It is impossible to forget Blair Waldorf's impeccable style in the popular TV series  'Gossip Girl'. Her signature looks were never complete without a hair accessory, whether it was a puffy velvet headband, a burgundy satin piece, or a rhinestone-encrusted band that shimmered beautifully, making every girl want to recreate that look back in those days.

Today, suppose you are chronically online, following trends on Instagram or TikTok. In that case, you will notice how every other scroll reveals another creative way to clip, pin, braid, or wrap your hair into something statement-worthy.

Now, hair has become a new playground, a space to experiment, express and even tell a story. There is something delightfully low-effort yet transformative about adding accessories that instantly make you look more put together.

Among Gen Z, the obsession is all about self-expression. 

Riya, 18, who loves doing her hair, treats it like a moodboard. Her dresser is covered in colourful clips, butterfly-shaped claws, sparkly bobby pins, and soft satin scrunchies. 

"I do not like to wear the same hairstyle every day, so I style it differently," she commented.

On some days, she leans into a soft pastel aesthetic with satin bows, while on others, she goes bold with bubble ponytails tied with bright elastics or braids decorated with beads. Her favourite pieces at the moment are translucent flower claw clips in different sizes and mini round clips that remind her of early 2000s Y2K fashion. "They're fun and quite trendy these days," she said.

When she is heading out with friends or attending a special occasion, she adds hair tinsel that shimmers in the light, giving her hair a fairy-like sparkle. For casual days, she reaches for a simple spandex hairband, usually in a bright colour to add a pop to her neutral outfits.

Farzana Amin, 28, loves wearing French pins in muted tones like ivory, mocha, and matte black. "They hold my hair gently without tugging, and the shape never goes out of style," she shared.

She also gravitates towards linen or floral headbands that add a soft, feminine touch to her everyday look. 

For Farzana, balance is key. She believes a single accessory should take the spotlight, whether it's a designer clip or a simple pearl pin that shines quietly, adding elegance and completing the look. 

She advises, when mixing accessories, to try creating a balance. For example, if you wear a statement clip or an oversized bow, try to keep the rest of your outfit minimal so your look stays intentional and refined and not too overwhelming.

For K-drama-inspired looks, small bobby pins embellished with pearls or metallic finishes have become a popular choice. They frame the face softly and work best with small twists or braids, creating texture for grip while keeping the style light and elegant. Placing them strategically along one side of the head or adding multiple thin bobby pins can turn a simple hairstyle into something sleek, refined and cinematic.

Nabila, an undergraduate student at North South University and a fashion enthusiast, often wears claw clips as her go-to accessory. She chooses simple, elegant, and sturdy designs in tortoiseshell or gold, perfect for effortlessly securing low buns or French twists.

For evening hangouts after a long day at university, she simply prefers to wrap a satin scarf around her bun, knotting it loosely for a soft touch. 

During holiday seasons, she opts for oversized bows, usually in velvet or grosgrain. To balance the proportions, she places them over a half-up hairstyle or at the base of a ponytail so they frame the small face without overwhelming it.

Maisha Mahjabeen Priooty, a Bangladeshi content creator known for her vibrant style, often pairs her outfits with striking hair pieces that instantly elevate her look. 

"A bright bandana can completely change your outfit," she shared. She styles them around ponytails, weaves them into braids, or knots them as head wraps for a playful touch. "It's fun, expressive, and easy to do."

She enjoys exploring fresh ways to add texture and colour to her hairstyles. One of her current favourites is the ribbon braid trend, where satin or velvet ribbons in vivid shades are woven through the hair for a soft yet eye-catching finish. "Even a plain braid looks new when you add ribbons," she said. Recently, she's also been drawn to crocheted scarves, which she finds both elegant and versatile.

Priooty has also been experimenting with hair pearl stickers; tiny adhesive pearls placed directly on strands to create a delicate effect that catches light beautifully.

According to her, being crafty with hair accessories is one of the biggest trends at the moment. "It's about creativity and personalisation," she explained. "You don't always have to buy something new; rather, you can reinvent what you already have."

She loves turning oversized statement jewellery into unique hair accents, like using a large single-rose neckpiece as the centrepiece of a bun or ponytail. Similarly, many are now repurposing beautiful decorative laces, often the kind used in dresses, and weaving them through their braids for added texture and colour.

These laces are mostly embellished with pearls, shells, tassels, or even tiny pom-poms, giving a bohemian, handcrafted feel that stands out effortlessly.

Similar to DIY hair ribbons, Priooty also draws inspiration from traditional accessories and has been experimenting with Punjabi-inspired hair tassels known as parandi, made of silk or cotton threads and decorated with beads, mirrors or shells.

Traditionally worn during festivals and weddings, these tassels are now finding their way into modern, everyday styles. She enjoys combining culture with fashion. A sleek ponytail with a long braid and these tassels looks both traditional and elegant, and is her go-to look for events.

Taking care of your hair accessories is just as important as choosing the right pieces. Store metal and jewelled pieces in separate pouches to prevent scratches, and rotate silk and satin pieces between uses so oils do not build up and dull the fabric. 

Even small habits, like gently untangling ribbons or smoothing out bows before storage, can prolong the life of your accessories and keep them looking fresh for that daily hair make-over.