Looking for a way to add something extra to your locks? Look no further than hair tinsel!
This twinkly hair trend is a fabulous way to add some show-stopping sparkle and glamour. It’s a retro throwback to the 90s and all over our TikTok feed this year.
Hair tinsel is the latest must-have hair accessory that can be attached to any type of hair -whether it’s long or short, curly or straight. It’s a great way to add a pop of color, dimension and personality to your look.
And it’s perfect for special occasions like weddings, parties, or even just for fun!
But how do you apply hair tinsel? Where do you get it from? How do you know if it will suit you?
We’re here with everything you need to know about this gorgeous twinkly look. Let’s go!
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Table of Contents
- What is hair tinsel?
- What is glitter hair?
- Will hair tinsel suit me?
- How long does hair tinsel last?
- Can you put tinsel in curly hair?
- Where can I buy a hair tinsel kit?
- Best hair tinsel at a glance
- How to put in hair tinsel.
- Watch and learn: How to apply hair tinsel.
- TOP TIPS
- Can I shower with hair tinsel?
- Is hair tinsel heat-safe?
- How do remove hair tinsel?
- Is hair tinsel bad for your hair?
- How to care for tinsel hair.
- Parting words.
What is hair tinsel?
Hair tinsel, aka fairy hair or angel hair, is a few strands of glittery thread that are applied to your hair to create magical effects.
The effect is subtle but stunning, and it can be a great way to add a touch of sparkle to any hair color, hair length or hairstyle.
Hair tinsel is available in a variety of colors, so you can choose a shade that matches your hair or goes with your outfit.
There are also different thicknesses of tinsel strands available, so you can experiment until you find the look that you love.
Best of all, hair tinsel is relatively inexpensive and easy to apply, so anyone can try this trend.
You can also use clip-on hair extensions for an instant holographic effect. And you can combine strands of tinsel with other hair accessories, such as flowers, headbands, beads or bows.
It’s a look that’s perfect for parties or a special occasion – especially Christmas!
You can find hair tinsel in every colour of the rainbow, so you can choose whatever suits your outfit or mood.
The best thing about it is you can make, customise and style your mane however you like!
Check out the latest looks for ideas and inspiration.
What is glitter hair?
Glitter hair is the latest trend to take over Instagram. And yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like: people are covering their hair in glitter! If it’s good enough for celebrities like Beyonce and Katy Perry, it’s good enough for us!
The trend started with people using temporary glitter hairsprays to add a little sparkle to their look. But now, there are professional glitter technicians and stylists who can help you achieve the style of your dreams – whether it’s a single accent glitter hair strands or an entire head of shimmering glitter extensions.
So what’s the appeal? Glitter hair is fun, festive, and perfect for making a statement. It’s also surprisingly versatile – you can wear it to the office, to the club, or to your best friend’s wedding.
It’s a bit heavier and messier to apply than tinsel. Glitter also doesn’t have the same flexibility and may be more likely to make your hair snag on things.
That said, it is still much lighter than regular hair spray or glitter gels, so if you like having brighter hair for parties or costumes, consider trying glitter!
Will hair tinsel suit me?
The great thing about these delicate shiny strands is that they suit everyone, regardless of hair type or length of your hair.
Even if you have short hair, you can still add a touch of shimmer and shine with some fairy hair!
Because it is available in a range of colours, so you can find one that will complement your hair colour and skin tone.
However, it is important to choose the right one for your hair type.
- If you have thin or fine hair, you should use metallic hair tinsel, as this type is less likely to tangle with your locks.
- If you have thick or coarse hair, you can use either metallic or non-metallic, depending on the look you are aiming for. They can also be used to create temporary highlights and give you shiny hair.
It is an easy way to update your look for special occasions, and it is also perfect for festivals and summer parties.
How long does hair tinsel last?
If you’re careful with it, hair tinsel can last 1-2 weeks.
The lifespan of this shiny style will depend on how often you wash your hair. If you wash your hair every day, it will only last for a few days.
However, if you wash your hair once a week, it can last for up to two weeks.
Usually, it will fall out when your real hair does.
Can you put tinsel in curly hair?
Yes! The flexibility of fairy hair makes it perfect for curly hair, too.
You might want to see your hairstylist to get it right rather than DIY. Curly hair needs a bit more patience than straight hair to get the fairy strands where you want them.
But we think your efforts will be worth it! It can make even the frizziest curls look extra fabulous.
Where can I buy a hair tinsel kit?
Hair tinsel extensions are all over Amazon you can buy very affordable sparkly extensions in every colour imaginable. (Ebay or the FunHairShop on Etsy also has loads of hair tinsel kits too).
You can buy them any length and cut them to the length you would like. Here are our top picks!
Best hair tinsel at a glance
| Hair tinsel | Looks like | Buy it now |
|---|---|---|
| SWACC 48” Hair Tinsel 7200 Strands 12 Colors |  | |
| Hair Tinsel Kit with Tools, 47 Inches 5 Colors 2550 Strands Heat Resistant Glitter Hair Extensions, Sparkling Shiny Fairy Hair Tinsel (Black, Brown, Silver, Mixed Three Colors, Mixed Seven Colors) |  | |
| 1200 Strands Hair Tinsel, Hair Glitter Accessories for Festivals, 12 Colors Heat Resistant Hair Sparkle Extension |  | |
| Hair Tinsel Strands Kit, Tinsel Hair Extensions, 12 Colors, 2400 strands |  | |
| Hair Tinsel Kit with Tools Heat Resistant Glitter Hair Tinsel Clip In, 36 inch, 3 colours, 1500 strands |  |
How to put in hair tinsel.
