Best Women's Hair Accessories: Claw Clips, Scrunchies, and Headbands
A well-made claw clip or silk scrunchie under $20 holds hair securely all day without the breakage that cheap plastic accessories cause over time.
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Hair accessories are one of the easiest style upgrades to shop for, but the cheapest plastic claw clips and elastic scrunchies from a drugstore rack often snap or pull hair within weeks. This guide covers five hair accessory picks between $8 and $40 that balance style with actual day-to-day durability.
1. Kitsch Large Claw Clip Set — best all-around claw clips
Kitsch has become a go-to name for claw clips thanks to a strong hold-to-comfort ratio that avoids the pinching common with cheaper plastic versions, and the brand sells sets in coordinated neutral tones that work across multiple outfits. The large size handles thick or long hair particularly well, which many bargain claw clips struggle with. Budget $15-$25 for a multi-pack.
2. Slip Pure Silk Scrunchies — best for reducing hair breakage
Traditional cotton or velvet scrunchies create friction that can lead to breakage and frizz over time, while genuine silk scrunchies like Slip’s glide against hair instead, making them a favorite recommendation among hairstylists for anyone trying to protect longer or color-treated hair. They’re a small purchase that pays off in noticeably less hair damage. Expect $18-$30 for a small set.
3. Amazon Essentials Everyday Scrunchie Multi-Pack — best budget basics
For everyday gym trips and casual wear where a premium silk scrunchie feels unnecessary, a basic multi-color multi-pack covers the practical need at a much lower per-unit cost. These won’t offer the same hair-friendly benefits as silk, but they’re a sensible choice for workouts and low-stakes daily wear. Budget $10-$15 for a 10-plus pack.
4. France Luxe Cellulose Acetate Claw Clip — best long-term investment piece
France Luxe’s acetate claw clips are made from a more durable, higher-quality material than the mass-market plastic clips found at most drugstores, and the improved spring tension holds up to years of daily use without weakening. They cost more upfront but rarely need replacing, unlike cheaper clips that often crack within months. Expect $25-$40.
5. Lele Sadoughi Embellished Headband — best statement accessory
For special occasions or an outfit that needs a bit more visual interest than a basic clip, an embellished headband from a brand like Lele Sadoughi adds a polished, put-together finishing touch that photographs well for events. It’s a good gift option as well as a personal splurge for someone who already has the everyday basics covered. Budget $30-$65.
How to get the best price
- Buy claw clips and scrunchies in multi-packs or bundles rather than individually, since per-unit cost drops significantly when purchased as a set.
- Set a price-tracking alert on silk scrunchie brands like Slip, which regularly run 15-20% sales around major shopping holidays.
- Check beauty retailer loyalty programs at Ulta or Sephora, since points and birthday rewards often apply to hair accessory purchases alongside makeup and skincare.
- Watch for back-to-school season discounts in late summer, when hair accessories see some of their heaviest annual markdowns alongside other personal care items.
A handful of well-made hair accessories in neutral tones will outlast and outperform a drawer full of cheap plastic clips that crack or snap within a season. Prioritizing silk or acetate over basic plastic is worth the modest price difference for anyone who wears these pieces daily rather than occasionally.