15 Outdated Hair Accessory Trends & What You Should Wear Instead

Remember those hair accessories we once couldn’t live without? The ones filling our bathroom drawers and constantly getting lost between couch cushions?

Fashion moves forward, and what once seemed cutting-edge can quickly become yesterday’s news.

I’ve rounded up 15 hair accessories that have had their moment, and what you should try instead for a fresh, updated look that won’t make you cringe when you see photos years from now.

1. Giant Scrunchies → Silk Slim Scrunchies

Those massive fabric poufs that could double as small pets have officially lost their appeal.

The oversized scrunchie trend created an awkward, bulky look that often competed with rather than complemented your hairstyle. Sleek silk scrunchies offer the same hair-protecting benefits without the overwhelming volume. They add a touch of luxury while being gentle on your strands, preventing those annoying sleep creases and breakage.

Bonus: these refined versions come in sophisticated colors that transition from workday to evening without screaming “I’m trying too hard to be trendy!”

2. Rhinestone Tiaras → Minimalist Gold Hairpins

Princess fantasies aside, those sparkly rhinestone tiaras simply don’t belong outside prom night or your wedding day. Walking around with a crystal crown for everyday wear looks painfully out of place and screams “trying too hard.”

Modern gold hairpins offer subtle elegance that elevates any hairstyle without the pageant vibes. Their minimalist design works with everything from casual jeans to formal dresses, adding just enough interest without overpowering your look.

Arrange several pins in a geometric pattern for an artistic touch, or use a single pin as an understated accent—either way, you’ll look polished rather than prom-ready.

3. Butterfly Clip Overload → Delicate Pearl Accents

The 90s butterfly clip explosion was fun while it lasted, but wearing a swarm of plastic butterflies in your hair now looks childish and dated. Those rainbow-colored clips scattered throughout your hair created a chaotic look that’s best left in the past.

Pearl accents provide a timeless alternative that works for all ages. Small, delicate pearl pins or clips add sophistication to any hairstyle without feeling like you’re playing dress-up.

Unlike their butterfly predecessors, pearl accessories complement rather than compete with your outfit, creating a pulled-together look that works equally well for brunch dates or important meetings.

4. Super Thick Headbands → Slim Padded Designs

Those chunky, wide headbands that pushed hair back like you were preparing for a facial have thankfully retreated. They created an awkward bulge at the crown and often left uncomfortable pressure marks on your head after wearing them all day.

Slim padded headbands offer a much more flattering profile while still keeping hair neatly in place. The slight padding provides comfort without the excessive bulk.

Many newer designs feature subtle textures or understated embellishments that add interest without overwhelming your face shape—proving you don’t need excessive width to make a stylish statement.

5. Feather Hair Extensions → Modern Minimalist Claw Clips

Remember when we all wanted random feathers dangling from our hair? Those wispy, often dyed extensions that hung awkwardly among your natural strands were a bizarre trend that thankfully faded faster than temporary hair color.

Clean-lined claw clips in modern shapes offer a much more sophisticated way to control your mane. Their architectural designs make them look more like jewelry than mere hair tools.

The best part? Today’s claw clips actually serve a purpose beyond decoration, keeping sections of hair securely in place while creating effortless updos that don’t scream “I’m trying to look like I’m at Coachella circa 2011.”

6. Neon Elastic Bands → Elegant Silk Scarves

Those harsh, bright elastic bands from your gym drawer should stay there. Neon hair ties not only look cheap but also cause major breakage with their rough texture and tight grip, leaving your hair damaged and full of weird kinks.

Silk scarves offer a far more sophisticated alternative that’s gentler on your strands. Weave one through a braid or wrap it around a ponytail for an instant style upgrade. Unlike those tacky neon bands, scarves add dimension and personality to even the simplest hairstyles, bringing color and pattern without the juvenile feel of their elastic counterparts.

7. Enormous Claw Clips → Petite Sectioning Clips

Those giant plastic claws that could barely close around your hair and constantly slipped down have thankfully evolved. Their massive size often created an unflattering bump at the back of your head while failing to actually secure your style.

Small sectioning clips work much better for most hair types and styles. Their streamlined design holds hair securely without creating weird bulges or constantly sliding out. Many newer versions come in tortoiseshell patterns or matte finishes that look intentional rather than like you grabbed whatever was in your bathroom drawer in a rush, proving that smaller is better in this case.

