In 2016, it was all about hair accessories. Flower crowns, bejeweled braids, unicorn-colored locks, and hair tinsel could be seen everywhere on Instagram and at music festivals. But there’s one trending festival hairstyle that flew a bit under the radar during that time, but is now making a comeback. Re-enter: hair rings, aka braid rings.
It’s once again popping up at every major fashion retailer and being incorporated into your favorite celebrities hair (throwback to Ariana Grande looking like a queen), the return of hair jewelry is something you’ll want to add to your shopping carts. Plus, we have a few new ways you can sport them yourself this summer. There’s something for everyone’s style, even fun charms!
If you’re not an expert on braiding hair just yet, no worries. Check out these braiding tips. Read on for the best looks and get inspired. Easy summer hairstyles to show off to your friends on Instagram and TikTok are in your future!
1. Starry Loops
This unique look is actually a combination of star-shaped hair stickers and gold star hair rings. The best way to keep hair rings secure is through braids, as the ring needs a section of hair to secure itself to. This is good news for hairstyling beginners! Adding in hair jewelry is actually quite easy to do at home.
Most hair jewelry have clasps or closures, so you can create your braids first and then add in your hair rings where you like them after. If you’re into stars, try these hair rings from Amazon. Attempt this look with a side braid to really see the charms dangle!
2. Up the Back
This updo is really chic, and anyone can pull it off with a little patience. Section most of your hair off before committing to the French braid up the nape of your neck. Then, gather the rest of your hair into a messy top knot or high ponytail. Use a mirror or have a friend help you insert a couple rings into your French braid. Sometimes it’s fun to play with different sizes.
3. Chunky Interlaced
Interlacing hair rings is a bit advanced, as it makes a chain with your hair. It can be especially challenging if you use smaller rings and try to do it on your own. For this we recommend having your hair stylist help you achieve the look.
Using a bigger ring is easier but not without a little practice. Your hair will weave through the rings and you’ll be working with multiple at a time. Turning to YouTube to guide you through a couple hair tutorials on this look will help!
4. French Braided
French braids are no doubt a great easy summer hairstyle. Not only are they a heatless hairstyle, they keep you cool by having your hair contained and out of your way, and can last a day at the beach while swimming.
You can try French braiding a single side braid like this style, or two French braids with a middle part. Once the braids are finishing it’s easy to add in hair rings, hair clips, or charms. Try experimenting with a pattern or clustering a lot of rings to one part of the braid.
5. Bejeweled and Charmed
This look is best for long hair. You can really use a lot of charms that way! And if your French braiding skills are still at a beginner level, this is the perfect style to try out hair jewelry with as you can do a loose braid.
Try a mixture of gold hair rings and these glass hair rings from Free People for this boho look.
6. Box Braids with Braid Rings
This is a great protective style for natural hair. Bring a stash of hair rings to your hair stylist and have them add them in as they braid your hair. For more ways to style your box braids, check out these looks.
7. Double Braids With Hair Cuffs
You can remember Dutch braids as ‘3D’ French braids. This style uses both hair rings and hair cuffs to complete the look. It’s a bit advanced, and another style that you can head to your hair stylist for, or achieve with help from a friend if you can’t swing the look at home.
8. Half Cornrows
This is one of the more popular festival hairstyles we’ve seen. Start by creating a deep side part and sectioning off the part of your hair you’d like to have in cornrows. A pin tail comb is ideal to make the cleanest parts for each row of hair.
Don’t focus so much on getting the braids perfect, they look a bit better when they look a little lived in! As always, add as many or as few hair rings as you’d like.
Do you want to keep up with the latest hair trends? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started with your very own IPSY Glam Bag. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.
Like this article? Share it with your friends by clicking the icons below!