If ever there’s an excuse to raid your closet for items that glitter and glow, it’s the advent of Christmas. The dawn of the festive season mean normal rules are thrown to the wind for something altogether more sparkly. 

The following hair accessories strike just the right balance between dainty and dramatic. They’re not big or gaudy, but they sure do steal the show. You can re-create similar looks with trinkets from the high street, a charity shop or even an old-school dressing up box. 

Behold all the shimmery hair inspiration you’ll need this Noel:

Actor and Grammy-nominated artist Janelle Monáe works an exquisite floral headpiece. With a faint vintage air, it’s the whimsical antidote to her contemporary crop.

Emily Blunt pairs a retro golden hair brooch with a fine, gem-studded band. The effect is very much ‘20s elegance: think Gatsby era, albeit with a softer appeal.

These golden leaves lend Brie Larson’s hair just a wisp of va va voom. It’s oh-so luxe, without being overdone. The look is a tad on the tricky side to pull off, but you can start by investing in some gold leaf gilding sheets.

We love this strategic use of sparkle from Orange Is the New Black star Danielle Brooks. She lets her twisted updo take centre-stage, and uses the jewel drape as a final, elegant flourish.

Jaime King’s whisper-thin headband conjures up a slight fairy-tale essence, but the scarlet earrings and red lip stop it being too saccharine. A modern and poetic look.

Photos: Rex Features