THE WORKING GAL
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If your TikTok feed looks anything like mine lately, you've probably noticed something: elegant updos secured with sleek barrettes, effortless twists held by minimalist combs, and sophisticated half-up styles featuring the most beautiful hair pins. Welcome to the French hair accessories trend, and trust me when I say it's about to completely transform your hair game.
This trend exploded after The Row's Spring/Summer 2026 show, when models walked the runway with impossibly chic updos secured by simple French combs and pins. Then Taylor Swift wore a French twist with a classic U-shaped pin to a Chiefs game, and suddenly everyone was searching for these elegant accessories. The best part? Unlike many runway trends that feel completely impractical for real life, French hair accessories are actually perfect for working women.
According to celebrity hairstylist Kimberly Gueldner, these accessories work because people are opting for more relaxed, voluminous looks rather than overly styled hair. And unlike your trusty claw clip (which I love, don't get me wrong), French hair accessories add an element of sophisticated elegance that elevates even your most basic outfit.
Why French Hair Accessories Work So Well
Before we get into the specific pieces you need, let's talk about why this trend is actually genius for those of us navigating corporate life, client meetings, and everything in between.
First, they're incredibly versatile. The same barrette that secures your hair for morning meetings can create an elegant updo for evening plans. You're not buying single-use accessories – you're investing in pieces that work across your entire life.
Second, they elevate your look with minimal effort. Running late? A French pin can turn a messy bun into an intentional style in literally seconds. That's the kind of efficiency we need on busy mornings when deciding between hitting snooze one more time or washing your hair.
Third, they work with all hair types and lengths. Whether you have thick, long locks or fine, shorter hair, there's a French accessory that will work for you.
And finally – and this is important – they're affordable. While luxury versions exist (and we'll talk about those), you can build an entire French hair accessory collection for under $50. This isn't a trend that requires a complete beauty budget overhaul.
The Essential French Hair Accessories You Need
Not all French hair accessories are created equal, and you definitely don't need every style. Here are the essential pieces that will give you the most versatility for your money.
French Hairpins (U-Shaped Pins)
These slender, U-shaped pins are the foundation of the French hair accessory trend. They're simple, elegant, and surprisingly functional. The beauty of French hairpins is their versatility – they work for everything from casual chignons to sleek twists to effortless half-up styles.
Best for: French twists, low buns, half-up styles, securing loose updos
Our picks:
French Hair Pin 3pcs Black-Silver-Gold
French Hair Forks Tortoise Shell
French Barrettes
Classic French barrettes are having a major moment, and for good reason. These sleek, minimalist clips work for everything from securing half-up styles to creating polished low ponytails. The key is choosing styles that feel sophisticated rather than juvenile – we're talking tortoiseshell, solid metals, and clean lines.
Best for: Half-up styles, securing side sections, creating polished ponytails, holding bangs back
Our picks:
Camila Paris French Hair Barrette Oval
French Side Combs
French side combs are the accessories that started this whole trend, and they're absolutely worth the hype. These elegant combs slide into your hair to secure updos, add interest to down styles, or simply keep hair off your face in the chicest way possible.
Best for: Securing French twists, adding elegance to loose updos, keeping face-framing pieces back
Our picks:
Camila Paris French Hair Side Comb Handmade Onyx
Camila Paris French Hair Side Comb
Pearl Hair Accessories
While pearl accessories lean slightly more dressed-up, a simple pearl hair pin or barrette can add just the right touch of elegance to your work wardrobe without feeling costume-y. The key is choosing pieces where pearls are an accent rather than the entire focus.
Best for: Adding elegance to simple styles, special work presentations, transitioning from office to evening
Our picks:
Charonle Hair Pins with Pearls
How to Style French Hair Accessories
The beauty of French hair accessories is that they make even the simplest hairstyles look intentional and polished. Here's how to incorporate them into your work week without looking like you're trying too hard.
