Am I too old for hair accessories in my 40s?

Gillian Anderson can do no wrong in my eyes. Pair her with Miu Miu, and you’ve got cool squared. Last week in Paris, the 57-year-old actor walked Miuccia Prada’s runway wearing a humble zig-zag headband—a nineties throwback to Bianca in 10 Things I Hate About You—and just like that, a simple plastic accessory became a catwalk credential. Meanwhile, Carolyn Bessette’s famously minimal tortoiseshell headband is back in the spotlight, thanks to Hulu’s Love Story, reigniting our fascination with hair ‘add-ons’. The catwalk has exhibited everything from bows, claw clips, antique-style brooches, deliberately stacked Kirby grips, and even the simplest headband is being worn with purpose, transforming everyday hair into statement-worthy style.

The shift is subtle but significant: hair accessories are no longer reserved for weddings, parties or childhood dress-up. Done right, they now read as cool, individual — even a little subversive. As celebrity hairstylist Adam Reed puts it, “Accessories should feel like jewellery for the hair — thoughtful, personal and a little effortless.” The key, he says, is restraint: choose pieces that feel intentional rather than overly decorative, and let them complement the haircut rather than compete with it. 

John Frieda stylist, Honey Bowman agrees, saying that “The key to wearing them as a ‘grown-up’ is to make sure your hair is simply styled, almost undone, that’s how you make it cool.” She suggests trying a simple twisted bun held up by an oversized sculptural pin or a softly textured blow-dry loosely gathered at the back by a resin barrette. 

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Reed also champions what he calls ‘hairbedashery’ — treating hair like a haberdashery drawer. “Ribbons, buttons, brooches or little pieces picked up in a thrift store can all become beautiful hair accessories,” he says. “It makes the look feel individual and slightly unexpected, rather than overly polished.” And the best examples always keep the hair itself relaxed and natural. Which is why Bowman believes CBK’s headband is so timeless: “She chose a simple, refined piece and paired it with clean, understated hair, which made the overall look chic and modern.”

Today, we see a carnival of hair accessories on celebrities, from the playful confidence of Demi Moore’s enormous bow to Lana Del Ray’s quirky lizard nuzzling in her hair. And who remembers when Charlize Theron placed a $15,500 Tiffany & Co. Victoria Line diamond bracelet down her centre parting to disguise her growing-out roots? Chic and practical. The best part of this trend? There are no rules. A single accessory can transform even the simplest hairstyle into something unique and considered (and doesn’t have to have a Tiffany & Co. price tag).

How to wear hair accessories

Comb Headband As seen on Gillian Anderson, 57 years old

Miu Miu + Gillian Anderson equals a style equation of dreams. Add in a plastic headband you’ve probably already got lurking in a drawer, and the math shouldn’t add up, but it does. 

How to wear it in real life: Acting as though you’ve run your fingers back through your hair, it lifts lengths away from your face and out of the way. Perfect for summer or on off-duty days when your hair’s not playing ball. 

Comb Headband, £3

Statement Brooches As seen on Lupita Nyong’o, 43 

Brooches are no longer reserved for lapels. In Lupita Nyong’o’s case, a striking jewellery piece (Chanel, no less) becomes the focal point of the hairstyle itself, pinned into the hair like a sculptural accent. 

How to wear it in real life: Look for vintage or jewel-like brooches and secure one just above a low bun or at the side of a chignon. It’s an easy way to elevate evening hair — and a clever use for beautiful jewellery you rarely wear.

The Kooples Beaded Hair Clips Set Of Two, £60

Animal Accents As seen on Lana Del Rey, 40 

Kooky animal or insect clips walk the line between playful and nostalgic. On Lana Del Rey, the accessory adds a touch of personality to softly styled hair without overwhelming the look. It feels whimsical, thrifty and relevant to her style ethos.

How to wear it in real life: Treat it like a subtle talking point. Clip one into a half-up style or slide it above the ear in loose waves. Choosing metallic or tortoiseshell designs keeps the look chic rather than novelty.

Accessorise 6-Pack Mini Under The Sea Claw Clips, £14

Vintage Scarves As seen on Eva Mendes, 52 

Few accessories are as timeless as a silk scarf. Eva Mendes shows how effortlessly it can elevate everyday hair, adding a sense of old-school glamour while also being incredibly practical. 

How to wear it in real life: Fold a scarf into a wide band and tie it around the head with the knot tucked under the hair at the nape. It’s perfect for disguising second-day roots while still looking intentionally styled.

Nobody’s Child Orange Printed Head Scarf, £22

 

Bows As seen on Demi Moore, 63 

Oversized bows can feel dramatic, but when balanced with sleek, glossy hair — as Demi Moore demonstrates — they read as elegant rather than overly sweet. The contrast between a minimalist hairstyle and a bold accessory is what takes it to couture.

How to wear it in real life: Look for fabrics in satin or velvet, and secure it at the base of a low ponytail or half-up style. Keep the rest of the hair smooth and simple to let the impressive bow do the work.

Jennifer Behr wide bow hair clip, £203

Statement Slide As seen on Anne Hathaway, 43 

A simple, non-flashy hair slide does all of the heavy lifting with Anne Hathaway’s sky-high ponytail. It adds structure and shine while keeping the overall look clean and modern. It’s minimal effort with maximum impact.

How to wear it in real life: Use an unpretentious slide to pin back one side of the hair or secure loose flyaways trying to escape a ponytail. It’s quick, flattering and ideal for those mornings when you want to look polished in seconds.

Reverie Hair Barrette, £15.95

Diamonds As seen on Charlize Theron, 

Charlize’s hairstylist, Adir Abergel secured the diamond bracelet in her centre parting with a tiny braid and a superfine clear thread. Small detail, maximum effect. However, the actress told PeopleTV’s red-carpet coverage another reason for the styling choice: “I didn’t have time to do my roots.”

How to wear it in real life: Decorate your hairline, place on slicked back hair or scatter through lengths. Okay, so this isn’t an everyday look, but for festivals, weddings or hen dos, it’s a fun way to lift your look – no skills required. 

Sephora Collection Colour Twister Individual Hair Gems, £9.99