Let’s face it – we all have had those moments when you take your hair tie off, and the hair is all tangled in rough knots. Some hair may accidentally get pulled out when the hair tie comes off. Well, did you know that it doesn’t have to be? Silk is long known to be beneficial for hair health. Here are the benefits of using silk hair accessories, and how to use them to maximize those benefits:
1) Sleep with Silk Scrunchies to Restore Moisture to Your Hair
A conditioner can help put your moisture back into your hair, but so can silk scrunchies. Does that sound too good to be true? It has been shown that sleeping on pillow cases made of real silk can help prevent hair breakage, restore moisture, and protect delicate hair as it regrows. The alternative to using a silk pillow case is to use silk scrunchies.
Silk material keeps hair protected and moisture locked in. Silk is a protein-based material that contains vital amino acids that help hair retain moisture and promote growth. This is why many hair conditioners and salon treatments are made with silk protein.
Justine Marjan, a celebrity hairstylist who has worked with the Kardashians, said that “silk doesn’t pull moisture from your hair and skin the way that cotton does, leaving your hair silkier and more hydrated”. This is especially beneficial for naturally dry and textured hair, which tends to be more prone to breakage.
When you sleep with silk scrunchies on, don’t put it too tight. It is recommended that you sleep in two lose buns or a loose braid. The bonus is that you’ll wake up with nice, easy waves when you take them out in the morning. Think of it as hair styling overnight to save you time from doing your hair in the morning. If you prefer to keep your natural hair without waves, use it normally without the loose braid.
What are you waiting for? Get those silk scrunchies in before you sleep, and wake up with the perfect hair like Sleeping Beauty.
2) Use Silk Scrunchies for Your Day-to-Day Routines to Protect Your Hair
There is no need to wait until bedtime to get the full benefits of silk for your hair. Replace regular elastic hair ties with hair tie scrunchies made from pure silk, like the ones that we sell here at GladHair.com! These products will keep your hair conditioned and pampered with a boost of silky beauty. Silk works by reducing friction and thus tangles. Regular elastic hair ties can pull and tug at your hair, leaving you with knots, breakage, and split ends. This is why sometimes putting them in, wearing them, and removing them can be damaging or a little bit painful. In contrast, your hair glides across the smooth surface of a silk crunchy virtually friction-free. There is no pulling, tugging, or tearing at delicate hair.
Silk scrunchies are also great for a multitude of different hair-dos – from a regular ponytail or bun to head full coarse curls, and anything in between.
3) Wear Silk Scrunchies during Sports and Physical Activities to Prevent Frizz and Tangles
We already know that silk helps restore and retain moisture in your hair. For this reason, silk scrunchies also help prevent frizz, breakage, and tangles during high-impact activities such as sports and working out at the gym. Whether you have short or long hair, thick or fine hair, or straight or curly hair, replacing your regular elastic hair ties with silk scrunchies is a great idea. Your ponytail will look and feel fabulous!
4) Use Silk Scrunchies Around the Clock – They are Hypoallergenic and Environmentally Friendly!
Silk hair accessories can be worn all day and all night. They help to protect your hair by restoring and retaining moisture, preventing breakage and frizz, and avoiding tangles. Best of all, the silk products that we carry here are hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly.
Silk is naturally hypoallergenic because silk fibers are made of amino acids called sericin. Sericin helps to repel dust mites, which are a major source of allergic irritation for many people. This protein (sericin) also makes silk resistant to bacteria, fungus, and mold. This makes silk scrunchies ideal for those suffering from allergies or sensitive skin.
We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint by maintaining standards for the screening of harmful substances in consumer textiles. Our silk scrunchies are colored with environmentally friendly dyes, and do not contain harmful toxins and chemicals.
You can select from a variety of modern and stylish-looking designs and colors to suit any occasion and mood.
]]>Hair accessories are not just for women; they are trendy, stylish, and functional for men too. There are hair accessories for both short and long hair for men. Here are the roundups of the most common hair accessories for men.
Headbands
Many soccer / football players wear headbands to keep the hair pulled back, so it does not get in the way during games and practice. Headbands are especially popular with football players such as Fernando Torres and Sergio Ramos when they had long hair. Even those with short hair may choose to wear headbands to make sweat around the face more manageable. Besides their highly functional purpose, headbands are also worn for a cool fashion look.
Stylish headbands for men:
Alice Bands
Alice bands are a type of headband that is harder because it is made of plastic. They do not go around the whole head like a headband, but they are set behind the ears. The name comes from “Alice in Wonderland”, who wears the iconic headband. The purpose of this type of headband is the same as regular headbands – to keep hair on the front and side sections of the head pulled back. In terms of variety, there aren’t as many Alice band varieties to choose from (compared to regular headbands).
Some football players such as David Beckham and Hollywood actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio have worn Alice bands for their long hair.
Bandana
A bandana is a piece of cloth – similar to a handkerchief – that is folded and then tied to your head. It is comparable to a do-rag or wave cap. Bandanas come in many colours, designs, and patterns, making them a popular hairstyle accessory for both men and women. They are especially adorned and often used by bikers. Tennis player Rafael Nadal is known for using bandanas to style his hair for playing tennis matches.
Hair Elastic Ties
Just like headbands, hair elastics are also popular among male sport players with long hair. For men with long hair, hair elastics are used to tie the hair into a ponytail or man bun hairstyle. This gives the long hair a clean and neat look. Hair elastics also go by various names, including hair ties and scrunchies. Scrunchies are usually made of softer elastics. To prevent hair damage, choose hair elastics without metal bits in them.