The Monday Morning Low Bun
When you're easing back into the work week and didn't wash your hair over the weekend, a low bun secured with French hairpins is your best friend. It takes literally 60 seconds and looks infinitely more polished than a regular bun.
How to: Gather hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Twist the ponytail loosely and wrap it around the base. Instead of using a hair tie, secure with two French hairpins inserted in an X-pattern. Pull out a few face-framing pieces for that perfectly imperfect French-girl vibe.
The Midweek Half-Up
By Wednesday, your hair might need a little help, but you're not ready to commit to a full updo. A half-up style secured with a French barrette is the perfect compromise.
How to: Take sections from either side of your head, starting at your temples. Twist each section back and gather at the crown. Instead of using a traditional hair tie, secure with a classic tortoiseshell barrette. The key is to keep it slightly loose – we're going for elegant, not tight and pulled.
The Friday French Twist
When you have back-to-back meetings or happy hour plans after work, a French twist secured with side combs is sophisticated enough for both.
How to: Gather all your hair to one side and twist upward, rolling the hair toward the center of your head. Tuck the ends into the twist and secure with 2-3 French side combs, inserting them vertically into the twist. Don't worry about perfection – a slightly loose, lived-in French twist is actually more chic than a tight, structured one.
The Weekend Aesthetic
French hair accessories aren't just for work. On weekends, they're perfect for creating that effortless Parisian aesthetic we're all trying to achieve.
For brunch: Loose waves with a pearl barrette holding back one side creates that "I woke up like this" vibe (even though we both know you spent 20 minutes with a curling iron).
For errands: A messy topknot secured with a single French pin looks intentionally undone rather than just... done.
For date night: Side-swept waves secured with a crystal or rhinestone-adorned French comb adds just the right amount of glamour.
Keeping Your Hair Healthy While Using Accessories
While French hair accessories are generally gentler than elastic hair ties, you still want to be mindful of hair health. Here are some tips to keep your hair looking as good as your new accessories.
Don't secure hair when it's soaking wet. Wet hair is more fragile and prone to breakage. If you need to put it up while damp, use a very loose style and gentler hold.
Vary your hairstyle placement. If you always secure your hair in the exact same spot, you risk creating weak points. Mix up whether you're doing low buns, half-ups, or side styles.
Choose smooth accessories over rough ones. Metal pins and smooth barrettes cause less friction than accessories with sharp edges or rough textures.
Remove accessories before bed. Sleeping with pins or combs in your hair can cause breakage and uncomfortable pressure points. Always take them out for overnight.
Use a bit of texture spray or dry shampoo before styling. This gives the accessories something to grip onto, which means you don't have to secure them as tightly.
Why the French Aesthetic Resonates with Us
The French hair accessories trend is about more than just pretty clips and pins. It represents something that we all are craving: effortless elegance that doesn't require hours of effort or an Instagram-perfect aesthetic.
French style has always been about looking polished without appearing to try too hard. It's the anti-thesis of the high-maintenance, perfectly styled approach that's dominated American beauty culture for years. And honestly? That's exactly what we need right now.
When you secure your hair with a simple tortoiseshell barrette instead of fussing with multiple products and hot tools, you're embracing the French philosophy that less really can be more. When you choose a classic French pin that works for both Monday meetings and Friday happy hours, you're investing in versatility over variety.
These accessories work because they help us look put-together without requiring significant time, money, or effort. They're the perfect compromise between looking professional and maintaining our sanity. And in a world that's constantly telling working women to do more, be more, and achieve more, there's something deeply satisfying about a beauty trend that actually makes life easier.
The French hair accessories trend isn't just another passing fad – it's a shift toward more sustainable, practical beauty choices that still make us feel elegant and polished. Whether you start with a simple set of hairpins or dive in with a complete collection, these accessories have the power to transform your daily hair routine from functional to chic.
The best part? You can build an entire French hair accessory wardrobe for less than the cost of a single salon blowout. And unlike that blowout, these pieces will serve you day after day, month after month, becoming those reliable items you reach for every single week.
Cover photo: Vogue
