3 Fresh Ways to Wear Flowers in Your Hair This Spring
Discover three stunning ways to incorporate fresh flowers into your spring hairstyles beyond the traditional floral crown.
When it comes to spring fashion and styling, there’s something undeniably magical about incorporating fresh flowers into your look. While floral crowns have dominated the seasonal accessory scene for years, there are so many other creative and unexpected ways to wear real flowers in your hair that can elevate your spring style to new heights. We reached out to professional stylist Erica Rae to develop a collection of fresh approaches to wearing real flowers as hair accessories that go beyond the traditional floral crown.
Erica worked with model Mandy Mayekawa, a food, fashion, and lifestyle public relations professional, to create three distinct spring looks using fresh blooms from Austin Flower Company. Mandy, who typically gravitates toward her go-to styling options—a freshly blow-dried look, a classic ponytail, or a simple top knot—was enthusiastic about experimenting with these new flower-inspired hairstyles. The result was three charming and beautifully unexpected looks that showcase the versatility of using real flowers as hair accessories.
The Flowers Used in These Spring Hairstyles
Before diving into each specific look, it’s important to understand the flower options that Erica selected for these hairstyles. The flowers chosen were specifically picked for their visual appeal, durability, and ease of styling in hair. The three types of flowers featured in these spring hairstyles include:
– Baby’s breath (Gypsophila)- Pom pom spray mums (Chrysanthemums)- Icelandic poppies (Papaver rhoeas)
Each of these flowers brings its own unique qualities to a hairstyle, whether that’s delicate elegance, playful charm, or dramatic sophistication. Understanding the characteristics of different flowers can help you choose the right blooms for your personal style and the occasion you’re dressing for.
Look One: Baby’s Breath for Timeless Elegance
The Classic Comeback Flower
Baby’s breath has experienced a remarkable resurgence in popularity, particularly in wedding hair styling. According to Erica, “Baby’s breath has made a huge comeback in the wedding hair scene. It’s such a delicate flower and to me it will always be a classic.” This sentiment reflects a broader trend toward delicate, minimalist floral arrangements and accessories that emphasize understated elegance.
How to Create the Baby’s Breath Hairstyle
Creating this timeless look requires minimal materials and can be executed relatively quickly, making it perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions. Here’s what you’ll need and how to achieve this beautiful style:
Materials Needed:
– Several stems of baby’s breath- Hair pins or bobby pins- Curling iron or styling tool
Styling Steps:
Begin by curling your hair to create soft waves and texture throughout. Next, loosely pin your hair into a half-back style, leaving the front sections framing your face. Once your base style is created, take individual stems of baby’s breath and randomly distribute them throughout your hair, securing each one with a hairpin or bobby pin as you go. The key to this look is maintaining a natural, not-too-precious appearance rather than creating a perfectly symmetrical pattern.
Why This Look Works
What makes the baby’s breath hairstyle so striking is the contrast it creates with darker hair. As Erica notes, “The white color really popped against the gorgeous black hair and turned the simple style into a more interesting look that will definitely make a statement anywhere she goes!” The beauty of this style is its versatility—it can be dressed up or down depending on your clothing and the occasion. Mandy wore this look with a casual all-denim outfit, and the combination was unexpectedly chic, proving that delicate flowers can work with both formal and casual styling.
Look Two: Icelandic Poppy for Dramatic Statement
Bold and Chic
For those who prefer a more dramatic approach to floral hair styling, the Icelandic poppy offers the perfect solution. Erica’s enthusiasm for this look is evident: “I absolutely love this look. It’s a bit dramatic and so chic. You could totally rock this style while lounging at a pool at some five star resort or a fun backyard soirée in a long flowy dress.”
Creating the Icelandic Poppy Look
This hairstyle is wonderfully simple to execute while making a significant visual impact. The beauty of using a large, statement flower lies in its ability to transform even the most basic hairstyle into something special.
Key Styling Tips:
– Choose a large flower that isn’t too heavy for comfortable wear- Keep the stem long enough to drape gracefully behind your ear- Use a single bobby pin to secure the flower in place- Either pin your hair to the side or wear it down with one side tucked behind your ear- Keep the overall look simple to allow the flower to be the focal point
The genius of this approach is its minimalist philosophy. Rather than creating an elaborate hairstyle that competes for attention, the Icelandic poppy look lets the flower be the star of the show. Whether you choose to wear your hair in a side-swept style or leave it mostly down, the single statement flower creates an immediately polished and intentional appearance.
Perfect Occasions for This Look
Erica’s suggestions for wearing this style reveal its versatility. From poolside resort wear to backyard celebrations, the Icelandic poppy hairstyle adapts beautifully to various settings and occasions. The key is choosing a flower color that complements both your hair color and your outfit. Bright, bold poppies create a vibrant statement, while softer-hued varieties offer a more romantic aesthetic.
