How To Do Your Own Hair Tinsel, According To A Stylist
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2 months ago
Our hair routine just got a lot more glittery
We loved it on its first run back in the 90s – and again when it made a comeback in the 00s. And, with TikTok continually dredging up throwback trends, we’re not surprised to see hair tinsel become a hot beauty topic in the 2020s. Get your tinsel ready: here’s how to DIY the look at home.
What Is Hair Tinsel?
Also known as ‘fairy hair’, hair tinsel is a temporary hair look created by adding strands of iridescent thread (or tinsel) to your hair. Giving strands a glittery appearance, the look is most commonly seen at festivals, parties and during festive season.
@ellie_pembs Replying to @Blakenie Melluish so sparkly 😢✨🫶🏻 #hairtinsel #hairsparkle #hairtok #healthyhair #dysoncurls ♬ kill bill by sza – lyrics e traduções.
And with the aforementioned festivities just a few months away, the internet is prepping for party season. Searches for ‘How To Hair Tinsel’ are already up on TikTok, with 23.3 million posts dedicated to the subject.
‘Hair tinsel can add a festive sparkle to your look for the much-anticipated party season,’ highlights Jason Collier, stylist and Key Opinion Leader at Jerome Russell Bblonde. ‘What makes it a super fun hair look is that you don’t necessarily have to visit the salon; you can achieve glamorous results from the comfort of your home.’
How To Ask For Hair Tinsel In The Salon
If you’re heading to the salon, make sure to inform your stylist in advance that you’d like to try hair tinsel. This will allow them to prepare all the necessary tools (and tinsel) in advance. You should also think about the colour tinsel you’d like to try, and how it will work with your colouring, hair texture and length.
@laurenlovelessss this is the only way that works for me ✨ #hairtinsel #hairtinseltutorial ♬ last xmas – kpopvrycs⁷
How To Recreate The Look At Home
As Jason mentioned, you can recreate the look at home. To get you started, he’s shared his step-by-step guide to the process below:
Step 1: Choose the right tinsel
‘Opt for high-quality, heat-resistant tinsel if you plan to style your hair with heat tools like straighteners or curlers,’ recommends Jason. ‘Regular metallic tinsel might melt or break under heat so be sure to choose correctly.
‘Pick colours that complement your natural or dyed hair shade. Golds, silvers, or multi-coloured strands can make a statement, while subtle tints blend seamlessly. Tinsel comes in various lengths, so choose one slightly longer than your hair for a fuller look.’
Step 2: Make sure you have the correct tools
‘Get tinsel made specifically for hair application to avoid tangling and overcomplicating the process,’ he continues. ‘Also ensure you have a small hook tool or hair grip to help thread the tinsel securely into the hair. If you’re new to the process, clear elastics can hold the tinsel in place more securely. A fine-tooth comb is also handy for precision when parting your hair when deciding where the tinsel will go.’
@hairbykenzie.t ✨✨🌸✨✨ PINK✨✨🌸✨✨ #tinselhair #tinsel #glitter #sparkles #hairextensions ♬ Cry for You – September
Step 3: Familiarise yourself with the application process
And then it’s just a matter of getting into the groove of applying the tinsel. ‘Start by parting your hair, deciding where you want the tinsel to appear – near the crown, at the sides or scattered throughout for a balanced look,’ says Jason. ‘Isolate a thin strand of hair, about two or three hairs thick, using a fine-tooth comb. Fold the tinsel strand in half to create a loop and using a small hook tool, thread it by hand, pulling your selected hair section through the loop. Secure the tinsel by tying it around the hair.
‘Some prefer a single knot, but for extra hold, tie a double knot,’ he adds. ‘Make sure the knot is close to the scalp for better stability and durability. Gently press a flat iron on the knot (if your tinsel is heat-resistant) to seal the bond and help it last longer. Finer hair may require slightly more or tighter knots to stay put, while thicker hair can benefit from looser application.’
Step 4: Maintaining the hair tinsel
With tinsel in place, all you need to do now is look after it. ‘You can still wash your hair with tinsel in, but avoid harsh scrubbing near the roots where it’s tied,’ warns Jason. ‘Gentle is the way. Properly tied hair tinsel can last one or two weeks, or until your next wash (depending on the type). Be mindful of not brushing too roughly at the roots as this will pull the tinsel out.’
And when you’re ready to take it out? ‘To remove, locate the knot and carefully snip it with small scissors, being sure not to cut any of your own hair.’
How To Style Hair Tinsel
You can get quite playful when it comes to styling this look, Jason tells us. ‘You can combine different tinsel colours for a bold touch of colour,’ he suggests. ‘Or keep it subtle with just one or two natural colour strands in each section. I love the look of using tinsel similar to your own colour as it adds a lovely multiterminal look. Brunettes using a brown shimmery colour and blondies using a gold. After applying, use a comb to gently blend the threads with your natural hair for a more integrated look.’
Hair Inspiration
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Featured image: Kajetan Sumila, Unsplash
