Recently I was lucky enough to attend The Mane Addicts University – a program set up by Jen Atkin (the Kardashians' go-to hairdresser) to mentor salons full of budding hairdressers all around the world. To say that my assistant, Lottie, and I are huge fans of her work is something of an understatement: We're bonafide fan girls. So naturally we were Snapchatting like mad on the drive over, whilst trying to maintain some level of composure.

Alongside the opportunity to stare in awe at our hero, we were given a demo by her co-host, Chris Appleton (the man behind the likes of Rita Ora to Ariana Grande's up-dos, and the master of street style glam). It was in that moment, watching him adorning intricate braids and twists with tough bent rings, charms and metallic trinkets, that I knew I'd found my summer hair spirit animal. Metal hair accessories, it turns out, are so me. 

And judging by the accessories section on ASOS, it seems I'm not alone. Here is my stance: this is officially the hairstyle of the summer.  

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How to wear them:

All you need is one secure area in your up-do that you can attach metal adornments to. If you're planning a ponytail, then create a side braid that flows into the pony and add onto this. The key to keeping it cool rather than 'cute' is to use Chris' repetitive and considered pattern idea, rather than randomly scattering all over. And don't worry; it's easier than it looks. 

Lou Teasdale beauty extremist metal hair rings | ELLE UKpinterest

Where to get them:

ASOS £3.50 and sold out, I think this legitimises my trend claim.

Etsy

Claires Accessories

Get wrapped up: 

If you're around my age (32), you'll probably remember hair wraps – they were all the rage and the ultimate status symbol amongst my teenage peers. They're back. And this time, they're cool, not kitsch and made out of real metal. 

Lou Tesdale metal hair wrap Bleach London | ELLE UKpinterest
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Of course I had to give them a go. My verdict? They're the beauty installation my hair has been waiting for. They make me feel like I'm discreetly owning my very own hair micro trend that every now and again catches someone's attention and takes them back, with a smile, to that 90s package holiday where they had a neon one. 

Where to get them:

Bleach London, POA.

Alternatively, if you want to do your own, get some fabric, thread or wire from your local haberdashery (my happy place) and wrap it tightly around a micro braid from top to bottom. My tip is not to go over the top and keep it simple. 

That's a wrap.