GladHair.com carries neutral-coloured elastic ties that are great for creating ponytail and buns:
Bobby Pins
Bobby pins are hair pins that are clipped to the hair to make it stay in a certain shape or style you want. They are functional and versatile because they come in many different colours, including natural hair colours that can make them easily blend into your hair. Men with medium or long hair usually wear them to keep loose strands of hair pulled back so the hair appears neater.
Bobby pins are also useful for keeping wigs and certain hats intact. For this reason, bobby pins are popular in the arts, entertainment, and theatre industry, where stage and on-screen performers have to wear wigs or certain types of hats for their roles.
Here are bobby pins that resemble natural hair colour:
Click here to see more varieties of hair pins available for sale. Bobby pins are very inexpensive, so you can easily buy a lot of them without breaking the bank. Most sellers offer packs of multiple pins in a bundle.
Small Hair Claws and Clamps
Small Hair Claws complimentary fashion clips for fine or shorter length hair. These clips do not grab an abundance of hair, but they are tight and strong to lift. They can separate hair for a layered appearance on the crown of the head. Solid black colour gives a bold contrast to blonde, silver, or gray hair, or may be used for dark hair shades to give an invisible lift to the gathered locks. Lighter coloured ones provide a nice contrast to darker coloured hair.
Check out these selections:
]]>Part of every good skincare routine involves cleansing, and this includes doing a thorough cleanse to remove makeup at the end of the day. Sometimes there is a stubborn spot or two that seems harder to get makeup off of, and sometimes we scrub too hard, damaging skin in the process. Below are some tips for effectively removing makeup and keeping your skin healthy and moisturized.
DON’T:
Don’t rush it.
Take your time when removing makeup. Those who rush tend to scrub too hard to get makeup off with minimal number of wipes, which isn’t necessarily good for the skin. Apply the makeup remover and let it sit for a few minutes, letting it do its magic. Brush your teeth or floss while you let the makeup remover sit for a bit. This will soften eye liner, shadow, and mascara so they will slip off easily and effortlessly when you finally wipe. This will also prevent smudges from forming.
Don’t scrub too hard.
Friction can damage the skin, especially the skin around your eyes which is very delicate. The effects of scrubbing too hard every time you try to remove makeup can be cumulative, resulting in irritation and wrinkles over time.
Don’t forget to cleanse the edges of your eyelid.
The edges of your eyelid are often neglected during makeup removal. These are the spots where eye liner and mascara can build over time, resulting in eye irritation. This is especially true if you use waterproof liquid eye liner and mascara. You need to make sure that every little speck is gone during makeup removal. Using cotton swabs dabbed with oil-based makeup remover or olive oil can help. Oil breaks everything down so you don’t have to scrub. If there are stubborn mascara chunks, do not tug them as this can result in eye lashes falling out. Use a flat cotton pad soaked with makeup remover, and apply it slowly in the direction your eye lashes grow to slowly slide the mascara off.
DO:
Use a proper cleanser made to remove makeup.
Use a face wash or cleanser that is specially made to remove makeup. Some cleansers contain water only (such as micellar water), and some contain cleansing oil or balm. Cleansing oil or balm is effective at removing even the most stubborn makeup such as stay-put foundations that are meant to be long-lasting, liquid lipsticks, and eye brow pigments. The science behind it is simple: oil removes oil. Remember to wash your face with soap and water after, because oil-based cleansers can leave the skin feeling a bit oily after.
Pull your hair back and cleanse your hairline.
If you have medium or long hair, create a pony tail or bun to ensure that hair does not get in a way while washing your face. Even if you have short hair, it is a good idea to ensure that loose hair strands on the front and sides of your head do not get in the way. Cleansing your hairline is an important step because people often accumulate makeup reside around the hairline, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Here are some hair elastics and nets that can help keep hair out while cleansing the hairline:
Use soap and water.
Sometimes plain and simple soap and water do the trick. If you don’t have makeup wipes handy, soap and water can remove makeup just as well. Most dermatologists advocate for using soap and water for a final cleanse. Many people make the mistake of only using makeup wipes before going to bed, but this does not always ensure that all makeup is off. If you use only wipes and then apply moisturizer right away, you might push dirt into your pores and wake up with pimples or blackheads. You still have to wash your face. Use lukewarm water to remove residues and prepare your skin for a good night regimen.
Moisturizer your face after cleansing.
Even if you don’t have dry skin, makeup removal and face washing should always be followed up with moisturizer application. Removing makeup can dry out the eye area, which is the most sensitive skin on your face.
Use sustainable and eco-friendly makeup removal products.
A lot of makeup removal products contain synthetic chemicals that are harmful not only to the environment, but also to your skin. Sustainable and eco-friendly products usually have ingredients that are more natural and less damaging to the skin. We recommend this eco-friendly product that is just as effective for removing makeup as oil-based and other types of makeup removers:
The Original MakeUp Eraser – This cloth can remove waterproof mascara, eye liner, foundation, lipstick, and more. It is free of alcohol, oils, astringents, parabens, dyes, fragrances, and sulphates. To use, simply wet the cloth (eraser), apply it to your skin the same way as you would with any other makeup remover, and exfoliate. These erasers come in different colours, and they are antibacterial. Because they are reusable (can be washed in the washing machine up to 1,000 times) and can last 3-5 years, they help the planet by reducing waste. Not to mention that they are super soft (made from a special blend of polyester), great for sensitive skin, and economical.
]]>There seems to be a plethora of options when it comes to hair clips. Which ones should you choose for certain occasions but not others? Are there hair clips that are more versatile and multi-purpose than others? In this article, we’ll break down the most common types of hair clips into categories.
