Be it colorful scrunchies, or fashionable barrettes studded with rhinestones, more and more women are dressing up their hair with these pretty little things. Hair accessories are primarily used to accentuate hairdos, but on a bad hair day, they can also be used to draw attention away from it. Ladies pick hair accessories which complement their hairstyles or go well with their clothes. Hair accessories are versatile, and can be used for any occasion.

Myth: Long hair is a must for ladies to show off hair accessories.

Myth busted: Says who? According to a recent survey amongst women who use hair accessories, it was found that the ratio of women with short hair exceeded that of women with long hair. Hair accessories are available in a variety of designs, shapes, and sizes, to appeal to every woman's taste and preference. Let's check out some of them:

• Ponytail holders/hair ties are one of the most common hair accessories used by women. Ponytail holders are available in many sizes and colors, ranging from vibrant to subdued tones. They are not only used to hold ponytails, but braids as well. Ponytail holders/hair ties hair accessories are available in different styles. They may be simple elastic bands, or those with a central design or metal attachment that enhances the look of a simple ponytail or braid.
  
  
• Scrunchies are used to tie ponytails and buns. Scrunchies are ruffled bands made of fabric inserted with elastic bands. Scrunchies are easy on the hair, and comfortable to wear. They are available in plain colors, or beaded and printed designs. Scrunchies are also embellished with tassels and tiny bells. These enhance the look of a simple bun. Scrunchies are ideal for women who need a quick hair fix and keep it in place for long hours.
  
  
• Barrettes/Hair Clips have clamps which click into place, and are used to hold hairstyles, or portions of it. They can be used to enliven an otherwise simple hairdo. Barrettes are made of metal, plastic, wood, bone or horn. These are extremely popular as hair accessories because they are easy to wear, and are available in various sizes and designs. Barrettes are available in plain, tinted, painted and studded varieties besides others.
  
  
• Headbands/Hair Bands are worn around the head and are supposed to keep strands of stray hair in place, or away from the face. Headbands are available in different widths, sizes, colors, prints and designs. They may be plain, braided or beaded. These are made of stretchy material, metal or plastic, and fit snugly on the head. There are headbands for every occasion, right from social gatherings to beachwear. When it comes to choosing headbands, women are sure to lose their head!
  
  
• Hairpins/Hair Pins are handy little accessories that are used to hold sections of hair in place, or for decoration and styling. They are usually made of metal, and the long 'U' shaped ones are most commonly used. Hairpins in natural shades of black, brown, and others, merge with the hair color, and enhance the look of the hairstyle without being conspicuous. Hairpins with studded designs are meant to be flaunted, and are reserved for special occasions.
  
  
• Hair Sticks/Hair Chopsticks are delicate hair accessories which can be used to secure French twists and buns in place. Hair sticks are available in carved wood, bone, and metal. They usually have tapering tips so that they can be inserted easily into the hairstyle to be held in place. The farther ends are either simple, or have beads, pearls, or filigree work on them. Hair sticks are available in many colors, shapes and finishes.
  
  
• Hair Claws are bold hair accessories. They are used to gather hair in place, and are ideal for hairstyles which involve twisting the hair. They have several jaws/claws/teeth which are squeezed open and then released after gathering the hair in place. They are available in many sizes, and the designs range from casual and sporty, to formal and glamorous. Hair claws are usually made of metal and plastic.