14 Best Hair Barrettes 2023

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We all know the difference a stylish statement necklace or chunky gold hoop earrings can make in elevating your everyday look. But perhaps what your collection is missing isn’t in the form of a more traditional accessory — it could be a hair barrette.

Whether you’re keeping up with the latest international runways or checking out the biggest street style trends, hair barrettes for adults are popping up everywhere. After being popularized in the 1980s and taking the early 2000s by storm (hello, butterfly clips), the barrette is back in a reimagined and contemporary way with styles, shapes, and sizes to match any hair type and aesthetic you desire.

“The most fashionable people I see will throw on something special and one-of-a-kind in their hair,” said Joe Van O, stylist and creative director of Elena Velez. “That just empowers the look and is really a reflection of their core personal style.”

From the studded style seen in Tom Ford’s spring 2022 collection to the classic bow adorning the Chanel Fall 2019 runway, the barrette is as versatile as it is functional. No matter if you’re looking to embellish a half-up hairstyle or simply pin back curtain bangs, a cute barrette can take you from day to night and can easily pair with the chunky earrings or minimalist jewelry already in your rotation. Not only that, they’re made for every kind of hair type and cut. Try styling your short bob ornamented with metal hair barrettes for a sultry look, or throw up loose curls in a sleek French barrette for a timeless feel.

With a seemingly unlimited array of styles on the market, it can be hard to decide what’s right for you, which is why we have tapped experts and their product picks to compile this guide of all the best hair clip barrettes, including hair barrettes for thick hair and hair barrettes for thin hair, that will make you stand out this season.

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Best Barrette for a Wedding

Add a touch of sparkle to the fanciest of ‘fits with this French-style hair clip from Jennifer Behr. Known for their luxurious handmade hair accessories, Jennifer Behr designed this Swarovski crystal-adorned hair barrette as a statement piece for your next big event — whether you’re the bride or you’re slipping on your best wedding guest dress. A steel clip closure meets round and oval-cut crystals in this hair clip barrette, sure to catch the light from any angle. And it’s versatile, too — pin both horizontally or vertically to switch up your look.

Price upon publish date of this article: $126

Courtesy of Revolve

Jennifer Behr Joelle Barrette $298 $126 Buy Now At REvolve

Jennifer Behr Joelle Barrette $297 Buy Now At MyTheresa

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Best Statement Hair Barrette

Crafted with leather you’d usually only see on the best designer handbags, Balmain’s Riviera Barrette is an investment piece that’ll earn you so many compliments. The cognac tone jibes with any hair color, and it’s substantial enough to hold fine hair in a low ponytail. This piece is limited-edition, so snap it up before it sells out.

Balmain Hair Couture Riviera Large Leather Barrette $290 Buy Now at Saks Fifth Avenue

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Best Large Hair Barrette

Ditch the traditional barrette and go all out with these graceful charm barrettes from Gaios. Crystal-embellished celestial shapes hang from a curved gold bar that drapes elegantly across the head, no matter the placement. Wear atop curly braids to really tie in the look, or pair with a silk slip dress for added sophistication.

Price upon publish date of this article: $295

Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

Gaios Connection Peaceful Warrior Set $295 Buy Now At Saks Fifth Avenue

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Best Non-Slip Barrette

Go back to the basics with these non-slip clips from cult-favorite accessory brand Scünci. Shockingly affordable and sold in a two-pack, these black and brown hair barrettes for adults are perfect for even the finest hair. The sleek look makes them easy to throw on for an everyday style or a slicked-back evening look. Even better, they’re equipped for a strong hold, making them perfect for any ‘do you want to perfect.

What reviewers say: “These hair clips are the only ones I can use that don’t damage my fine hair. Other hair clips that don’t have the no-slip plastic (bare metal only) cut into and break my hair. I hope Scunci never stops making these!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $4.84

Courtesy of Amazon

Scunci No-Slip Grip Thin Barrettes 2-Pack $4.84 Buy Now At Amazon

Best Patterned Barrettes

Sometimes, less isn’t more. Ditch the solid neutrals and go for a fun pattern to add life to your hair. These mini clips are a cute addition to your accessory rotation, ideal for wearing alone or stacking together. With three styles available — blue floral, pink marble, and an opalescent finish — you’ll never run out of options.

What reviewers say: “These perfectly top off any look. Casual or formal, they add a touch of pop and color to any look.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $32

Courtesy of Revolve

Emi Jay Popstar Clips $32 Buy Now At REvolve

Best Barrette for Thick Hair

For all the thick hair girlies out there, don’t count yourself out! France Luxe has you covered with various styles and colors of barrettes perfect for even the thickest hair. This rectangular clip boasts a milky color finished with a polished sheen. Stay classic with white or black, or add color to your up-do with their brighter, patterned styles.

Price upon publish date of this article: $24

Courtesy of Amazon

France Luxe Rectangle Volume Barrette $24 Buy Now At Amazon

Best Barrette for Fine Hair

If you’re searching for an everyday barrette to hold fine hair, look no further than these small hair barrettes from Goody. Known for their versatile and functional hair accessories, Goody’s specially designed barrettes are equipped with an extra small clasp to ensure the clip lays flat against your hair. Bonus points for the 4-pack.

