Hair tinsel: The glittering festival trend making a comeback

Twirling and whirling in the setting sun as your favourite band plays out the final hours of the summer festival you’ve been looking forward to all year can only be improved by one thing: glitter. Hair glitter, to be exact – and of the tinsel variety.

A 90s and 00s staple, searches for hair tinsel on Treatwell are up over 200 per cent in the past few months as live music lovers and those simply looking for a bit of whimsy look to adorn their luscious locks with glittering strands of wonder. Even the stars and stage-dwellers themselves are hopping on the trend.

We got in touch with Treatwell's Hair Tinsel Expert, Emma May Fordham at SoBob, who has recently applied hair tinsel for the likes of Rose Gray and Harris Dickenson (Gen-Z’s favourite power couple), for some insight into the trend.

(Emma May Fordham)

What exactly is hair tinsel, and how do you apply it?

“Hair tinsel is a type of hair extension used to add glitter to the hair by attaching super fine sparkly strands of tinsel that reflect the light and shimmer! I apply the tinsel strands to the root using a microbead that will stay put until professionally removed. Be as subtle or as bold as you like,” says Fordham.

How long does hair tinsel last?

“The tinsel should stay in place for two to four weeks. Take extra care when brushing for longevity. As the tinsel is heat resistant, you can still use your regular heat tools as normal,” the hairstylist explains.

Can it damage your hair?

“Hair tinsel can’t damage the hair, although as we are working with a type of extension, it’s important that the beads are carefully and professionally removed no more than four weeks after application,” warns Fordham. Other techniques you can master at home include simply tying tinsel to individual strands or placing clip-ins, though it’s always best to consult a professional to prevent any accidental damage.

(Anora by Sean Baker)

Why do you think the hair tinsel trend is making a comeback?

“Hair tinsel is definitely having its moment. I think it’s become more popular since the film Anora hit our screens. The main character sports tinsel in pink, magenta and dark purple. I’ve never seen hair tinsel rocked in film before, it’s just so visually pleasing! Tinsel is an instant mood lifter, conversation starter and head turner. For my clients, it’s just always been a thing.”

Though we’d recommend booking a professional appointment, we’ve rounded up a selection of approved DIY kits for bejewelling your bonnet at home below. Who said tinsel was just for Christmas?

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Runmeihe Hair Tinsel Extensions

Complete with 600 strands of shimmering silver tinsel, a crochet hook and 100 micro silicone chain link beads for attaching each strand, this is the festival kit you never knew you needed. Plus, it’s just under a fiver.

When you pull this set out of your duffel at Glastonbury, your friends are sure to get excited. The extensions are an impressive 48 inches long and can be easily trimmed to suit all lengths of hair.

Buy now £4.49, Amazon

HairSparkleHQ Morganite Hair Tinsel

Available in 50, 100 and 200 strand packs depending on how dramatic you like your tinsel ‘do, this bright pink tinsel looks particularly fabulous on blonde hair, though they’re also available in a kaleidoscope’s worth of alternative colours.

HairSparkle tinsel is super fine, which means it sits naturally between your hair strands and can be layered for a bold look. They can be washed, dried and are heat resistant up to 210°C.

Buy now £5.99, Etsy

WildMane Clip-In Hair Tinsel

Clip-ins are by far the easiest way to enjoy easy tinsel extensions that can be applied from the comfort of your own home. This set from WildMane was actually featured in the swag bags given out at the premiere of Anora – the film that re-ignited the love for glittering hair tinsel. The clips feature spaced-out strands for a natural look and are available in multiple colourways.

Buy now £16.79, Etsy

WildMane Tinsel Gel

Don’t have time for clipping and tying individual strands of tinsel? WildMane is also home to a unique tinsel hair gel which can be popped in your festival bumbag and reapplied on the go.

Buy now £7.43, Etsy

Sephora Collection Self-Adhesive Hair Gems

These brilliant, self-adhesive gems are perfect for elevating your concert, going-out or even your not-so-casual dinner ensemble. Each pack contains 230 gems in three different sizes so that you can create a varied look – no heat required.

Buy now £6.29

Reecho Hair Tinsel Kit

Reecho’s 20-inch tinsel extensions are multicoloured and iridescent, which means that they change colour depending on how the light hits them. Thanks to the comfortable and easy-to-navigate clips, they’re also fuss-free to apply and remove.

Buy now £8.95, Amazon

Lanjue Hair Tinsel Strands Kit, 12 Colours, 2,400 Strands

Can’t decide on a tinsel colour? Fret not, for Lanjue’s value-for-money hair tinsel kit included 12 different hues and 2,400 strands – enough for you and all of your festival-going friends.

Simply loop a strand of your hair and a few strands of tinsel through the silicone bead using the included crochet hook, and clamp down with a pair of needle-nose pliers.

Buy now £6.22, Amazon