Alligator Clips
You often see alligator clips being used by hairstylists to hold extra hair out of the way during a haircut or styling session. These clips are great for keeping the hair pinned back from the face with little effort. They are a pinch clip with a spring on one end. One half of the clip is flat, so it can fit against the head comfortably, and has teeth that match the top half of the clip.
Some alligator clips come in plain solid colours, while others are fancier with intricate patterns, designs, and decorative elements. They come in a variety of different sizes, styles, and colours. Some alligator clips for children come with large bows on them, making it easy to dress up a child’s outfit without having to worry about pinning a bow separately in their hair. Check out the variety of alligator clips available for sale here.
Banana Clips
Banana clips are usually quite long – typically at least 5 to 6 inches in length. These are ideal for long hair, and can be used as a substitute for hair tie at the back. They are good securing the hair because they have teeth on both sides of the clip, and will lock in place so the hair is held in place at the base of the neck. In terms of styling, they can give the illusion of your hair being longer than it actually is, which is the visual that many people try to achieve by wearing banana clips.
Banana clips are more ideal for thick hair, as they can be harder to use on thinner hair. This is why they are not as commonly used on younger children who have finer and thinner hair.
Banana clips can come in simple designs and patterns such as the tortoise shell, or more intricate designs with decorative edges and embellishments that would suit a fancy outfit. Browse our selection of banana clips here!
Barrettes
Barrette hair clips are available in so many varieties, shapes, and colours that they can be used to style your hair for a variety of events. Some barrettes are embedded with jewels or rhinestones that would add to the dazzle of your evening wear. In general, barrettes are made from a single piece of plastic with a hinge in the middle. The hinge allows them to fold in half. The bottom part of the barrette that goes against the head has a small hole in it on the end, into which a bag on the top half of the barrette snaps to hold it close.
Although barrettes are beautiful additions to wear to special events, they are not the most ideal for doing sports or anything active. They have small plastic teeth to help hold hair strands in place, but not strong enough to keep the hair from slipping and falling out if subjected to a lot of movements such as jumping. That being said, the variety and eye-candy property of barrettes still make them worthwhile to have in your accessories drawer – so you can quickly accessorize and get ready for an event or function. Check out how beautiful some of these barrette designs and styles are!
Bobby Pins
Unlike most other types of hair clips, bobby pins do not have a mechanism that allows you to actually clip them into your hair. However, that actually makes bobby pins one of the most popular and versatile ‘hair clips’ out there. They are flat, smooth, light, and are helpful in styling your hair in many different ways. They are akin to “one of the most helpful humble helpers” for accomplishing any hair styling objective.
Bobby pins have one side that is flat and smooth, while the other side usually has grooves that are designed to help hold your hair in place. These grooves help keep the hair in its place without the pin falling out. There are small plastic balls on the two ends, so you can easily slip them into your hair. Some bobby pins have ornaments instead of the plastic balls, and they can vary in shape and size (such as animals or flowers).
Bobby pins come in many different colours, including natural hair colours and brighter ones. You can easily find bobby pins that blend with your hair colour, such as these Small Black Kirby Grips (if you have black hair) and Blond Kirby Grips (if you have blonde hair). Click here to see more varieties of pins available for sale. Bobby pins are very inexpensive, so you can easily buy a lot of them without breaking the bank. Most sellers offer packs of multiple pins in a bundle.
Claw Hair Clips
Claw clips, sometimes also referred to as clamps or butterfly clips, have evolved over the years from the big and flashy options during the 1980s to more subdued clips that are popular today. These clips have two combs with large teeth that are attached in the middle with a powerful spring. The spring allows the two combs to open up. When the spring is release, the clip snaps shut to hold your hair in place.
Claw hair clips are great for pinning the hair back. These are often used by hairdressers while cutting or styling your hair. They can also be used as hair accessory for everyday activities, such as holding your bun in place or creating a modified ponytail. It is best to have a few different-sized claw clips handy, so you can easily style your hair in different ways. Check out the variety of claw / clamp clips that we offer here.
Snap Hair Clips
Snap clips also go by the name ‘contour clips’. They made out of a single piece of metal that can snap open for the hair to be inserted. It opens up when the ends are lifted up at the same time. Once the hair is inside the clip, push the two ends back down to force the middle of the clip to snap, holding the hair in place.
Snap clips can easily hold a lot of hair or just a few strands, making them versatile and ideal for pulling the hair away from the face. These clips often come in bright colours and fun patterns, and are popular with all ages, especially children. Larger sized snap clips can be used to hold back a lot of hair, while smaller ones can blend in more with the hairstyle. Click here to find snap hair clips that would match your style and needs.
]]>After a whole week of work and other busy errands, everyone deserves a day or weekend to relax and have fun. After all, the old saying of “work hard, play hard” still rings true. For many, getting ready for a special event or night out in town is as much fun as the event or ‘night out’ itself. But there are some who dread the process of getting ready because it involves a lot of planning, decision making, and tasks that can feel like chores. The stress and worries of the process of getting ready can be taken out by planning in advance. Here are our tips for a worry-free, fun, and enjoyable “getting ready” time before that special event.
1) Select your outfit ahead of time.
The outfit should match the event or occasion. If it’s going to be a formal event taking place in the evening, look through your closet for an evening gown or dress that might be suitable. Perhaps you want to wear something new and different this time. In this case, allocate enough time to visit the mall or store to browse and try on different outfits. Shopping at the last minute, or on the same day of the event, would make it rushed and not as enjoyable.
If there are multiple components for the outfit, make sure that they are pre-selected and ready to go. This means making sure that they are clean, dry, and ironed (if required). Take them to dry cleaning ahead of time if needed.
