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A fascinator is a hair accessory often worn at British formal events. It is a style of women’s hats that can be small or large and is often made with feathers, wool or straw. If you are thinking of trying out this bold look at an event, make sure you pick the right shape, size, and style for you, use a backcombing technique and hairspray to secure it in place, and wear it appropriately.
Steps
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Coordinate the size with your hair style. If you want to wear a fascinator with your hair slicked back, then go with a smaller one. If you’re going to wear your hair loosely pulled up, then a medium size is probably best. Wear a large fascinator if you’re wearing your hair down and in a voluminous style. [1] X Research source
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Pick the material based on the season. If it’s warmer outside, you’ll want to go with a fascinator that’s made of a lighter, more breathable material, such as straw. In the winter time, wear a fascinator made of a heavier, thicker material, such as wool or felt. [2] X Research sourceAdvertisement
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Pick a color that matches your outfit. Your fascinator will give off a more subtle, classy boldness if it looks like it belongs with the outfit you're wearing. To ensure this, wear a fascinator that’s the same color as the clothes you’re wearing. [3] X Research source
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Complement your hair color with your fascinator. Redheads look best with a fascinator that’s an earth tone, such as beige, brown, or deep green. If you have blond hair, try wearing a light warm color like coral or a neutral like taupe. Finally, opt for bright, deep shades such as hot pink or emerald if you have brown hair. [4] X Research source
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Get a fascinator that complements your face shape. It looks best to create a contrast between your fascinator shape and your face shape. If you have a more round face, opt for a slightly taller fascinator. If you have a longer or thinner face, a spherical or disc-shaped fascinator looks best. [5] X Research source
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Avoid headbands and complexity if you wear glasses. Since headbands are secured behind the ears and so are glasses, those with glasses will feel more secure and comfortable wearing elastic securing fascinators. Additionally, try to keep the style of the fascinator simple to avoid looking too “busy” in combination with your glasses. [6] X Research source
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Wash your hair the day before wearing a fascinator. Don’t wash your hair the day of the event. With many hairstyles, dirty hair holds pins and grips better than freshly washed hair. [7] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Backcomb your hair. For added security, take a section of your hair where you’re going to put the fascinator and comb the hair back toward the center of your head. [8] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source This backcombing, or teasing, will create knotting and volume, which will make the fascinator hold better.
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Spray your hair with hairspray. Spray the hair that you just backcombed with a hairspray to ensure that the section will stay teased.
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Push the comb in firmly. Push the comb piece attached to your fascinator firmly against your scalp towards the back of your head to make sure it’ll stay in position throughout the day.
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Add stability and security with a headband. If you’re wearing a big, showy fascinator, you’ll most likely need to secure it with a headband. Headband fascinators are the best for creating stability. You can even add a headband to a comb fascinator to take security a step further. [9] X Research source
- In addition to comb pieces and headbands, fascinators can be secured with elastic bands or hairclips.
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Wear the fascinator on the side of your head. The best place to wear a fascinator is either on the right or left side of your head. Wearing it towards the front of your head correctly is sometimes acceptable, but try wearing it on the side a few times and getting comfortable with that before going for a bolder look. [10] X Research source
- The fascinator should be placed just above either your right or left eyebrow. [11] X Research source
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Wear the elastic band behind your ears. Many fascinators attach to your head with a subtle elastic band. This goes behind your ears and around the nape of your neck, not under your chin. This mistake looks silly and will not appear fashionable. [12] X Research source
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Play it safe with a traditional style. Especially if you’re a first time wearer, it’s a good idea to wear a classic shape, such as a brimmed hat or a mini pillbox shape. With a fascinator, less is often more. To stay stylish, avoid oversized, elaborate styles that are distracting and overwhelming. [13] X Research source
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Stay away from rhinestone fascinators. Traditionally, fascinators include several different materials, including feathers, flowers, and lace. Stick with these and stay away from rhinestones when you’re choosing a fascinator. This adds a glitzy flair to the look that ends up looking a little too over-the-top and out of place, especially in excess. As a good rule of thumb, less detail is more. [14] X Research source
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Wear fascinators to formal events. Fascinators can be a great accessory to add to an outfit, but make sure that you’re wearing it to events where it’s fitting. Garden parties, tea parties, and weddings are all great places to wear a fascinator.
- Leave the fascinator at home if you’re attending the cinema, the symphony, or any other event that has stadium-style seating. It’s rude to block the people behind you. [15] X Research source
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Community Q&A
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QuestionHow do I wear a fascinator with a clasp on it when I have soft hair?Community AnswerI'm planning to use a little bit of hair near the forehead to put in a small plait for a few inches before bringing the hair back together. The clips will clip to the plait and hopefully grip. You could also clip it to a headband, but I'm not sure if this would work.
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QuestionIs a fascinator appropriate for a 6:39 pm wedding?Leslie BeldenCommunity AnswerI believe it would be great, especially if the wedding is in a church. If there's a reception afterwards, leave the fascinator in the car for a sit down dinner. Wear it if the reception is drinks and canapes.
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QuestionAre fascinators appropriate for Easter Sunday services?Community AnswerSmall ones are appropriate, while a big fascinator may look too gaudy and distracting. If you are not sure, show the fascinator to your pastor, who will tell you whether or not it is appropriate for Easter Sunday services.
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Tips
- Look at pictures of fascinators on Pinterest before you buy one. You will reduce your chances of buying a model that doesn’t match your style or hair type.Thanks
- Be brave when wearing a fascinator. The United States and other countries have embraced the new style, but it is always a fashion statement.Thanks
- Add extra security with bobby pins if you can. Straw or lace fascinators will often allow a thin pin to slip through and secure it in a different area.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Hair pick
- Natural bristled brush
- Teasing brush
- Bobby pins
- Section pins
- Volumizing hair spray
- Mirror
References
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6Aj2XdQzpo
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqXx2mHHkRU
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBX6-9_M0m0
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eL9YCqtWkb0
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3u60KB-gdw
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6Aj2XdQzpo
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-dirty-truth-about-washing-your-hair
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/stop-damage
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBX6-9_M0m0
About This Article
Article Summary
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If you want to wear a fascinator to your next formal event, pick one that complements the shape of your face. If you have a round face, look for a taller fascinator. For those with a longer or thinner face, a disc-shaped fascinator will work well. To secure the fascinator, wash your hair the day before the event since recently cleaned hair won't hold pins and grips as well. Then, on the day of the event, backcomb a section of hair to create some volume and spray it with hairspray to keep it teased. Finally, push the comb piece of the fascinator firmly into place to keep it secure all day. If you want to learn more, like choosing a fascinator that matches the season and your clothes, keep reading the article!
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Reader Success Stories
- "My first ever, real dress-up for Melbourne Cup Day, and of course, one must have a fascinator to complete any outfit. I have never, ever worn one, ergo my search for you. And I'm so glad I did. I'm onto it and after putting into practice what you told me. I'm going to look amazing tomorrow. I will look a Melbourne Cup winner, just have to pick the winning horse. Thank you." ..." more
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"My first ever, real dress-up for Melbourne Cup Day, and of course, one must have a fascinator to complete any outfit. I have never, ever worn one, ergo my search for you. And I'm so glad I did. I'm onto it and after putting into practice what you told me. I'm going to look amazing tomorrow. I will look a Melbourne Cup winner, just have to pick the winning horse. Thank you."
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"The illustrations were very good reminded me of my childhood book illustrations!! Never knew you wore them on the right, so now I know, thank you."
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"It showed me how and where to place my fascinator. Really helpful, thank you."
