Metallic Hair Accessories

Matching Metal Tones to Your Hair

The metal tone that looks best in hair depends on the hair around it. Warm tones such as gold tone and bronze glow against brown, auburn and red hair, while silver and gunmetal look sharpest against black, silver gray and ashy blonde hair. Rose gold sits softly on strawberry and honey blonde. On very dark hair any metallic shows clearly, so it can be as bright as you like; on pale blonde a gold tone piece can blend in, which is a pretty effect if you want the shine without a hard edge.

• Warm hair. Gold tone, bronze and rose gold.
• Cool hair. Silver and gunmetal.
• Contrast or blend. Decide which look you want first.

Mixing Metals From Hair to Ears

The piece in your hair and the earring just below it are seen together, so treat them as a pair. Keep them in the same tone for a polished, matched look, or mix them on purpose by repeating each metal somewhere else, a ring or a watch, so the mix looks planned. A mixed finish, braided from assorted tones, is the easiest bridge when your jewelry box holds a bit of everything.

• Closest pair. Hair piece and earring share a tone.
• Planned mix. Repeat each metal elsewhere.
• Easy bridge. A mixed metallic finish.

Keeping Metallic Finishes Bright

Plating, shimmer thread and metallic leather all share one weakness: products. Hairspray, oil and dry shampoo leave a film that dulls shine, so style first, let everything dry, then add the comb, pins or band. Store metallic pieces dry and apart from heavier jewelry, and wipe them with a soft cloth when they come out of your hair. That small routine keeps the finish looking new for far longer.

• Style first. Add the accessory once products dry.
• Store dry. Away from heavier pieces.
• Quick wipe. A soft cloth after wearing.

Where to Start With Shine

If you want a metallic touch you will use every day, start with hair ties that carry a polished bead, since they work in every ponytail and bun. If you like your spares on show, hair tie bracelets double as a stack of bangles. From there, a thin metallic headband or a chain comb is the step up for days you want your hair to do the talking.

• Everyday shine. Bead accent hair ties.
• On the wrist. Hair tie bracelets.
• Statement days. A headband or a chain comb.