Lele Sadoughi, the Headband That Started by Accident

Lele Sadoughi is a Dallas native who now works out of New York. In the mid-2000s she launched the first jewelry collection for J.Crew, and she later held the jewelry design director role at Tory Burch. In 2012 she started her own jewelry brand, which grew into other accessories and then into headbands, by accident, according to CultureMap Dallas. Her reason, quoted in D Magazine, is practical: headbands came out of necessity. She did not have time to do her hair, and what was available was either poor quality or costumey, so she designed one she would want to wear.

The timing helped. D Magazine notes that in February 2018 headbands were front and center on the Prada catwalk. JCK adds that department stores had to bring in new buyers to handle her headbands, and that she brought the style back by adding gems, beads and sequins.

What I like is how little the idea has changed. It is still a padded band that sits on top of your hair, and the work is in the trim. The same band that polishes a ponytail also hides a third-day roots situation.

The first grid is Lele Sadoughi, five headbands and three claw clips. The second grid is clips, scrunchies and a bow pin from other brands. My tip: put the headband on before you style, then pull a few strands loose at the front so it does not look stiff.

Five headbands first. The Knotted Imitation Pearl Edge Headband is the signature shape, a knotted top with pearl trim, and it is the one I would start with. The Socialite Strand Headband is the statement version, with strands of embellishment across the band. The Met x Lele Lapis Gigi Embellished Denim Headband is the jeweled one, in denim, from the museum collaboration.

For everyday, Kelly Ruched Headband is the quiet pick, a ruched band, and Alice Moire Headband is cut from moire fabric, which has that watery sheen in light. I would wear the Kelly on a plain morning and the Alice when I want a bit of shimmer in the fabric without gems.

The three claw clips are where Lele Sadoughi gets playful. Rita Ruched Bow Claw Clip puts a ruched bow on a clip, so a twist at the back becomes a detail. Large Crystal Decor Claw Clip is the dressy one, decorated with crystals. Chalet Faux Fur Claw Clip is cozy and soft, and it is the one I would pick for a winter coat and a scarf.

These all have a lot of detail, so keep the rest simple. Hair pulled back, clean makeup, one thing doing the talking.

What I would skip: wearing a crystal headband with a crystal claw clip in the same style. Pick one to be the star.

This is the plainer, more practical side of hair accessories. Emi Jay Big Effing Clip in Buttercream and in Cherry Kiss is designed to hold a full head of hair comfortably, made from custom biodegradable acetate, so it is the one for thick hair. Emi Jay Sweetheart in Pink Pixie is the small one, with hand-set stones, for a low bun or a half-up style.

Crown Affair The Hair Clips is a handcrafted two-piece set with widely spaced teeth and an extra row, made for styling and air-drying. PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross Hair Clip is a strong acetate clip that is great for sectioning curls one at a time. Drybar Hold Me Hair Clips are four alligator jaw clips for blow-drying, and they are designed not to dent or tug hair. Those last two are tools, so treat them that way.

Slip Large Slipsilk Scrunchies come as a set of three, covered in the same silk the brand uses for its pillowcases. The wide surface is meant to avoid kinks, which I would reach for on a ponytail you do not want a crease in. Chunks Large Red Bow Hair Pin is the sweet one, a flexible, wavy acetate pin with a bow for securing a bun.

What I would skip: the Drybar clips as an accessory. They are made for sectioning wet hair, and they look it.

I think the best way to wear a Lele Sadoughi piece is to let it be the only decoration. Pick the headband if you want polish, the claw clip if you want a quick twist, and keep everything else quiet. When you want something that just holds, the second grid has the clips that do. Whatever you wear, take it out at night so the band does not leave a mark across your head, and let your hair rest.