Besides the main dress, shirt, pants, and/or skirt that you’re going to wear, don’t forget about all the other matching components – jacket, shoes, and other accessories (to be discussed in a later section). The footwear should match your main outfit. However, most important of all, they should be comfortable and not cause blisters after a few hours of being worn. If you have brand new shoes that had never been worn before, try easing into them by “trial wearing” them. You can do this by trying to walk up and down a hallway, across the room, or outside in your backyard with the new shoes. If you think that they might cause blisters, put on heel protectors (which can easily stick inside the shoes, lining the heels part). You can easily get these at any drug store, retail pharmacy, or supermarket.
2) Have a few different options available.
It never hurts to have Option B, and perhaps Option C. Some people prefer to pick a few different outfit options that they can decide on closer to the date and time of the event, or to have backup options in case one does not pan out.
3) Plan your hair and makeup arrangements
If you plan on getting your hair and makeup done professionally, arrange these and schedule your bookings ahead of time. This might involve getting to the hair salon or having a makeup artist come to your place to help you get ready, and it usually requires booking at least a few days in advance. Don’t leave it to the last minute, as bookings can get filled up. If you plan on a DIY approach, be sure to have all the equipment and supplies ready. If you check and plan ahead of time, there would be no need to do a last-minute run to the store for a certain colour of eye shadow or eyeliner that might need replacement.
4) Accessorize!
Once the main outfit is selected and you have settled on your hair-do and makeup, accessorizing is usually the fun part. Hair typically gets the most attention, and it’s for a good reason. Many hair accessories are available to help ‘glam up’ your look, so you will be sure to dazzle on the dance floor (or in any event, for that matter). Barrettes are a good bet for adding jazz to your already beautifully styled hair. They come in many different shapes, sizes, colours, and styles. Here are some ideas:
If you’re looking for something small to hold a bit of loose strands of hair together, or to make the hair appear neater, hair pins and snap hair clips are your best friends. There are solid coloured ones that come in natural hair colours, so they can easily blend in with your hair and not appear as noticeable. For examples:
Some hair pins and clips are also adorned with ornaments that can complement the hair style. How about these ones for inspiration:
Other accessories that can be used to dress up your outfit are scarves, handbags, and jewelleries (which include earrings, necklace, bracelets, and rings).
There you have it – some tips to ensure that your night out goes smoothly, and to make the process of getting ready as fun as the anticipated event itself. Happy accessorizing!
]]>For those with medium to long hair, having hair accessories that would keep hair getting in the way of exercising is a must in the gym bag. The most popular of these hair accessories is the good old basic hair tie or elastic band. There are also other hair accessories that do a great job in keeping hair out of the way when working out. Headbands do a great job in keeping the front and side parts of your hair pulled back neatly, so they would stay in one place.
When selected correctly, hair clips can substitute the functions of both the hair tie and headband. In general, larger hair clips with bigger claws should be used for the back of the hair (to tie the hair together), and smaller hair clips can be used on the sides and front to keep the loose hair strands or bangs pulled back.
Here are our recommendations for the best hair accessories for doing sports and working out.
Accessories to Tie the Hair Back
Large hair clips can take on the role of a hair tie. These hair clips need to have big enough grip to hold the volume of hair together in one place.
Elastic Hair Ties – These are the classic ties to create ponytails and full buns.
Extra Large Patented French Tortoise Plastic Hair Claw – This hair clip is 6” in size, and it has a covered spring and an exceptional smooth but gripping surface with no static cling. The material is cellulose acetate, which is a plant-based hypoallergenic plastic. The claw is large enough to grip and hold your thick hair together, without having to worry about it falling out as you do everyday activities.
Octopus-Shaped Plastic Hair Claws – These have a good amount of grip to hold hair at the back. They come in a variety of different colours and designs, and will also do the trick for helping to hold hair up or pulled back.
Accessories to Pin Loose Hair Strands
Smaller hair clips such as bobby pins, those with smaller claws, and flatter-style pins can be used to take care of hair on the sides, or loose hair strands that might get in the way.
Hair Pins – These include bobby pins, and are perfect if you have only a few small strands of hair that you want to pin neatly together in one place.
Snap Hair Clips – These are small in size and easy to ‘snap’ on, making them the ideal solution if you have just tiny pieces of hair dangling on the side or front of your face. They differ from hair pins in that they are able to hold a slightly larger volume of hair together. Snap hair clips come in different colours and styles. Some are simple, solid coloured ones that can blend in with your hair colour (such as black). These would be the ideal ones for exercising, as they tend to be lighter. The ones with ornaments such as butterflies and other decorative elements tend to be a bit heavier, but would still do the trick. The simple, solid-coloured ones are:
Accessories for the Front Part of the Hair
Hair Combs – Hair combs are a direct substitute for hair bands. They can be used to pull the hair back and keep it in place neatly, so you can be rest assured that no hair would get in the way in front of your eyes or face.
The following “like headbands” accessories can be used like hair combs. The comb side goes in first, and then slide it into your hair so it goes all the way around your head. Think of it as a hair comb with extra security because it wraps around your head, with less chance of the comb slipping to the side.
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The (Very) Early Days of Hair Accessories
Architectural findings and historical evidence indicate that hair accessories date back to prehistoric times. Back then, one-pronged sticks and small rocks with clip-like edges were used to hold their hair back. Some also used natural materials found nearby such as leaves and flowers to decorate and adorn the sticks and rocks.
Hair Accessories in Ancient Cultures
Hair accessories have been found in ancient cultures around the world. The Ancient Greeks and Romans used crowns made from twigs, foliage, and flowers. You often see these in illustrations in books about ancient Greek mythologies and their gods. In Ancient Africa, shells and beads were the materials of choice for making hair accessories. Even to this day, shells and beads made from natural materials are used to make various jewelleries and headpieces in various African tribes. For the Native Americans, headdresses were made using animal bones and feathers. A lot of the materials they used held symbolic meanings and power.
