All the most stylish individuals I know have been experimenting with this stunning hair trend for 2025.

      In 2025, the trend revolves around customizing our clothing, adorning our handbags with an abundance of charms, and accessorizing our hairstyles with hints of molten silver and gold. (Even Millie Bobby Brown is on board.) Although hair jewelry is not a novel concept—particularly in Black and Asian cultures—it has become more mainstream due to an increase in designers incorporating futuristic metal accessories into their models' hair during runway shows. From mini ponytail cuffs embellishing the bubble braids at Bronx and Banco's S/S 24 presentation to fashionable buttons pinned into the sleek hairstyles at Blazé Milano's F/W 25 show, designers are continually discovering innovative methods to reinvent hair jewelry, encouraging us to embrace this trend as well.

      What exactly is hair jewelry? "In 2025, hair jewelry feels less like an accessory and more like an extension of the overall aesthetic. It is integral to the outfit, the vibe, the image," explains celebrity hairstylist Marc Ballance. "It's becoming more intentional, architectural, and expressive. We're seeing statement pieces that not only sit on the hair but also enhance it." Whether it's a molten-metal claw clip accentuating a perfectly tousled updo or a bangle-like cuff adorning a ponytail, it seems that everywhere I look, stylish individuals are draping their hair with something resembling chunky jewelry. "It's about elevating the style in a way that feels curated and purposeful," Ballance adds.

      However, it should be noted that metallic and eye-catching hair adornments are not new. For generations, women in South Indian cultures have adorned their long braids with jadanagam, a traditional plait ornament. (You can find an ornate gold hairpiece from the 18th to 19th centuries at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.) Black women have long embellished their braids and coils with everything from pierced rings to beads, and traditional Japanese hair ornaments known as hana kanzashi include delicate fabric flower hairpins, often used for celebration. As illustrated, hair jewelry has served as a means of creative expression and trend following for thousands of years. Dressing up hair isn't a new phenomenon; it simply continues to evolve.

      Why is this trend gaining popularity in 2025? Whether or not we can attribute this era of accessory extravagance to the gradual departure from pandemic attire (think cozy work-from-home clothing and messy hair), it's undeniable that people are seeking opportunities to dress up today. "There is a clear movement towards more styled hair again," muses Ballance. "Clients are yearning for that polished look—something elevated and a bit more glamorous. Hair jewelry adds that extra layer of self-expression." With beauty and fashion now scrutinized under the lens of social media, the idea of personal style has become a lively discussion. Everyone desires individuality (or at least the appearance of it), and this trend offers an innovative way to make outfits stand out. "It's incredibly visual, which is essential in a world focused on red carpets, social media, and up-close moments," states Ballance. "A striking hair detail can be just as impactful as a bold lip or a standout accessory."

      How to utilize hair jewelry? Ballance emphasizes the importance of purposeful placement in using hair jewelry. "In 2025, I would position hair jewelry to highlight specific features of the hairstyle or to connect the hair more thoughtfully to the outfit," he elaborates. "Minimalist metal pins anchoring a deep side part, brushed-gold buttons running along a braid, or a singular sculptural cuff on a sleek bubble ponytail... It's about using fewer pieces but ensuring they matter. It should feel intentional, not overdone."

      Do you have your pieces ready? Fantastic. Now let's learn how to actually use them. Surprisingly, it requires more than simply twisting a cuffed elastic band around your ponytail. "I would begin by adding texture with a light-hold spray—just enough grip to hold the jewelry without weighing down the hair," Ballance advises. After providing your pieces with something to grip, the hairstylist suggests considering your placement. "I prefer to work with where the eye naturally goes—[pins] along the braid, tucked into a part, or positioned neatly at the base of a ponytail," he notes. "For heavier pieces, I utilize fine pins in an X-shape or secure them with thread or discreet elastics underneath," he continues. "The goal is always to be 'secure enough to endure but invisible enough to appear effortless.'"

      What to pair with hair jewelry? Celebrity hairstylist Jacob Rozenberg (known for Dove Cameron's viral earbud-strewn updo) believes that your hairstyle acts as a conduit for transformation and that appropriate hair accessories can enhance or detract from it. "Using the wrong hairstyle with an outfit won't yield great results. However, if you pair the right hairstyle with a slightly off outfit, it could improve the overall look," Rozenberg reasons.