How to Select Hair Accessories

The market is flooded with great hair accessories: headbands, tortoise clips, rhinestone barrettes and colorful scrunchies. They're not all made the same, however. High-quality hair accessories will cost more, but in the end they'll go the distance and be a little easier on your hair.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hair Accessories
• Ponytail Holders
• Mirrors
• Hairstyling Software

1. Stretch all elastic hair bands, scrunchies and ponytail holders. Make sure they are taut. Look for finished seams on scrunchies and headbands and secure metal clamps on ponytail holders.

2. Try on all headbands to see if they mold to the shape of your head and hold your hair firmly in place. Spread the arms a little to check for resiliency. Look for proper finishing, including secure seams, and make sure that any adornments are secure.

3. Open and close all barrettes and hair clips to check the hinge mechanism and clasp. Try them on to ensure that they hold your hair in place. Look for hard plastics and chip-resistant metals.

4. Inspect all accessories that have rhinestones, beads and jewels. Look for secure attachments and prongs. Check for bead holes that are evenly drilled.

5. Choose bows and ribbons that have finished edges and tails. Opt for velvet accessories with a thick, plush nap.

6. Check hair chopsticks for splinters or chips that could snag your hair or scratch your scalp. Check the spring mechanism on butterfly or claw clips - it should be tense and should spring back to the starting position very easily.

Tips & Warnings

• All department and many specialty stores sell hair accessories. Look under glass countertops or in small display cases scattered throughout the store.
• Beware of painted accessories. Paint is a cheap alternative to colored plastic, and you may end up with accessories that chip with use.

Who Can Help:

• Are you tired of cakey makeup? Try RawMinerals Free.

[angel12006]

on 11/27/2006 u should take a trip 2 Sallys beauty supply and ask them what u should use they have GREAT stuff!

on 9/11/2006 Just a warning: for many sports, such as softball, track, and many more, elastics with hair ties are not allowed and can result in disqualification. Keep this in mind while purchasing hair ties!

on 11/22/2005 Instead of using hair elastics held together with a metal clip, which can snag your hair, use the 'ouchless' variety, which don't have the clips. They sometimes cost a little more, but it's worth it!