Apologies to all my travel people but I’ve been a Beauty & Wellness writer for over twenty five years (still love), so every now and then you’re going to get a Wildcard post. Today it’s about a topic I’m obsessed with; Fancy Hair. If you know me, you know I bitch about my hair non-stop, so this post is truly aspirational. After hearing one of my favorite stylist’s declare that the french twist is back, I started to think about all the chic shit you can wear in your hair if you actually decide to do it, and the holidays are the perfect time to try out some looks. Below, the most gorgeous pins, combs, bows and the sexy hair scents you didn’t know you wanted.
Pins and Combs
The french twist, the chignon - these things are no longer for ladies of a different era but rather, are fab for right now. My favorite pin is this Deco inspired from Juju Vera and I’m dying over this sculptural comb from Sophie Buhai. The antique Edwardian combs are from the 1900s and personally, I would wear only one, and part my hair to the side. Below, the “serpent” style from Deborah Pagani, the woman who basically invented the hair pin. This floral pin is playful too. I don’t like anything that looks formal, so I would wear all of these with a slightly messy, French knot.
Bows
Bows are something that anyone can mess around with - no matter your hair texture. Attaching one to a pony will instantly elevate a plebeian hairstyle (no disrespect - I literally wore a ponytail at my wedding). You can also do a “half up” and let the ribbons blend with the rest of your hair. Above, festive styles from Ulla Johnson and Bode. I also love the styles from Lelet.
Barrettes
Barrettes; they’re not just for kids. Though they never really left, they’re certainly here and will add a bit of jewelry to your head. What feels new is the statement element, rather than the dinky, small clips from the 80s (I wore those woven ribbon barrettes, if you’re old enough to remember). For today, I love the look of just one giant one in the back in a low pony or bun. The top left is from Pura Utz (which might actually be a comb), the top right is from Bode, and the bottom is from my current fave, Sophie Buhai. Below, a 1990s Camellia clip from Chanel that would add a chic moment to any outfit.
Wraps and Crowns
Top left; it’s giving babushka. Top right; Game of Thrones-meets-backyard-kids-party. Below; butter churning. I believe the right woman could pull off every single one.
Turbans
Holy shit, I love a turban. I think they’re the epitome of glamour. The top two are from Valentino and the bottom is 1950s from Dior. Yes, I’m aware they are considered cultural appropriation. Yell at me.
Hair Scents
Did you know about these? They live between perfume and expensive room spray because of how violently you mist them around your head. But if you truly want fancy hair, you should really add one to the repertoire. Spray liberally, shake your hair around a bit, and then you’ll feel sexy enough for the party (or just…the day). I’m currently obsessed with this one from Nonfiction, and Pour Cheveaux in Strip Tease from Violet Grey’s in-house line is next-level. Dyptique’s Ilio Hair Mist would be amazing for a summer trip - this one is inspired by the Mediterranean.
Other elegant hair mists include Frederic Malle’s iconic Portrait of a Lady and Byrado’s Bal d’Afrique which I wore for years in its perfume form. Christian Dior makes an insane one too. All stunning last minute gifts.
Tools and supplements:
Because I’m a also a wellness girl, here are some of my favorite ways to keep your hair healthy (and fancy):
Hairbrush of the moment: La Bonne Brosse uses keratin-rich boar bristles to distribute natural scalp oils to neutralize static, help nourish and make hair healthier. And so chic.
Spermadine: I recently learned about the benefits of spermadine supplements for hair, as it prolongs the anagen phase to reduce hair loss, and improves stem cell function in follicles (it also helps with grays apparently). This one also has taurine.
Bomme Essentials: This is a brand new, plant-powered Korean hair system that boasts a proprietary botanical complex (with persimmon leaf, green tea, and sophora fruit), to calm inflammation and revive your scalp. Mine is en route.
This Gohar World swan comb will simply elevate your bathroom counter. I’m not sure what it will actually do for hair.
GHK: I’ve written about the benefits of GHK for hair and skin. Auro Wellness from Dr. Nayan Patel (a brilliant pharmacist), makes a topical serum that you can dot on your hair line (I also smear it on my face and lock it in with a clean face oil).
Omi Hair Peptides have moved the needle for me in terms of growth. They’re also backed by a certain celeb family who all have really epic hair.