The History of Hair Ties and Scrunchies
Hair ties are one of the oldest and most commonly used hair accessories. Hair ties are said to date back to between 10,000 and 8,000 BC. Elastic bands did not exist yet back then, but in Ancient Europe, hair rings were made using precious metals such as gold and silver. Only the wealthy could afford such luxury, and they did not shy away from also embedding gems and precious stones into their hair rings. In Ancient Egypt, hair rings were made using pottery, alabaster, or jasper. They were used as a way to display social status. One could only imagine how hard and inflexible these hair rings were, considering the materials that they were made of.
Things changed around the 20th century, when rubber and elastic fibers began to be commercially produced. Soon after, elastic bands and scrunchies became popular, making inflexible hair rings obsolete and the hair ties we know today to flood the markets. Check out these hair elastics and bun accessories, and imagine how much more flexible and lighter they are compared to the hair rings of the past!
The History of Hair Pins
The hair pins we know today looked a lot different in ancient times. Hair pins of the past looked different depending on where in the world they were made, and the purpose for which they were being worn. In Central Africa, hair pins were usually made from animal bone, ivory, or wood, and they were designed to be very functional. In Ancient Rome, hair pins also doubled up as a container for perfume or sometimes poison, so these pins were long and hollow on the inside. Today, hair pins are designed for mostly what it’s named after – pinning hair. Looking for long-style hair pins? Try Alligator Hair Clips.
During the Victorian Era, it was considered improper for a woman to have loose strands of hair around her face, so hair pins were considered vital for Victorian women. Today, hair pins are still used for that same purpose – to keep hair out of the face.
In France in the 1600s, men wore hair pins just as much as women. The pins were called “bobbing pins” (not to be confused with “bobby pins”), and they were either long and straight or U-shaped. They were used allow the wigs worn at the time to sit better over the head, resulting in a neat and tidy appearance. Today, there are still hair pins for men, but they tend to be much shorter and smaller. Browse these Hair Pins for Men to see the options available.
The bobby pins came about around the 1920s, replacing the open hair pins that were commonly used for most of the prior century and in the early 1900s. Spring clip bobby pins became popular, enabling women to create pin curls and finger waves. They also enabled women to hold their hair better underneath the tight hats that were fashionable at that time. Want to see the bobby pins that we carry? Click here!
After the rise of bobby pins, barrettes soon followed and also became popular. These became worn all over the world, from Europe to North and South America. Mexican women were known for their fantastically coloured barrettes which were both functional and beautifully decorative. These barrettes usually had an ornamental face, and underneath would be the spring clip that would hold the hair together – very similar to the barrettes of the modern day. The barrettes that we carry today also range in size, shape, colour, and decorations.
The History of Hair Combs (as Hair Accessories) and Banana Clips
The modern banana clips date back to the Stone Age, when people used hair combs to decorate and hold back their hair. During the Tang Dynasty period in China, hair combs were made using the horns of the rhinoceros. Ancient Romans used combs made of tortoise shells, and Japan in the 17th century used either wood or tortoise shells for combs. Some were decorated using pearls or gold for the wealthy. In the 1950s, hair combs were used not only as hair accessories, but also as a way to attach veils and smaller hats onto the head. It was not until the 1980s that hair combs turned into the banana clips we know today.
Hair Accessories in the Modern Day
Hair accessories have stayed throughout history and made it into the modern day because they are not only ornamental and decorative, but they are also functional. Two of the biggest differences between the hair accessories of the ancient world and today are the materials that they are made of, and the purpose other than functional usage. Today, most hair accessories such as hair clips are made using plastic and spring (instead of animal bones, ivory, wooden sticks, and stones). Back then, some hair clips were deemed to be status symbol, especially the ones made of gold, silver, and other precious metals and gems. Today, hair clips are mainly used for functional, decorative, and styling purposes. From the humble beginnings to the everyday objects that most people have in their dressers today, knowing about the history of your favourite hair accessories will give you a whole new appreciation for them!
]]>If you’re blessed with voluminous thick hair, consider yourself lucky! There are lots of ways that you can style and accessorize thick hair. Below are some of the ways that you can style and accessorize your hair, including tips on how to reduce frizziness that can sometimes come with thick hair. Minimizing the amount of frizz in your hair should be an important step to take before styling and accessorizing it.
How to Reduce Frizziness
If you have thick hair, humidity can make it poof out, and you may need to use a product to help tame it. Tame puffy hair with a bit of hairspray on your brush. To do this, spritz a little hairspray on your brush before you start brushing your hair. Get it a little damp, and then start with the underside of your hair, so you don't end up with crispy strands of hair on the top of your head. Just a little bit of hairspray can help hold your strands in place.
Keratin-based products are also known to help with frizziness. Try a hydration spray that lists keratin as an ingredient. Keratin is a protein that helps rebuild broken strands, a common problem with thick hair.
Besides hairspray and keratin-based products, various serums and hair oils are also known to reduce hair frizziness, making your strands lay flatter. This will make your hair look silkier and much easier to brush and put hair clips or other accessories on.
Now that you have taken care of frizziness, here are some ideas for styling thick hair, with the best hair clips to use.
Try a Half-Up Do or Pull-Back Style
Thick hair is perfect for a half-up hairstyle. Your bun will look full and volumized, while also taking some of the thickness out of your bottom layer. To do this, pull up half your hair, smooth the back, and secure the top part of your hair with a ponytail holder or barrette. The best barrettes for a half-up do are:
This pull-back style lets the beauty of your thick hair shine while keeping it more manageable. You can style the rest of your hair however you like, with waves at the bottom or straight hair.
