Does glitter wash out of hair?

Most glitter hair products are designed to completely wash out of your hair but it's best to opt for a biodegradable option, just to ensure you aren't causing pollution with your product of choice.

How do you put glitter tinsel in your hair?

Hair tinsel is designed to be tied individually around single pieces of hair. Even better, most products are heat- and color-resistant, and if you're really into the look, they can last up to six weeks.

How do you get sparkles to stay in your hair?

The best way? Hairspray. Hairsprays range, of course, in terms of hold, so for something strong enough to allow glitter or sparkles to adhere to strands, go for a strong hold product .

20 Hair Glitter Ideas and How to Bring Them to Life

Glitter hair ideas — @amberjeanhair / @monarchhairco

Hair glitter comes in many different guises. There are your obvious glitter hair trends—the biggest being glitter roots and glitter-tastic festival looks, but thanks to the ombré sparkles seen at Valli S/S 19, we're seeing slightly more-wearable ways to wear the trend filter through. We'll admit that we're into it.

Because, yes, it turns out that there are lots of different ways you can wear glitter in your hair without looking like a unicorn just sneezed on you. From sprinkles of sparkle that catch your eye in the light to subtle hair tinsel that throws us back to the noughties, if you've ever wanted to experiment with hair glitter, now's your chance.

Here are 20 hair glitter ideas plus the products you'll need to try out the trend IRL.

01 of 20

Gold Dust Sparkles

hair glitter ideas - ponytail — @amberjeanhair / Instagram

Created by hairstylist Amber Fairlie, this gorgeous glitter ponytail is perfect for an NYE hair look. Use different sizes of (biodegradable) glitter around your ponytail leaving the rest of your hair clean and smooth.

02 of 20

Purple Stars

hair glitter ideas - scattered stars throughout hair — @monarchhairco / Instagram

If you're into glitter hair looks then you need to follow Wynter DePriest's IG account now. She creates stunning glitter hair looks like this chunky star creation.

03 of 20

Subtle Sheen

hair glitter ideas - hair tinsel — @goddessglitterhair / Instagram

Hair tinsel your kinda thing? These super-subtle strands give your hair a mirror-like sheen that we love for a dazzling night out. Goddess Glitter Hair is U.S. based, but it ships to the UK, too.

04 of 20

Pink Dots

hair glitter ideas — @asos_faceandbody / Instagram

We can always trust @asos_faceandbody to give us a good dose of beauty inspiration. This cute bunches style uses EcoStardust Flamingo Biodegradable Glitter ($7) sprinkled in the hair for an extra party-esque glitz.

05 of 20

Gold Confetti

hair glitter ideas - gold and pink glitter — @monarchhairco / Instagram

The biggest glitter-hair fail? Dandruff-looking sparkles. Avoid the flaky look by making sure your glitter pieces are large enough to really be noticeable against your hair, like this gold and pink look created by @monarchhairco.

06 of 20

Celestial Sparkle

We can't get enough of this icy-hued style, again by glitter hair genius @monarchhairco. Use a glitter gel (like Unicorn Snot, $10) to act as glue throughout the hair before sprinkling different-sized glitter pieces along the length of the locks.

07 of 20

Iridescence

hair glitter ideas - sequins — @monarchhairco / Instagram

If you're still not completely sold on the glitter hair vibe, try something subtler, like this sprinkle of sequins throughout the hair length. To avoid it looking dandruffy, stick to chunkier pieces of glitter and make sure you're distributing them along the whole of the hair length.

08 of 20

Pink Glitter

hair glitter ideas: Giambattista Valli S/S 19 — Imaxtree

Why not try re-creating the Giambattista Valli S/S 19 show, where models took to the runway with beachy waves packed full of ombré glitter?

09 of 20

Light Sparkle

Silver sparkles give blondes an icy, festive feel. A hairspray and loose dusting of glitter will help you achieve a similar look.

10 of 20

Gold Highlights

gold highlight hair glitter — @brilha.cl

This look offers sparkly highlights without the commitment. Rather than painting on the glitter, you could try just using hair tinsel (like this option for $10).

