At least half of today’s hottest beauty trends are a result of viral TikTok videos. Not all beauty trends are a success in the real world. Every now and again, we see a new beauty technique that has us excited. Rhinestones are a great example.
The Y2K aesthetic involves adding gems to hair. You can do this either by hand using eyelash adhesive (or another, equally gentle adhesive), or with a gem stamper such as the Blinger set available on Amazon and popularized by TikTok. We’re sure we’re far from the only ones to love this idea.
This isn’t a look you would wear every day, but adding rhinestones or crystals is a great way to dress up your hair at special occasions. Think music festivals, bachelorette parties and rooftop parties. Mono-jewels can be used for a uniformed look or mixed and matched for more fun. It’s an interesting look, and not in a bad way.
See some of our favorite moments in hair from celebrities, top hairstylists and influencers.
Crystals in Slicked Back Hair
John Shearer / WireImage
Alicia Keys is a master at serving a look and she proved it again at the Met Gala in 2021. Nai’vasha is a celebrity hairstylist who created her low bun with a middle part. It will be forever on our inspiration boards.
Keys has placed several gems along both sides of the part. You can apply the gems directly down your part.
Decorated hairline
John Shearer / Getty Images for dcp
Jenny Cho, a celebrity hairstylist, delicately accentuated Katherine Langford’s hairline while not taking away from her bold eye make-up. The hair gems are actually a great match for her eyeshadow, and they also go well with her gold earrings.
Connecting gems
Instagram @benmartinhair
Ben Martin, an Australian hairstylist, kept the look simple and clean by matching the gems on the model’s eyelids with neutral colored gems. The slicked back style also helps to maintain the sleek look.
Bedazzled bun
Instagram @ursulastephen
Ursula Stephen, hairstylist of the stars, created this jewel-heavy look to Letitia Wright for her evening at the 2019 Oscars.
Dressed Up Edges
Instagram @joyjah
This look is perfect. The cornrows are gorgeous, as are the zigzags and hair gems. This hairstyle will take you hours to create if starting from scratch. You should do this when you are free.
Side Surprise
Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
A peek-aboo moment is a favorite of ours. We’ve seen it at the Bibhu mohapatra Spring/Summer 2020 runway show. This look is achieved by sweeping your hair behind your ears and securing with pins. After you’ve smoothed it out, add the rhinestones.
Bedazzled Bob
Theo Wargo/Getty Images
Saweetie, the rapper from “My Type”, combined several trends into this masterpiece. She used flipped ends, hair gems, and the wet look. All while maintaining her elegant and timeless look for 2021 Met Gala. We stan this!
Color-Coordinated hair gems and Makeup
Instagram @kirinrider
Euphoria is the best! Sydney Sweeney wore blue gems in her updo for this look. The actress has blue and green gems on her eyelids, while the rest is clear.
Crystals and Middle Parts
Steve Granitz / WireImage
JoJo, the singer-songwriter, smashed two beauty trends in one (gemstone). She’s wearing the butterfly eyeliner. She’s also rocking the hair gems trend. It’s a great look.
Gems On Waves
Instagram @justinemarjan
Justine Marjan, a celebrity hairstylist, created this boho chic look for the runway. It works well for everyday wear, too. This look is low-key and stylish enough for a day at the beach, but still casual enough to wear out to dinner.
