Hair accessories do more than just rescue you from a bad hair day, they also elevate any and every kind of hairstyle with little to no effort. Every year, we see various hair accessories enjoy their moment in the limelight, and 2020 was no different. Given that we spent most of the year staying indoors and social distancing, the rise in maintaining a virtual presence, on your social feeds or video calls, kept the obsession with hair accessories alive. After all, a pretty arrangement of colourful butterfly clips will read on your Zoom, even if you have the worst connection. Yes, 2020’s top hair accessories were about making a statement, with a couple of classics making an appearance. We are counting down our top five hair accessories of 2020, so you can add some to your accessory collection!
- 01. Pearly barrettes
- 02. Metallic claw clips
- 03. Satin scrunchies
- 04. Oversized headbands
- 05. Novelty bows
01. Pearly barrettes

Image courtesy: @tanyamaccoolhair
Pearly barrettes got a special kind of love in 2020. They were stacked, styled solo and even crisscrossed to create chic half up half down styles. We suspect pearly pins’ popularity last year to be the contributing factor of embellished barrettes becoming huge this year; after all, they’re so easy to style. If you want to leave your hair down and need some easy details added in, the barrette is it.
02. Metallic claw clips

Image courtesy: @gurpreetkaur
After all the 90s throwback moments that became a legitimate hair trend this year (space buns, anyone?), the claw clip was a big surprise. The humble claw clip has been adorning our mothers’ and grandmothers’ mane for ages, so for them to be so huge now is just adorable. Giant, metallic ones made with sleek lines are the ones you should look for if you don’t have one in your collection already.
03. Satin scrunchies

Image courtesy: @serenity
Ah, scrunchies! The endless debate — are they worth the hype or can be overlooked? Fortunately, 2020’s scrunchie obsession was with satin, and that settles the debate; yes, they are absolutely worth the hype. Working from home in pyjamas meant that our mane has spent long hours in messy buns and the only hair tie that doesn’t pull and tug is the satin scrunchie!
04. Oversized headbands

Image courtesy: @justinemarjan
From twisted chiffon ones to embellished beauties, the oversized headband lived its big dreams in 2020. Paired with both, long cascading waves and sleek ponies, this accessory is the only one on this list that was more about its look than practical use. Regardless, they look lovely with floral dresses and stylish formals alike, so it won’t hurt to pick up a fashionable piece on your next shopping spree.
05. Novelty bows

Image courtesy: @scrunchieisback
Big bows, small bows, lace bows or shimmery bows, all kinds of bows were trending this year but the quickie, novelty ones have our heart. Dainty, classy and subtle, these little accessories are perfect for lovers of minimalism.
Main image courtesy: @justinemarjan, @anisasojka
Written by Sumona Bose on Dec 30, 2020
Sumona Bose is a writer, skincare junkie and a self-professed makeup connoisseur. Equipped with a Master's degree in Fashion Management and over 3 years of experience writing in the beauty and fashion space, her passion for learning new things has no bounds. Working closely with dermatologists, beauty excerpts, makeup artists and hairstylists, she brings you the best of all things beauty. From trending skincare ingredients to makeup looks that help you slay, she manages to bring something new (and vital!) to our readers every single time. Her hobbies include home workouts, watching foreign films and binge-watching makeover shows!