11 of 20

Glitter Roots

To achieve this look, put hair into two topknots, leaving a wide center part on which to apply a heavy-duty gel. Once the gel is on, sprinkle some glitter on top, so it adheres just to the part.

12 of 20

Glitter Twists

Haley's glittered hair twists — @iamhalsey

Leave it to Halsey to add glitter to an already modern look. Place the hair in half a dozen or more twists or topknots, then sprinkle a subtle dose of glitter over it all for added interest.

13 of 20

Glitter Center Part

glitter part — JB Lacroix / Contributor / Getty Images

One easy way to add glitter to your everyday look is to apply it to your part. Just apply a medium-hold gel to the part and sprinkle on the dust or glitter. It adds a fun dose of color and energy to even a classic center part, as seen here.

14 of 20

Glitter Afro

Adding a smattering of glitter all over the hair, but focusing largely on the roots, creates an almost ethereal look. Balance the look by utilizing glitter on the skin (like under the eyes), as well.

15 of 20

Rainbow Glitter Braid

This is definitely one of the more advanced looks on the list and requires first braiding the hair into two French braids that meet in the middle, then painting a different shade of glitter onto each plait. If some falls onto the loose hair beneath the braid, no need to fret—it adds even more character. We like Girlactik Loose Sparkles ($13) which allow you to sprinkle chunkier pieces of glitter on top of strands for a full-on shine.

16 of 20

Braided Fauxhawk With Glitter

star glitter in French braid — @atmels_monster

This fauxhawk is created by parting the hair in two different areas, then creating a French braid down the middle (into a topknot). adding glitter to both the part and the braid adds so much pizzazz.

17 of 20

Low Ponytail With Glitter

This look could not be easier to replicate. Simply smooth hair back into a low ponytail, and spray glitter lightly over the ends. It's a great evening wedding look, but works for a daytime event, as well. For a similarly subtle amount of sparkle and shine, glitter and shimmer hairsprays are perfect. We like Rock the Locks Sugar Cookie Glitter Hairspray ($6), which is easy to use. IGK Pre Party Glitter Spray ($16) is another great option and offers a subtle but gorgeous way to wear the trend.

18 of 20

Glitter Box Braids

The fun thing about adding glitter to braids is that the look melds into your current style, with the colorful streaks of glitter seen here peeking out of the braids themselves. Try using glitter hair paint for this look or hair tinsel, which is easy to use (and a lot less messy).

19 of 20

Glittery Braided Updo

A braided updo is so much fun—but it's made even more intricate when glitter is added to the mix. Here, the glitter adheres to the hair outside the braid, tracing the design around the head. If you're looking for something with more impact, like this look, loose glitter is great. ElektrikGlitter's Eco-Friendly Biodegradable Body and Hair Glitter ($13) will easily wash out after use, and won't harm the environment. Not only is the product biodegradable, but it comes in a variety of colors, textures, and sizes.

20 of 20

Multicolored Tinsel

On darker hair, multicolored tinsel gives the appearance of specks of gold and silver throughout strands. It's important to place the tinsel evenly around the hair, so it mimics the look of highlights. The great thing about hair tinsel is that it offers ease of use and no commitment, as you can just remove the strands once you're done with the look. Try Goddess Glitter's Hair Tinsel ($55) to recreate the look.

FAQ

Does glitter wash out of hair?

Most glitter hair products are designed to completely wash out of your hair but it's best to opt for a biodegradable option, just to ensure you aren't causing pollution with your product of choice.
How do you put glitter tinsel in your hair?

Hair tinsel is designed to be tied individually around single pieces of hair. Even better, most products are heat- and color-resistant, and if you're really into the look, they can last up to six weeks.
How do you get sparkles to stay in your hair?

The best way? Hairspray. Hairsprays range, of course, in terms of hold, so for something strong enough to allow glitter or sparkles to adhere to strands, go for a strong hold product.