The Best Hair Scarves to Buy Now

last updated 23 October 2018

You know the feeling when you open your closet doors and sigh at the fact you have nothing to wear, even though your rails are likely full with delights? We all fall out of love with our existing wares from time to time, but that doesn't mean you should start frivolously spending. Sometimes all it takes is a small addition to your outfit to make even your oldest clothes feel fresh again. Well, we think we've found just the thing.

Over the last couple of weeks, we've clocked countless influencers and Fashion Month showgoers wearing an accessory that had previously been left on the sartorial back burner. As you've probably guessed, we're talking about hair scarves, which are fast becoming the essential extra amongst the style set. In fact, searches for them are up 157% on Pinterest, so it's no coincidence as far as we're concerned.

Thankfully, we're not talking about '00s-esque bandanas. Instead, those in the know are now opting to tie silk or twill-blend hair scarves around the base of their ponytails or buns akin to a grown-up scrunchie, and the outcome is impossibly pretty.

Simply knot one around your locks to add instant polish to any ensemble.

You might not think so, but hair scarves are multitasking heroes. Of course, you can wear them in your tresses as intended, but they also work hard to jazz up your trusty handbags. Simply tie one around the strap of yours, et voilà—an instant (and free) update. Or try wrapping one around your wrist and finish with a chunky bracelet over the top for a standout jewellery look.

Starting at just £3, you needn't require a flush bank balance to get in on the trend either. From H&M to Gucci, keep scrolling to shop the hair scarves Team Who What Wear UK approves of.

Free People

Scarf Pony

This burgundy shade will look gorgeous set againbst blonde hair.

Rock 'n' Rose

Rhea Multiway Silk Headband

The hues, the print, the satin finish… This scarf looks as if it could be vintage, and it probably will be by the time you tire of it.

Rockins

Star Print Skinny Scarf

Ensure you stand out with a graphic motif in striking black and white.

Aeibe

Cherry Blossom Silk Scarf

Just think how pretty this will look woven between darker tresses.

Topshop

Mustard Stripe Scarf

Another way to channel your stripe obsession.

H&M

Hair Scarf

You'll be hard-pressed to find a more frugal accessory that has so much styling potential.

ASOS

Hair Scarf in Peach

It's not just skirts and tops that have been given the satin treatment this season.

Gucci

Flora Snake Print Scarf

Gucci's accessory reign continues with a plethora of pretty scarves—this floral offering being one of our faves.

Rixo

Alexa Studio Stripe Scarf

Still saving up for a Rixo dress? Get a quick fix with one of its gorgeous hair scarves.

Free People

Perfect Pair Oblong Bandana

With a hair scarf selection so good, we had to include another Free People option in our edit.

Stradivarius

Scarf

This bandana-style scarf also comes in pink-and-purple ombré too.

Urban Outfitters

Lana Silk Scarf Ponytail Holder

UO has made styling your hair scarf even easier by sewing in a handy scrunchy to boot.

Valentino

Printed Silk-Twill Scarf

Easily the coolest print we found on our search. Consider this Valentino beauty a lifetime investment.

Zara

Pleated Scarf with Chain Print

Chain prints are one of Zara's top trends this autumn: dip your toe in with this scarf.

Stradivarius

Printed Scarf

Give pared-back ensembles a fun injection with this clashing scarf.

& Other Storie

Printed Silk Blend Scarf

Wear with a burgundy jumper in a low-slung pony for a gorgeous contrast.

Seeing as you're now a hair-scarf convert, why not try the rest of 2018's power accessories?

Explore More:

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.