DIY Jewelry Hair Pieces

Posted on March 26, 2015 by Mary Hood | 0 Comments

For women—and men!—hair is an outlet for self-expression. Whether we like to keep things minimal or try bold and creative styles, there are endless ways to say a little something about ourselves with our hair style. Wearing a hair accessory, for one, can elevate your look instantly—especially if said hair add-on is made with your favorite style of jewelry.

Repurposing vintage or hardly-worn jewelry into hair pieces may be simpler than it looks. Brooches, necklaces, and earring are probably the easiest pieces to start with.

If you’re working with a large brooch or earring, use a glue gun to adhere the piece to a plain metal hair clip (like one of these) or a hair comb (like one of these). If you’re working with a smaller piece, and a metal hair clip or comb would show or be too clunky, try gluing the jewelry to the end of a sturdy bobby pin (like this one).

Gold leaf hair pin--the perfect boho touch.

This vintage-inspired pearl hair pin is a fitting piece for a classic wedding style.

Small gold leaf hair clip: Simple and elegant. 

Audrey Hepburn's bold hairpiece makes an unforgettable statement. 

If you’re interested in making a hair necklace with a metal chain, or strand of pearls, the process is a bit more complicated—but still doable! Begin by figuring out the desired length of your hair necklace by placing the stand(s) against your head about where you’d like the piece to rest while you’re wearing it.

If necessary, trim the necklace using scissors or wire cutters. If you’re working with string, be sure to seal any open ends with a dab of strong glue and a knot. If you’re working with a metal chain, use jewelry pliers to push any open links back together.

Next, glue (or tie and glue, if possible), the ends of the necklace to a hair comb or sturdy bobby pin. If you’re concerned that the glue job will show while you’re wearing the piece, attach a small brooch, button, or bead on top of the dried glue.    

This three-tiered bridal pearl hair wrap is timeless and feminine. 

Edgy and exotic, this hair necklace adds a fun twist to any style.  

A note on care: Now that you’ve created a beautiful jewelry hair piece, be sure to care for it properly so it lasts a long time. When styling your hair, spray on hairspray before adding your jewelry piece. The chemicals in the spray may discolor the metals and make your piece sticky. The hairspray already in your hair should be enough to help hold the piece in place. When not in use, store your piece in a small velvet baggie to protect it from dust.

Photos: Echo and Laurel, Powder Blue Bijoux, Dreams by the Sea, Fred Baby via Flickr, The Second Marshmallow,

Posted in custom jewelry, DIY, fashion, hair, jewelry, style

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