Hair Accessories - Other

Top Men's Hair Accessories in the UK: Elevate Your Look with Clips, Elastics & Headbands

Why men's hair accessories matter more than ever

Think hair accessories are just for women? Think again. Over the last few years men's grooming has exploded, and accessories like clips, headbands, and elastics have moved from backstage to centre stage. Whether you're trimming a fringe, keeping hair off your face on a run, or adding a subtle detail to a slicked-back style, the right accessory does more than hold hair — it completes a look. In the UK market you'll find everything from fashion-forward pieces at stores like Lindex to performance-driven options from RunningXpert, and knowing where to look makes all the difference.

Popular types of men's hair accessories

Choosing an accessory starts with knowing what’s available. From minimalist grips to chunky scrunchies, each piece serves a purpose. Below I break down the most useful categories so you can quickly spot what fits your routine, hair texture, and personal style.

Hair clips and barrettes

Hair clips are versatile little tools. They tame flyaways, pin back longer layers, or add a vintage touch to a contemporary cut. In the UK you’ll find multi-packs — like 4-pack or 6-pack clips — which are great for experimenting with placement without breaking the bank. Clips work well for medium- to long-length hair and are brilliant if you’re after a quick, refined finish.

Hair elastics and ties

Elastics are essential if you wear your hair tied. Options range from slim bands for a tight pony to thicker elastics and scrunchies that give volume without creasing. Multipacks (think 14-pack elastics) are ideal for those who like to keep spares in gym bags and pockets. For thicker hair, choose wider elastics; for thin hair, thin bands prevent slippage and avoid pulling at the roots.

Headbands and sweatbands

If you run or train outdoors, headbands are a game changer. Performance headbands wick sweat, stay put, and come in narrow or wide styles. Fashion headbands add shape and structure to a look. RunningXpert’s endurance-style headbands are specifically made for active lifestyles, offering lightweight comfort in a variety of colours so you can match form with function.

Hair grips and bobby pins

Simple but indispensable, hair grips keep hair in place without drawing attention. They’re perfect for short-to-medium lengths and are a must-have for layered styles that need targeted control. Packs of grips let you place several discreet anchors around the head for a clean, controlled finish.

Spotlight on Lindex: fashion-led, affordable hair accessories

Lindex has expanded its accessories range to include playful and practical hair pieces that work well for men experimenting with contemporary looks. They offer everything from compact 4-pack Squishmallows hair clips for a quirky touch to classic hair grips and plain elastics. If you want low-cost items to test a new style — think bow-style elastics or pearl-adorned clips for a statement — Lindex offers variety in multi-packs that won’t dent your wallet.

What makes Lindex a good stop for shoppers

Lindex blends trend awareness with affordability. Their multi-packs (like 14-pack elastics or 6-pack clips) let you try different textures and placements, ideal if you’re finding your signature look. Many pieces are lightweight and ideal for everyday wear, so if you want to experiment without commitment, it’s a strong starting point.

Spotlight on RunningXpert: built for motion

For active men, RunningXpert is worth a look. Their endurance headbands — names like Marlin and Nevier Waffle — are engineered to sit comfortably during long runs and high-intensity workouts. These headbands typically use breathable fabrics, flat seams, and secure elastic so they don’t slip when you’re sweating, making them a practical choice for athletes and commuters who cycle in the rain.

Why performance headbands beat basic fabric versions

Regular fabric strips can bunch up or fall down mid-run; performance headbands use moisture-wicking materials and ergonomic cuts to stay in place. For UK weather, a headband that dries fast and resists cold gusts is a small upgrade that pays off every time you step outside.

Other top UK stores to explore for men's hair accessories

Beyond Lindex and RunningXpert, the UK market is full of retailers that cater to different needs — from high-street bargains to premium grooming lines. Here’s a quick guide to the shops worth checking out and what they typically offer.

Boots and Superdrug

Both pharmacy chains stock functional and budget-friendly accessories: elastics, grips, and basic headbands. These are great for quick buys or when you want product variety in one place — think pharmacy convenience meets grooming basics.

ASOS

ASOS is a go-to for trend-led items and designer collaborations. If you want fashion-forward clips or statement hair pieces that read more like jewellery, ASOS curates a wide selection from indie brands and high-street labels. It’s perfect when you want to experiment with silhouettes and textures.

John Lewis and Next

For a balance of quality and classic styling, John Lewis and Next offer durable options and well-made headwear. You’ll find premium elastics and understated clips that suit smart-casual looks and professional wardrobes — think pieces built to last several seasons.

Sports Direct and Decathlon

If you prioritise performance, head to Sports Direct or Decathlon. They stock robust sweatbands, neoprene headbands, and sports-specific ties designed to withstand heavy use. They’re the places to look if the accessory must survive daily training or long outdoor sessions.

