Were not sure how it happened, but the holiday season is officially upon us, folks (wasn’t it just yesterday that we were barbecuing on the beach?). Whether you’re ready or not, all those Christmas parties and family gatherings are just around the corner — get ready for cringeworthy gifts from Aunt Miriam. You may already have the perfect winter party dress, but there’s one crucial element you can’t forget: the hair. Sure, you could go for a simple, voluminous curl or classy updo, OR you could take things up a notch and add in a hair accessory. They’ll help disguise that often-unruly winter hair and incorporate an extra festive element to your look. No need to head to the shops for your hair candy — here are 16 you can DIY.
1. Glittered Star Pin: Once those glow in the dark stars lose their luminance, rip them down and use them for a hair pin. Rather than leaving them bare, coat them in glitter and watch their sparkle return. (via Minted Strawberry)
2. Gift Wrap Bow: Headed to a wacky Christmas sweater party? Grab a bow from your gift wrapping supply and attach it to a hair clip to top off your outfit. Or, like, maybe just wear this next Tuesday? (via Caught on a Whim)
3. Fabric Covered Hair Clips: Have some holiday fabric scraps you need to use up? Grab some glue and a bit of batting to turn a basic clip into a holiday treat. This super simple DIY would also make for great holiday party favors. (via Sew Kate Sew)
4. Beaded Hairband: The whole party will swoon over this icy headpiece. Slip it on under loose, free flowing curls or twist your locks up and use this as an added detail to an already intricate ‘do. (via Creme de la Craft)
5. Holly Hair Pin: This adorable felt holly piece is actually meant to be a brooch, but if you replace the clothespin with a hairpin, it will work just fine. (via Wild Olive)
6. Gold Leaf Hair Pins: Experiment with gold leaf and Mod Podge sticks for this shimmery DIY. You will also need a Mod Podge mold ($8). If you’re not such a fan of flowers, there are tons of different molds to choose from. (via The DIY Diary)
7. Sparking Headband: Make the occasion extra fancy with some tulle, muslin and your choice of beads. Your hair will thank you. (via Brit + Co)
8. Evergreen Crown: You’ll be queen of the forest with this earthy headwear. If you happen to have a Christmas tree at home, snip off a few branches and twist them together to create this wreath that will look just as good as it smells. (via The Merry Thought)
9. Starbright Headband: This glittery headband will literally take you two minutes to create. Head over to the craft or party store or grab the wire garland that’s always lying around, twist it into a headband shape and you’re done. Seriously, it’s that easy. (via Kieko Lynn)
10. Poinsettia Headband: Mrs. Claus, is that you? Embrace the ruby red flower of the season with this botanical band. This tutorial uses silk flowers, so you can wear the accessory as many times as you like. (via The Pink Samurai)
11. Velvet Bow: Even if it’s just in a hair bow, there’s something so luxe about velvet. Create this bow in a rich, wintery shade that matches the rest of your look. Sport it like this gal, in a half up/half down ‘do or pull you locks up in a ballerina bun and slip this baby right in front. (via Stripes and Sequins)
12. Rhinestoned Barrette: Find the perfect balance between an icy winter sparkle and warm Christmas color with this yarn-wrapped barrette. It’s as simple as it looks: glue a stripe of rhinestones to a hair clip, then twist red yarn in between and underneath. (via Flax and Twine)
13. Christmas Crown: If you felt that evergreen wreath was lacking a bit of color, this Christmas crown is basically the same, but adds in some red roses for a bit of vibrance. (via Walk in Love)
14. Polish Painted Bareettes: Use your sparkliest nail polish to give a basic hair clip a holiday update. This nail polish hack will work much better on clips that have a layer of resin already coated on, rather than plain metal ones. (via It’s Two AM)
15. Cranberry Crown: Forget the leaves and flowers, just head to grocery store and pick up a package of cranberries to create this beautiful crown. Bend a thin wire into a crown shape and simply poke the firm berries through until the ring is full. Add some extra pizazz to this look by replacing the white ribbon with a sparkly red one. (via Paper n Stitch)
16. Pearl Pins: Hot glue + pearl beads + bobby pins = an instantly classic hairdo. (via Upon the Waves)
Have you made any awesome hair accessories we should see? Tweet us a link at @BritandCo