Price upon publish date of this article: $4.95

Courtesy of Amazon

Goody Hair Barrettes Clips for Fine Hair – 4 Count $5.99 $4.95 Buy Now At Amazon

Best Barrette for a Night Out

Looking to spice up your next girls’ night out ‘fit? These star-shaped hair clips are sure to be your new go-to. Offered in a set of six and featuring a cutout shape and beaded embellishments, they’re perfect for accenting a braid or stacking in an updo. You’ll want to snag these small hair barrettes in all five colors — nestle them into waves after using a dry texture spray.

Price upon publish date of this article: $24

Courtesy of Free People

Free People Dash Hair Clips Set of 6 $24 Buy Now At Free People

Cute Barrette for an Adult

Few brands do luxury hair barrettes as well as Chanel. Recognized by their timeless bow style, this lambskin clip is a contemporary take on the traditional designer look. Glass pearls add a touch of femininity while a gold double-C embellishment hints towards luxury. Take inspo from the runway and add this dressy hair barrette to a pulled-back pony style that works with any length and hair type.

Price upon publish date of this article: $950

Courtesy of Chanel

Chanel Bow Barrette $950 Buy Now At Chanel

Best Barrettes for Little Girls

What child doesn’t want a touch of sparkle in their hair? Help them be the life of the party with this 6-pack of clips from Maisonette, which add a pastel finishing touch on cute hairstyles. In these hair barrettes for toddlers and tikes, chunky glitter meets bright colors in every shade, bringing a smile to any little girl or boy.

Price upon publish date of this article: $13.50

Courtesy of Maisonette

Meri Meri Glitter Rainbow Hair Clips $13.50 Buy Now At Maisonette

Meri Meri Glitter Rainbow Hair Clips $13.50 Buy Now At Target

Best Casual Barrette

Denim has found its way into hair accessories, and we love it. This unique hair barrette from Ferragamo features a structured bow in light denim material that is as fashionable as it is unique. Try pairing it with a white tank and leather pants to take you from shopping to happy hour. A silver buckle with brand-name detailing will add edge to any look.

Price upon publish date of this article: $250

Courtesy of Louisaviaroma

Ferragamo Vara Bow Denim Hair Clip $250 Buy Now At Luisaviaroma

Best Everyday Barrette

The search for the perfect everyday barrette is over with these two styles from Nordstrom. Sleek and sophisticated in geometric shapes, a thin clip meets a shiny gold finish to enliven your tresses in any style. Pop them in a fresh blow out or add them as accents to a ponytail — they’re thin enough to hide under even fine strands.

Price upon publish date of this article: $28

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Tasha 2-Pack Brushed Metal Barrettes $28 Buy Now At Nordstrom

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Best Chunky Barrette

Take inspiration from the Mermaidcore trend with this piece from luxury hair accessory brand Lelet. This cute hair barrette features a chain link design with drop glass pearls. It can hold your hair in a half-up-half-down look or add polish when you slide it behind your ear; either way, you’re sure to turn heads no matter how you style it.

Price upon publish date of this article: $158

Lelet NY Chain & Pearl Drop Barrette $158 Buy Now At saks fifth Avenue

Best Accent Barrettes

Barrettes don’t always have to be functional. Play around with shapes, sizes, and colors to add life to any hairstyle. These vibrant rose clips are perfect for pinning between loose curls or around a pony for an extra pop of elegance — they’re some of the most unique hair barrettes on our list.

Price upon publish date of this article: $18

Winona Irene Rose Barrette Set $18 Buy Now At Winona Irene

GC Images

Oversized silhouettes and statement pieces have dominated recent runway and street trends, and hair barrettes are no exception. Many of the year’s most memorable fashion moments have referenced the accessory paired with slicked-back hairstyles, bubble shades, and equally chunky jewelry. A recurring theme seen throughout NYFW Fall 2023 — frequently styled for aesthetic rather than purely functional purposes — barrettes are adored from the streets to the runway to the red carpet.

Once you have a barrette, it’s time to decide on one of many hairstyles with barrettes. Celebs like Adrienne Bailon opted for pinned-back styles at awards shows, while others like Gigi Hadid rocked an embellished Prada French barrette atop a high pony for the 2021 Met Gala. You can also take cues from street style trends of slicked back hair and unexpected updos — each of these looks bode well for accessorizing with barrettes.

While barrettes are designed for hair, their versatility isn’t limited to just that. Another on-trend way to wear them is as an accessory to your clothing and everyday handbags. “I love using charm barrettes when styling shoots because they literally will clip on any piece of clothing in ways that move around the body. You can even clip them on your shoulder bag or belt,” said Van O. “It’s a really cool way to utilize pieces in different ways.”

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Joe Van O is a stylist, fashion director, and creative consultant living in New York City. He has worked with names like Elena Velez, DKNY, Nike, Calvin Klein, and Equinox, styling models, designers, and celebrities in everything from hair barrettes to cocktail dresses.

Anika Ljung is a contributing writer for WWD where she writes stories on the latest fashion and accessory trends, keeping a close eye on both the runway and the zeitgeist to inform her pieces. Based in New York City, her work has appeared in V Magazine, V MAN, CR Fashion Book, and Brides, among others, and she is an assistant stylist for various independent creatives around the city. For this story on the cutest hair barrettes, Ljung interviewed a stylist and combed through hair barrette options to select the best for different hair types and aesthetics.

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