Create an Easy Top Knot
To create an easy top knot, start by making a ponytail on your crown. Then twist the hair around the ponytail to create the top knot, and secure it with bobby pins, a ponytail holder, or a hairclip with a large claw. Here are the best picks for holding a top knot together:
Create an Elegant Braid or Fancy Plait
Having thick hair means getting more bulk and detail in a braid, creating a more interesting look compared to thinner hair. A French braid, a simple braid down your back, or a fishtail braid can easily be secured with smaller hair clips such as Small Unisex Black Solid Hair Claws or Small Black Plastic Clamps.
Use Hair Clips with Large Claws
Whether it be a full ponytail, bun, or any other hairdo, thick hair necessitates hair clips with claws that are large enough to hold the voluminous beauty. We recommend the Extra Large Patented French Tortoise Plastic Hair Claw – this hair clip is 6” in size, and it has a covered spring and an exceptional smooth but gripping surface with no static cling. The claw is large enough to grip and hold your thick hair together, without having to worry about it falling out as you do everyday activities. Other options for hair clips with large claws include Octopus-Shaped Plastic Hair Claws. They come in a variety of different colours and designs, and will also do the trick for helping to hold thick hair up.
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Having long hair means having a million different ways of things that you can do with it – braid it, create a ponytail, create pigtails, create a full or half-up do, curl it, straighten it, and so on. However, just like how great power comes with great responsibility, long hair also comes with care routine that needs to be maintained. Here are our recommendations for taking care of long hair so it stays smooth, silky, and healthy:
1) Use a deeply hydrating treatment at least once every two weeks.
In addition to using moisturizer when you wash your hair, long hair can also benefit from a deeply having hydrating treatment applied regularly. Hydrating treatments for hair usually consist of oil-based products that contain vitamin E. The most commonly used oils are avocado oil or olive oil. There are many products out there with these ingredients, but you can also use a DIY approach. To do this, gently warm the oil in a pan on low heat, and apply it to your hair. Wrap your hair in a warm towel for 20 to 40 minutes, and then wash it out. The heated oil allows it to be more easily absorbed into the hair, boosting its effective hydrating qualities such as replenishing any lost moisture. This treatment is especially important in the winter, as the weather tends to be drier. Another DIY solution is to create a coconut honey mask for your hair.
2) Use a heat protectant.
This one is well known, especially for those who regularly use a flat iron or hair curler. However, it’s an easy-to-forget and frequently skipped step, especially if you’re rushing to get ready in the morning or before an evening out. The effects can be cumulative, so be sure to allocate enough time to properly apply a heat protectant before using a flat iron, hair curler, or applying any heat to your hair.
A heat protectant works by forming a protective barrier as it wraps the hair shaft, preventing damage and ensuring that your hair appears sleek and frizz-free. Besides commercially available heat protectant products sold in salons, retailers, and online stores, there are also natural heat protectant oils that you can use. These include argan oil, coconut oil, grape seed oil, avocado oil, and shea butter – to name a few.
3) Use the right hair brush.
A natural fiber brush (such as the boar bristle brush) or a wet brush should be long hair’s best friend. With long hair, you want to minimize any breakage and prevent hair splits by using the correct hair brush. Using a natural fiber brush can help to minimize friction when brushing. Less friction means that the hair doesn’t get caught on any knots, leaving the hair smooth and silky without pulling out hair strands. A wet brush can also help accomplish this, as the bristles bend around any tangles, putting less stress on the hair.
When the hair is wet, use only a wide-tooth comb. Brushing when the hair is damp can cause damage as it stretches the strands, instead of separating them. A wide-tooth comb helps to lessen this damage.
4) Brush from the bottom up.
Instead of going from the top down, start at the ends of the hair and work your way up. This is to minimize the amount of pressure put on the roots and minimize damage.
5) Use hair bands and hair clips that do not pull at the root.
Scrunchies are not only popular because they are stylish, but also because they are root-friendly. Scrunchies and hair bands that are the plastic coil type do not pull hair at the root. This keeps the hair strands strong and resilient. The opposite is true if you tie your hair using regular elastic rubber bands. How many times have you had to resort to using one of those rubber bands when you don’t have an actual hair tie around, only to find that it hurts a bit when you pull it out? The same principle goes with hair clips. The best hair clips that do not pull at the root include:
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Special thanks for this article to "the men with a long hair" for sharing his personal experience:
"Being a man with long hair puts you in a tough position when it comes to finding hair products that are suitable for you. I know from experience, like many men I grew my hair out during the pandemic quarantine. I was also forced to test out some different hair accessories that I had never dreamed of using in the past.
The main thing most men with long hair are looking for is practicality and to not draw attention to the fact that they are using products that are usually targeted towards women. That being said, some of the best products for men with long hair feature neutral colors and typically are smaller and less noticeable than some bright colored or oversized hair accessories. It is all about practicality and maintaining a more masculine style when using hair accessories. I am highlighting 3 of my favorite products when it comes to keep my long hair in check: elastic, mini clamps, and mini claws.
This pack of 18 features great quality hair elastics that would fit with any hair color or outfit. There are multiple different sizes for thicker hair or tighter ponytails and buns. I find I usually have a favorite hair elastic that I wear until it breaks, these won’t break down easily so you can rotate depending on what look you are going for. Great for using at work where you might need to tie your hair back.
I have had to dig through piles of my girlfriend’s hair elastics countless times to find one that I feel comfortable wearing outside. Now, I have had to hide these because my girlfriend kept taking my elastics, for once.