H&M, Primark, and TK Maxx

For fast-fashion finds and low-cost multipacks, H&M and Primark are excellent. TK Maxx is a treasure hunt — you might discover branded items at a discount. These retailers are best for seasonal trends or affordable backups you can toss in a gym bag without worrying about losing them.

How to choose the right accessory for your hair type

Your hair’s thickness, length, and texture should guide your choices. For example, men with short hair benefit from discreet grips and thin elastics, while those with medium to long hair may prefer wider elastics and larger clips. If your hair is curly or coarse, opt for fabric-bound elastics or scrunchies that reduce friction and breakage. For fine hair, look for narrower bands and lightweight clips that won’t pull strands out.

Measure before you buy

It sounds odd, but measuring hair length in inches helps. A 2–3 inch fringe needs tiny clips, while a 6–10 inch length calls for stronger elastics and wider headbands. Using inches keeps sizing clear and helps you pick accessories that truly fit your needs, avoiding those one-size-fits-all traps.

Styling tips: uses and placement

Accessories can be practical or expressive. Want hair off your forehead without a hat? Try a narrow headband. Want to add volume at the crown? Use a few discreet clips in a staggered pattern. The trick is to let accessories enhance a hairstyle, not overpower it. Small, well-placed pieces act like punctuation marks—subtle but meaningful.

Headband styling for workouts and daily wear

Place the headband about 1–2 inches back from your hairline for a natural hold. For sports, position it lower to catch sweat at the temple. Narrow headbands suit refined looks; wider bands add drama and can double as a cold-weather buffer in brisk weather.

Clips and elastics for layered looks

Use tiny clips to pin side sections behind the ear, creating the illusion of a cleaner jawline. For longer hair, tie a low pony with a soft elastic to maintain movement. When you want lift, clip a few sections at the crown to add dimension without heat styling.

Care and longevity: how to make accessories last

Treat accessories like small investments. Rinse sweatbands and performance headbands after heavy use, air-dry them flat, and store elastics away from direct sunlight to prevent loss of elasticity. Metal clips benefit from a quick wipe to stop rust; fabric-covered options fare best stored in a drawer where they won’t get crushed.

Material choices that matter

Look for materials that suit your routine: cotton and bamboo blends are breathable and eco-friendly, synthetic blends wick moisture, and coated metals resist rust. If sustainability is a priority, seek recycled fabrics or brands that disclose their material sourcing. Small choices add up over time.

Budget buying: getting value from multipacks

Multipacks — like 4-pack hair clips or 14-pack elastics — offer bang for your buck, especially when you’re testing new styles. They spare you the cost of buying single, expensive pieces and let you rotate items so they last longer. For active users, having spare elastics and clips in different locations (home, gym, car) keeps you prepared and saves money down the road.

When to invest in premium pieces

Invest in premium headbands or high-quality clips when you need durability and comfort. If you use a headband daily for long runs, a better fabric and construction will save you replacements and irritation. Think of premium pieces as tools rather than accessories — they do a job better and last longer.

Sustainability and small choices that make a big difference

The hair accessory market is waking up to sustainability. Look for brands that use recycled plastics, organic cotton, or responsibly sourced metals. Choosing a washable, repairable, or refillable option extends an accessory’s life and reduces waste. Even swapping a plastic hair tie for a fabric-bound elastic saves tiny plastic use that adds up over time.

Eco-friendly swaps to try

Try cotton elastics, bamboo headbands, or metal clips with a recyclable coating. These swaps might cost a little more up front but reduce frequent replacements and often feel nicer to wear. Plus, they align with a growing personal-care mindset that values reuse and repair.

Where to start if you’re new to accessories

If you’re experimenting for the first time, pick a small pack of basics: a few thin elastics, a couple of medium clips, and a narrow headband. Test them through a week of different activities — commuting, working, training — and note what feels comfortable. From there you can add statement pieces or invest in performance items tailored to your lifestyle.

Accessories should make life easier and style easier to achieve. With thoughtful choices from shops across the UK — whether fashion-focused Lindex, performance-centric RunningXpert, or mainstream retailers like Boots and ASOS — you can build a compact kit that keeps you looking sharp regardless of the weather or schedule.

Ready to try a new look? Start small, measure in inches, and pick pieces that match both your routine and your mood. The right hair accessory is a tiny detail with big impact.

Conclusion: Men’s hair accessories are no longer optional extras — they’re practical style tools. From multipack clips at fashion retailers to technical headbands for endurance sports, the UK market has options to suit every hair type and budget. Experiment, measure in inches, and choose materials that match your lifestyle. With a few smart pieces, you can transform daily grooming into a quick, satisfying ritual.