Depending on your taste and occasion, you can make it as subtle or as showy as possible.
If you’re going for an extravagant holiday party, try wearing small pieces at the root of your hair then continue all the way down to add more volume and major shimmer! [Remember: less is always better!]
For other occasions where you want to add some sparkle while still maintaining a classy look, keep a few strands here and there instead of a full head of metallic joy!
It can be tricky to apply properly. You can get it done by a professional at a salon, or try it yourself at home. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting shimmery hair:
Step #1 Start with clean, dry hair.
You can apply hair tinsel to wet or dry hair, but it’s easier to work with when your strands are clean and free of tangles.
Step #2 Choose the section of hair you want to decorate.
For a subtle look, opt for a small section of hair near the front of your head. For something more dramatic, go for a larger section or even all-over coverage.
You can also space space single strands evenly around your parting for a low maintenance look.
Step #3 Apply the hair tinsel.
There are a few different ways to do this, but the easiest is to simply slip-knot the tinsel around individual hairs in the tiny section of hair you’ve chosen.
Take a small, single strand of hair and thread it through the loop at the end of the tie-in tinsel.
Gently pull the tinsel so that it’s tight against the strand of hair and push it up to your roots. You can also use special combs or applicators to help position the tinsel exactly where you want it.
Repeat this process until you’ve added the amount of tinsel that your heart desires.
Step #4 Secure the tinsel in place.
Once you’re happy with the placement of your tinsel, use a clear elastic band or bobby pins to secure it in place.
This will help prevent it from slipping out as you move around throughout the day.
Step #5 Snip the tinsel to the right length
One all the tinsel is in place, snip the ends of the tinsel with a pair of scissors to match the length of your hair.
Step #5 Time to shine!
Use a comb to lightly back-comb the section of hair to help secure the tinsel in place. Spritz with hairspray to keep everything in place. And that’s it! You’re ready to shine!
Repeat steps 2-4 until you’re satisfied with your look! Whether you go for a little bit of bling or all-out glam, adding some hair tinsel is a great way to spice up your style.
Watch and learn: How to apply hair tinsel.
Here’s a great video that shows you how to apply hair tinsel step by step!
TOP TIPS
- Be careful when brushing your hair not to tug and pull it out.
- It’s safe to use hot tools – the glitter thread will be heatproof. Although they may curl and stretch with too much heat.
- Seal them with hairspray. This will help to prevent them from tarnishing and it will also help to keep your hair tangle-free.
- To remove hair tinsel, use a wide-tooth comb to gently tease them out without breaking your hair.
- If any strands remain in your locks after removal, use a hairbrush to brush them out.
Can I shower with hair tinsel?
Yes, you can shower with glitter strands in. In fact, we recommend washing your hair tinsel to help keep your locks looking shiny and shimmering!
Shampooing your hair tinsel regularly will not cause the material to wear down over time. Cuticle damage is unlikely as well because the tinsel is so lightweight and flexible — none of those annoying needle-like hairs!
And the best thing is that it’s made out of nylon – and so tangle free!
Is hair tinsel heat-safe?
The short answer is yes!
Hair tinsel is made from a type of material that can withstand high temperatures, so you can feel confident using heated styling tools like curling irons, flat irons and hair straighteners.
Remember though, that it’s important to exercise caution when using any type of heat on your hair, as too much exposure can lead to heat damage.
We recommend using a heat protectant spray before applying any heat to your hair tinsel, and avoid subjecting your tresses to excessive heat or direct sunlight.
With a little care, you can enjoy the tinsel trend all season long!
How do remove hair tinsel?
If you want to take it out, you can remove it as if you were removing a hair pin, taking care not to pull or tug on your hair.
Some glitter may come off with the tinsel, but that’s okay — just shampoo it out!
For particularly stubborn spots, try using rubbing hair spray on them after you take the rest of your tinsel out.
Is hair tinsel bad for your hair?
In short, no. These silky strands are not bad for your hair as long as they are applied properly.
The worst thing that could happen is some itching and irritation at your scalp due to its rough texture.
Long term wear does not damage hair to any noticeable degree. Though you do need to be careful not to pull and tug at the strands to avoid breaking your hair off at the root.
Make sure to use a good conditioner on your hair regularly, to keep your hair strands nourished and less likely to break off.
How to care for tinsel hair.
Tinsel hair is all the rage this season, but it can be a bit challenging to take care of. Here are a few tips to help you keep your tinsel hair looking its best:
- First of all, be very gentle when brushing or combing your tinsel hair. This will help to avoid tangles and damage.
- Secondly, avoid using heat styling tools on tinsel hair, although they won’t melt, it can cause them to bend out of shape. Instead, opt for air-drying or cool setting blow-drying.
- Finally, make sure to use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to avoid stripping the hair of its natural oils.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your tinsel hair looking gorgeous all season long!
Parting words.
We hope you have lots of fun with hair tinsel! It’s a great way to add some extra shimmer and shine to your locks.
Whether you’re going out on the town or just staying at home, we think you’ll love the look of fairy hair in your hair. So go ahead and give it a try! 🙂
Have you embraced the tinsel look? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @colouredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair dye success stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.