These hair elastics are great as well because they don’t pull at all, which can lead to hair loss and hair breakage. The various sizes will also accommodate different stages of hair growth as well.
Also available in my favorite “tortoise-shell” brown style, these clamps are small enough to not be noticed while being strong enough to hold your hard-to-tame hairs neatly in place. I would suggest getting both colors to allow for flexibility with different looks as they are stylistically very flexible.
Sold in pairs, these are meant for men with medium length hair and look great on any hair color. I’ve always loved the tortoise shell pattern whether it be with sunglasses or hair claws. Pair with a great set of Wayfarers and you’ve got a classic, stylish look.
Both the clamps and the claws are great for hair care and maintenance as well as daily wear. They make trimming facial hair and neck hair much easier as it keeps those areas clear of any rogue locks of hair.
The clamps and the claws are both very durable and well made. The springs and the plastic are both very high quality andAs I mentioned earlier, hair accessories for men with long hair can be hard to find. However, Glad Hair has several great options for any of your hair accessory needs.
Men with long hair sometimes get criticized because it is not in line with the traditional gender styling norms. I understand if their hair is messy and unkempt in an environment that requires more formal styles, but keeping it tidy is easy with just a little bit of outside help. You are a multi-dimensional man, and your hair should reflect this, no matter what the environment.
There are plenty of great options to be found at Gladhair for men with long hair. The wide selection of quality, practical products will help keep your hair tidy and stylish. Whatever the activity is, you want to keep looking your best."
]]>Looking for a simple, practical, and economical gift idea that can add chic and flair to any look? Nothing could be as versatile as hair clips. Not only do they make use of one of the greatest beauty assets – the hair, but they can be used by anyone with any hair style (long, medium, short). When selecting a hair clip as a gift for your loved one, here are some things to consider:
What length of hair do they have?
Long and medium-length hair usually means higher volume, so the hair clip needs to be able to hold more hair and keep it in place. This is especially true if the user plans on using the hair clip as a substitute for a hair tie, where the hair pin needs to be big enough with enough grip.
Our recommendations for medium to long hair:
For short hair, various barrettes and alligator hair clips can be sufficient to hold the hair together. These types of hair clips can also be used for medium to long hair. Here are our top picks for barrettes and alligator hair clips for short hair:
What thickness of hair do they have?
The thicker the hair, the larger the hair clip and the grip must be to hold the hair up or in the desired position. Claw hair clips are especially great for thick or voluminous hair, including curly hair. These hair clips range in claw size. Some may use smaller claws for parting a smaller section of the hair, while some may use larger claws for holding a larger section of the hair together. Why not buy a few different sized ones, so your loved one can pick and use different ones for different occasions? We have pre-selected these 3 claw hair clips for you, ranging in size for maximum versatility and options for everyday use:
What’s their personal style or preference?
Hair clips can be used to achieve various different styles. Whether it be feminine, tomboy, classic, modern, edgy, or chic look that they’re after, there are hair clips for every style and preference. For a more feminine look, try the Hand Made Chignon with Flowers. For a more casual or classic look, try the Small Tortoise Prong Beak Clip with Crystals and Studs. For men or those with short hair, the Mini Black Plastic Clamps are the perfect choice for versatility. Looking for something elegant, that can pair well with a nice dress or evening gown? The Gold Color Metal Beak Clip With Teeth will surely dazzle and bring out their beauty.
What are their favorite colors, ornaments, or decorations?
If you know that your loved one has a specific liking towards certain colors, flowers, animals, or pearls, you can get hair clips that have some of these elements. For example, if you know that they prefer something simple with one solid color, you might want to consider the French Small Open Rectangle Tort Crock. Conversely, if they like lots of colors or a busier design, the Black Sleepies with Bright Floral Print might appeal to them. Don’t forget – you can browse GladHair.com’s selection of hair clips by color!
If they like crystals, try the Large Metal Colored Enamel Beak Clips with Crystals. Are they horse or butterfly enthusiasts? There are Silver Colored Horse Motive Sleepies and Epoxy Pink Butterfly Shaped Metal Sleepies.
Whatever your loved one’s hair type, length, personal style, and preferences are, GladHair.com has you covered! Browse our wide selection of hair clips here. If there is a particular hair clip you have in mind, and you don’t see it listed, contact us and we’ll be happy to help. Happy Gifting!!
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If you think that only long hair gets all the fun with the plethora of ways to style and accessorize the hair, then you’re mistaken. There are lots of ways that you can accessorize short hair. Many people choose to go with a short hairstyle because it’s efficient, or it just suits the look. Below are some ideas to add some jazz and flare to short hair.
Bobby Pins
There are many bobby pins out there with flowers, rhinestones, and other decorative elements that can be used for various different looks. If you’re trying to achieve a more formal and neat look, or if you have bangs, try using bobby pins to pin the bangs back. You can also be creative and try pinning your hair to different sides for dramatic looks. Use a single pin anywhere on the side of your head as a simple way of changing your look without a lot of time and effort. Alternatively, use a few pins in a row to add emphasis to your style.
Blond Kirby Grips, Small Black Kirby Grips and Side Hair Pins are versatile hair pin options for accessorizing short hair.
Barrettes / Hair Clips
Barrettes or hair clips come in many different styles and shapes, and they can be short hair’s best friends. Select barrettes with shorter length for short hair. To make a statement, gather the sides of your hair and pin them back using a beautiful barrette. Barrettes with unique designs can show your individuality and uniqueness. They can also be used to match your outfit of the day.
