle Bandana
Wear it With
Nordstrom
Rib Scoop Neck Cotton Tank
TKEES
Julia Square Toe Suede Flip Flop
French Pins
French pins are those long, elegant, two-pronged pins that make it easy to throw your hair up in an effortless chignon, and they’re coming back in a big way this summer. Whether you’re twirling your hair into a loose, romantic knot or accenting an updo with a few of the sleek spears, Schiffer stands by the versatility of these forked tools. “For French pins, I usually gravitate toward really simple tortoiseshell or metal styles that feel timeless and easy,” she states.
Hair accessories like these may make an outfit feel instantly dressy, which might make you balk at the idea of incorporating it into your everyday. To shake this, the experts say to treat these details like jewelry—pieces that complete the outfit rather than stand apart. “A French pin with a sleek low bun and a jewelry stack all feels very chic to me,” Schiffer muses. “They’re small details, but they completely change the look!”
Machete
Machete French Hair Pin
Deborah Pagani
Small Dp Pin
Free People
Suki Gold Plated Hair Pin
Wear it With
Jordan Road
Rendezvous Necklace Stack
Reformation
Emma-Rose Silk Dress
Mermaid Adornments
Mermaid style seems to be the talk of beauty editor town, and I’m not talking about the dress silhouette. From Chanel’s Cruise 26/27 show to oceanic hair pins, beauty lovers are doing themselves up siren-style this summer. “I’m seeing a huge resurgence of oversized claw clips, silk scarves, statement barrettes, and ocean-inspired accessories,” says Bellemare. Take, for example, this pearl-adorned set of pins—which would look fabulous detailing a tousled low bun—or this “Glossy Fish” barrette from It girl-beloved accessories brand Lelet NY. “They’re an easy way to elevate even the simplest hairstyle,” she adds.
Jennifer Behr
Wade Barrette
Lelet NY
Kai Pearl Hair Pin Set
Casa Clara
Seaside Clip Set
Wear it With
Free People
Sandshell Linen Skirt Set
Reformation
Valentina Mini Beaded Bag
Statement Barrettes
One of the simplest ways to add a little something extra to your hairstyle is by clipping a statement barrette into your hair, and Bellemare is seeing a resurgence of jewelry-like clips in summer-strewn, natural textures this summer. The hairstylist predicts more “soft, natural texture paired with statement barrettes” for a modern take on the girlish accessory. “My biggest tip is to embrace a little imperfection and your hair’s natural texture to make it feel even more lived-in and chic,” she adds. “The best accessories right now feel like part of the outfit, not just something functional.”
Machete
Jumbo Oval Barrette
Free People
Arlo Hair Pin
COMPLETEDWORKS
Gold-Plated Pearl Hair Clip
Wear it With
ZARA
Ramie Blend Wrap Jacket
MADISON THE LABEL
Aubree Short
Jeffrey Campbell
Palma Ankle Strap Wedge Sandal
How We Chose
We determined the top hair accessory trends for summer 2026 by conducting market research—going backstage at fashion week shows, attending seasonal fashion and beauty previews, and interviewing celebrity hairstylists, brand founders, and stylists—and summarizing our findings. We also indulged in the trends ourselves throughout this process, styling everything from silk scarves to crochet caps on vacations, in our home bases, and in new environments to see what resonated with fashion and beauty lovers. The result of our research and real-world testing is the above list and our personal product recommendations.
Meet Our Experts
Why Trust Who What Wear
At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we’d truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.
