Five Below Hair Wins

The cutest hair accessories I keep grabbing (without trying)

Walking into Five Below is dangerous for me because I always “just want to look,” and then somehow I’m holding a handful of hair accessories like it’s my job. If you love quick, easy hair moments (and you don’t want to baby your accessories like they’re fragile museum pieces), this is the kind of aisle that makes getting ready feel fun again.

I’m talking claw clips, mini clips, hairpin sets, and those little DIY hair-clip kits that turn into a whole cozy activity night. It’s giving “pretty hair accessories, low effort, high reward.” ✨

Claw clips that actually feel wearable

Claw clips can be hit or miss. Some look cute but don’t hold anything, and some hold well but feel like they’re squeezing your scalp for no reason. The packs I keep noticing here are the multi-count sets (like 4-pack and even 6-pack styles), which is perfect because I like having different vibes depending on the day.

How I use them:

For a quick “clean” look: I twist my hair up once, tuck the ends, and clip. If I want it softer, I leave a few face pieces out. If I’m doing a “beach vibes” moment, I go for a lighter clip and keep the twist looser so it looks effortless instead of tight.

What to look for in-store:

When I pick a claw clip, I literally open and close it once to feel the spring. If it feels weak in the package, it’s not magically getting stronger at home. I also check the teeth spacing—if the teeth are too chunky and far apart, my hair slides out faster.

Mini clips + “pretty hair accessories” packs for everyday styling

Some of the cutest finds are the smaller clip sets that come in a little count pack (the kind that screams “pretty hair accessories” and feels very “girl core”). These are the ones I use when I don’t want a full updo, but I still want my hair to look like I tried.

My go-to ways to wear mini clips:

Part my hair down the middle, twist each side back, and clip both sides. It takes 20 seconds and instantly looks polished.

If I’m wearing a ponytail, I’ll add one clip near the base or on the side to make it look styled instead of basic.

For buns: I secure the bun with a normal tie first, then add mini clips around it like decoration. It makes the whole thing look intentional.

These are also super easy to toss in a bag. I keep a couple in my “just in case” pouch because wind, humidity, and life happen.

The DIY hair-clip kits are such a cute group activity

I didn’t expect to love the decorate-your-own hair clip kits as much as I do, but they’re honestly perfect for a chill night in. It’s one of those things that feels like a craft, but not in a stressful way. More like: movie on, snacks nearby, and everyone making their own clips while talking.

Why it works as an activity:

It’s easy to do without being “good at crafts.” You can keep it simple and still end up with something cute.

It feels personal. Even if two people start with the same kit, the final clips never look identical.

It’s actually useful. You’re not making something that just sits in a drawer—hair clips get worn.

My little tip:

I like laying everything out first and planning the design before sticking anything down. Once you place decorations, it’s hard to “un-place” them without messing up the look. If you’re doing it with friends, it’s also fun to trade pieces so everyone gets a mix.

Slick-back essentials for the “no flyaways” days

Some days I want cute clips, and some days I want my hair to be serious. Like slicked back, smooth, and not moving. That’s where the slick-back basics come in: a wax stick, a small hair oil, and a slick brush (sometimes these come together, and sometimes they’re separate, but the idea is the same).

This trio is basically the cheat code for:

Low bun days

High ponytail days

“I need to look put together in five minutes” days

How I use them (simple and not messy):

First I brush my hair into the shape I want. Then I apply a tiny amount of wax stick where flyaways pop up (usually around the hairline and the top of my head). After that, I smooth with the brush again. If my hair looks a little dry, I warm up a drop of hair oil in my hands and lightly pat it over the surface—lightly is the key.

What I avoid:

I don’t swipe a wax stick all over my head like I’m coloring with a crayon. That’s how it gets heavy fast. I keep it targeted, then build up only if I need more hold.

Hair clip sizing: the little details that make it work

One thing I appreciate about some clip sets is when they show sizing (even rough sizing). It helps so much because a clip that looks “normal” in packaging can be tiny once it’s in your hand.

How I think about size when shopping:

If I have thick hair, I look for bigger claws for full updos and smaller claws for half-up styles.

If I have fine hair, medium claws can work for full updos, but I still want a strong spring so it doesn’t slide.

If I want something for a quick twist while I’m doing skincare or makeup, I’ll grab a clip that opens wide and feels sturdy.

Also: having a mix of sizes is underrated. I like keeping one bigger claw at home and carrying a smaller one for quick fixes.

Travel-friendly hair finds that make packing easier

I’m obsessed with anything that makes travel feel less chaotic, and the travel hair section is honestly a little treasure spot. Mini hair tools are the kind of thing I never think I need until I’m away from home and my hair decides to do something new and dramatic.

Why mini tools are so convenient:

They take up less space in a bag.

They’re easier to handle if I’m doing quick touch-ups.

They’re perfect for bangs, ends, and smoothing the front pieces.

Alongside that, I always look for little travel pouches and silicone bottles because they keep everything organized and stop my bag from turning into a product spill situation. A small pouch dedicated to hair stuff (clips, pins, a mini brush, a couple elastics) makes getting ready on the go so much smoother.

How I build a “hair accessories kit” that actually gets used

I used to buy random cute pieces and then forget them. Now I keep a simple system so I actually wear everything.

My everyday mini kit:

One medium claw clip (for quick updos)

Two mini clips (for face-framing pieces)

A few hairpins (for securing buns and twists)

One small brush or comb

A couple hair ties

My “sleek day” add-ons:

Wax stick (for flyaways)

A small hair oil (for shine and smoothing)

A slick brush (for shaping)

Keeping it together in a pouch is what makes the difference. If it’s loose in my bag, I won’t use it. If it’s organized, I reach for it constantly.

Easy hairstyles that look cute with these finds

1) Half-up claw clip

Grab the top half of your hair, twist once, clip. Pull a few pieces loose around the face. Done.

2) Low twist + mini clip detail

Do a low twist at the nape, secure with a claw. Add a mini clip on the side as a little “extra” moment.

3) Slick pony + cute clip

Smooth the top with a brush, tame flyaways with a wax stick, then add a cute clip near the ponytail base to make it feel styled.

4) Bun + hairpins

Make a bun, secure it, then add hairpins in a pattern (like two pins crossed or a few lined up). It’s subtle but looks intentional.

Why I keep recommending Five Below hair accessories to friends

It’s the combination of cute and easy. I can grab a few different styles, try new looks, and not feel like I have to commit to one “signature” accessory forever. Plus, the variety makes it fun—some days I want soft and pretty, other days I want sleek and snatched, and sometimes I just want my hair out of my face while I watch a movie and snack.

If you’re building a little hair accessory collection, or you want giftable items that don’t feel boring, this is one of those places where you can find options that actually get worn. And if you do the decorate-your-own clip kits with friends? That’s a whole vibe. 🌙🪽