Need some barrette / hair clip ideas? Here are our top picks for the best hair clips for short hair:
Flowers and Butterflies
Adding flowers to your hair can result in a soft and feminine look. You can use real or man-made flowers, and use one or a couple in a row (such as putting flowers around the crown of your head). Adding flowers to your hair when you have an up-do can produce a more sophisticated look. Another common way is to combine a flower with a pin. To do this, pin your hair behind one hear and then add a flower where the pin is. This will create a neat and beautiful look.
GladHair offers pins that can pair great with flowers, as well as pin-with-flower combos that will surely dazzle! Check these out:
Hair Combs
Combs can be used for more than just keeping your hair neat and tangle-free. Use short hair combs to keep your hair together on one side, keep bangs out of the front of your face, or add a splash of colour and style to your hair. The Tortoise Shell French Twist Hair Comb with Rhinestone Roses is particularly great for creating a beautiful and elegant look. The Side Hair Comb with White Flowers can also be a great hair accessory that pairs well with a wedding dress, evening gown, or any white / light-coloured dress.
Hair Claws & Hair Clamps
Hair claws and hair clamps are the rage these days. They can be worn by both men and women, and they can be used to achieve many different looks: edgy, chic, modern, unique. Use one or a couple, mix and match different colours, and let your creativity shine. Here are some hair claw & hair clamp options:
Scarves
Scarves come in a variety of different styles and colours, and they usually come in nicer designs and materials. Try folding the scarf in half diagonally, put the wide around your hair at the front of your head, and tie it underneath your hair. For a sophisticated and chic look, tie the scarf under your chin like in the ‘50s movie sets. Then add some sunglasses. For something more unique, tie several scarves together at the ends, then twist them until they are thin and tie them around your head like a headband. Another way to wear a scarf with short hair is to create a bun with the scarf, and pin it to the back for a classic look, or to the top of your head for a modern look. Don’t be afraid to experiment and get creative!
Headbands
There are many ways that you can wear a headband. The most common way is to wear it from the base of your neck to just above the hairline to hold your hair, or to help keep your face clear of bangs or side hair. Different colours and patterns on headbands can add a new dimension to short hair, and a fun way to match with your outfit. You can also get creative with headbands, such as tying them in different knots or using 2-3 of them at the same time. If you plan on using a few headbands at once, select ones that are thinner or narrower. Mixing and matching different coloured and patterned headbands can make you stand out and be seen as a trend-setter.
Bandanas
Bandanas are just as diverse as scarves and headbands. You can fold them over a few times and wear them like a headband. Many people wear them to the gym, when running errands such going to the grocery store, and any casual place.
Spray-On Highlights
Non-permanent highlights can produce an edgy, hip, or modern look that accentuates the colour of your hair. This option is also great when you have an up-do. For a shimmering night out in town, use a spray-on glitter.
Short hair can be just as versatile as medium and long hair when it comes to styling and accessorizing.
]]>Let’s face it. At any given time in any woman’s life (especially if you have long hair), a bad hair day can come along. So, what are you to do? Well, that’s easy. Hair clips can be the perfect answer and here is our review of the seven best hair clips for long hair:
1. Beak Clips
These clips offer curved radians for fitting comfortably and the beautiful sleek arched design means no gaps force that is good and strong for clamping. In addition, the beak shape forcefully clamps onto your hair and the special patterns are excellent for decorating your hair. The simple elegant designs at Gladhair.com can be easily matched with numerous clothing styles and color combinations plus they're quite durable and lightweight. And, best of all, the choices are endless when it comes to colors and your fave adornments like butterflies, flowers, and colored stones. Bring on the bling!
2. Banana Clips
Banana clips are exceptionally versatile and here are some of the many amazing hairstyles that you can easily achieve by using them:
A. Banana Clip Braided Ponytail
B. Banana Clip Side Ponytail
C. Simple Banana Clip Ponytail
D. Banana Clip Braid
E. Ultimate Modern Hairstyle w/ Banana Clip
F. Banana Clip Bun
G. Classic Updo w/ Banana Clip
H. Braided Banana Clip Bun
I. Shoshanna Banana Clip Bun
J. French Twist w/ Banana Clip
Alligator Clips can give you that sophisticated long hair looks that you love. They're perfect for a number of hairstyles, including many of those that are listed under Banana Clips. And, they're available with some amazing adornments like acrylic bows to match your mood.
Keeping your hair off the back of your neck is a must in the hot weather. What you need is to put it up and then have it stay there while still looking fashionable. One surefire way for achieving both of those objectives is by using claw hair clips. They're dependable and easy-to-use for keeping your long hair beautifully secured in place. These clips are the perfectly fashionable, no-slip hair accessory designed to suit your active lifestyle. And, they work just as well if you have fine hair as they do on thick hair.
Nothing says one-of-a-kind style like beautiful hair clips made in France of handmade materials. You're sure to love the GladHair.com selection of styles and colors to suit all of your haircare needs.
Snap hair clips are the epitome of versatility and ease-of-use. They're a truly trendy accessory for all kinds of styles and work well with every outfit. The best part about the GladHair selection is that you can get them in plaid, tortoiseshell, brightly-colored florals, daisies, butterflies, even horses. And many of them have blingy colored stones for extra sparkle!
GladHair luxury hair clips are made in France and offer that special European flair. You might think that beautiful luxury hair clips would be expensive but GladHair strives to be continually offering the very best prices possible so that you can easily afford an extensive selection of these amazing luxury hair clips to suit every outfit in your wardrobe.
So, what do all of these amazing hair clips have in common? You can find a ton of them in all colors, sizes, and styles at our store. Keep it your go-to site for all things related to Hair Accessories. Every one of them is perfectly suited to life on-the-run, which seems to be the new reality for women of today.
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