8. Festival Flower Crowns → Leather Hair Ties

Unless you’re actually getting married or attending a Renaissance fair, those bulky flower crowns should stay in your festival memories. The oversized blooms created a costume-like effect that rarely translated well to everyday life.

Leather hair ties offer a subtle nod to boho style without the over-the-top flower power vibes. Their natural texture adds interest while remaining appropriate for multiple settings.

The best versions come with unique details like tiny metal accents or hand-stitching that elevate them beyond basic hair elastics—proving you can maintain that free-spirited feel without looking like you’re perpetually stuck at Coachella 2015.

9. Tinsel Hair Strands → Soft Fabric-Wrapped Bands

Those sparkly tinsel strands woven into hair had their brief moment of glory before revealing their true nature: impossible to remove without causing damage. They tangled easily, looked tacky after a few washes, and screamed “middle school dance party.”

Fabric-wrapped elastic bands offer texture and interest without the maintenance nightmare. Their soft covering prevents breakage while adding a touch of polish to everyday styles.

Many newer versions feature subtle patterns or textures that complement rather than compete with your natural hair color—proof that you can add visual interest without resorting to crafting supplies in your hairstyle.

10. Heavy Jeweled Barrettes → Subtle Metallic Accents

Those chunky, rhinestone-encrusted barrettes that weighed down your hair and snagged on everything have finally lost their appeal. Their excessive sparkle often looked costume-like rather than fashionable, especially in daylight.

Sleek metallic barrettes with minimal detailing offer the perfect update. Their subtle shine catches light without overwhelming your entire look. The best modern versions feature clean lines and architectural shapes that feel intentional rather than decorative, proving that sometimes less really is more when it comes to keeping your hair stylishly in place.

11. Massive Bow Headbands → Braided Leather Bands

Those gigantic bows that made you look like a life-sized gift package have thankfully retreated from fashion’s frontlines. They created an awkward silhouette that often felt more childish than chic. Braided leather headbands offer texture and interest without the excessive volume. Their natural material adds warmth to any outfit while keeping hair neatly in place.

Many modern versions feature mixed materials or subtle color variations that add depth without drawing attention away from your face—proof that headbands can be sophisticated when they’re not competing to be the largest accessory in the room.

12. Chunky Fabric-Covered Elastics → Mini Claw Clips Collection

Those bulky fabric-covered elastics that lost their stretch after three uses need to stay in the past. They created awkward bumps in ponytails and often slipped out of fine hair types altogether.

Tiny claw clips in varied neutral shades offer versatility without the bulk. Their small size means you can use several to create interesting patterns or secure difficult sections. Unlike their fabric-covered predecessors, these mini clips maintain their grip and shape wear after wear, making them not just more stylish but also more functional for everyday use.

13. Glittery Snap Clips → Simple Ribbon Hair Ties

Those plastic snap clips covered in chunky glitter belong firmly in your childhood dress-up box. They scattered sparkles everywhere while barely holding hair in place—a lose-lose combination.

Ribbon hair ties offer a softer alternative that’s both prettier and more functional. Their smooth texture prevents breakage while adding an intentional design element to simple styles.

Many newer versions feature hand-dyed colors or interesting textures that elevate them beyond basic hair accessories—proof that you can add personality to your hairstyle without resorting to kindergarten craft supplies.

14. Oversized Fascinator Hats → Fine Embellished Hairpins

Unless you’re attending the Kentucky Derby or a royal wedding, those massive fascinator hats with feathers and netting should stay in storage. Their theatrical size made them impractical for most occasions and often left you looking overdressed.

Delicate embellished hairpins offer just enough special-occasion feel without the drama. Their subtle sparkle or pearl detailing adds interest to formal hairstyles without dominating your entire look.

The best modern versions feature hand-placed stones or unique metalwork that feels artisanal rather than mass-produced—perfect for adding that special touch to important events without looking like you’re trying too hard.

15. Velvet Stretchy Headbands → Neutral Snap Clips

Those thick velvet stretchy headbands that constantly slipped backward have thankfully evolved. They created an awkward bump at the crown while failing to actually keep hair out of your face—their one supposed job.

Neutral-toned snap clips in matte finishes offer a much more effective solution. Their streamlined design secures hair exactly where you want it without creating weird bulges or constantly needing adjustment.

Modern versions come in tortoiseshell patterns or soft earth tones that blend with hair rather than contrast against it—proving that sometimes the best accessories are the ones that do their job without demanding attention.