Look Three: Pom Pom Spray Mums for Playful Fun
A Drew Barrymore-Inspired Trend
The third hairstyle channels the spirit of 90s icon Drew Barrymore, who was known for her trendsetting hair moments. Erica recreated one of Drew’s signature looks using purple pom pom spray mums, paying homage to an era when hair accessories were bold, playful, and unapologetically fun. “Drew was such a trendsetter,” Erica reflects. “This was just one of her many looks. But it’s super sweet and fun and you really can wear it with just about anything clothing-wise.”
Crafting the Pom Pom Mum Hairstyle
This look requires a bit more hands-on styling but results in a charming and nostalgic appearance that’s perfect for festivals and fun occasions.
Styling Process:
– Style your hair into a messy updo, creating a relaxed and effortless appearance- Trim the pom pom flowers, leaving approximately 1 to 1.5 inches of stem- Carefully weave the flower stems into the updo structure- Secure each flower with a bobby pin for stability- Leave hair pieces loose and undone for an intentionally casual vibe
Modern Variations and Styling Ideas
While this look draws inspiration from the 90s, there are numerous ways to modernize it or play into the retro aesthetic depending on your preference. For a full throwback experience, Erica suggests pairing this hairstyle with a choker necklace or a pair of Doc Martens for an authentic 90s ensemble. However, the beauty of this look is that it’s incredibly adaptable—it works equally well with contemporary fashion or as part of a completely modern aesthetic.
According to Mandy, who tested all three looks, the pom pom mum hairstyle was her personal favorite. She explains: “My fave is definitely this messy pigtail buns plus flower crown. Super cute, keeps the hair out of my face, and adds a nice pop of color. Perfect for festival season too!” Her enthusiastic response speaks to the practicality of this style—it’s not just beautiful, it’s also functional, keeping hair neatly styled while allowing for movement and comfort throughout the day.
General Tips for Wearing Real Flowers in Your Hair
Choosing the Right Flowers
When selecting flowers to wear in your hair, consider both aesthetic and practical factors. The best flowers for hair styling are those that are relatively sturdy and won’t wilt immediately. Fresh flowers from a professional florist like Austin Flower Company are ideal because they’ve been properly hydrated and will maintain their appearance throughout the day. Consider the weight of the flower—delicate stems like baby’s breath are lightweight and easy to secure, while larger blooms like poppies can also work as long as they’re not excessively heavy.
Color Coordination
Think about how the flower color will interact with your hair color and skin tone. Light-colored flowers like baby’s breath create striking contrast against dark hair but may blend into lighter hair. Consider your overall color palette when selecting flowers, and think about how they’ll complement your outfit and the occasion.
Securing Flowers Safely
The key to keeping flowers secure in your hair throughout the day is using the right tools. Bobby pins, hair pins, and small elastics can all be used depending on the flower type and hairstyle. Make sure to test the security of your flowers before heading out to ensure they’ll stay in place during activity and movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do real flowers last when worn in hair?
Fresh flowers will typically remain beautiful for several hours when worn in your hair. For best results, keep them as close to their harvest time as possible and mist them lightly with water if you’ll be wearing them for an extended period. If you’re planning to wear flowers for a full event or all day, consider working with a professional florist who can treat them to last longer.
Can I use any type of flower in my hair?
While you can experiment with various flowers, some work better than others. Avoid flowers with particularly fragile petals or those that shed easily. Flowers with sturdy stems that can be easily secured are ideal. Always ensure the flowers you choose are clean and free from pesticides if they’ll be in close contact with your face and hair.
What if I have short or thin hair?
These hairstyles can be adapted for various hair types and lengths. The key is choosing flowers and styles that work with your hair’s natural characteristics. Baby’s breath can be used with shorter hair by securing it along a side part or pinning it into a short updo. The single poppy can work beautifully with any hair length, simply tucked behind the ear.
Are these looks suitable for formal events?
Absolutely! The baby’s breath look and the Icelandic poppy style are both elegant and sophisticated enough for formal events like weddings, proms, and upscale celebrations. The pom pom mum style leans more toward fun and casual occasions, though it can certainly be dressed up depending on the overall aesthetic.
How do I prevent flowers from damaging my hair?
Use gentle securing methods like soft hair pins and avoid pulling or tugging on your hair. When removing flowers, do so carefully to avoid snagging or breaking strands. Consider applying a protective styling product to your hair before adding flowers to create a barrier.
Conclusion
The three hairstyles showcased here demonstrate that wearing real flowers in your hair extends far beyond the traditional floral crown. Whether you prefer the delicate elegance of baby’s breath, the dramatic statement of an Icelandic poppy, or the playful charm of pom pom mums, there’s a flower-inspired hairstyle to match your personal style and occasion. The key is selecting flowers and styling techniques that make you feel confident and beautiful. This spring, don’t hesitate to experiment with fresh flowers as hair accessories and discover your own favorite way to incorporate nature’s beauty into your hairstyle.
