How to Tie Tinsel

Co-authored by Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: December 29, 2022 References

If you're looking to add a little sparkle to your hairstyle, tie tinsel in your hair. Simply take a strand of tinsel and tie it onto a few hairs near your scalp. You can do this by hand or use a tool if you're struggling to secure the thin tinsel. Add a handful of tinsel for a subtle shimmery look or tie them all over your scalp for a fun, bold style. Since it can be a little tricky to tie tinsel on your own hair, it makes a fun beauty project to do with a friend!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Tying by Hand

1
Wash your hair and style it however you like. Start with clean hair so the tinsel is less likely to slide out. Then, dry and style your hair any way you want. You can blow-dry your hair, let it air dry, or curl it, for instance.
- You've probably seen tinsel used with straight hair, but it also looks great with wavy or curly hair.
2
Use a comb or your fingers to part your hair. Since you'll be attaching the strands of tinsel to your part, decide how you want to part your hair. You could part it straight down the center of your head for a bold look or part it off to the side for a subtle style.

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3
Take a strand of tinsel and fold it in half. Buy a package of hair tinsel that's at least twice as long as your hair. Then, take a strand of tinsel and fold it in half so the ends touch.^{[1]
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- Most tinsel is between 20 and 47 inches (51 and 119 cm) long. If you have short hair, choose the smaller size so you don't have to cut off the excess tinsel.
- Have fun picking a tinsel color! You could use tinsel that matches your hair color to add a slight shimmer to your hairstyle or pick bright, bold colored tinsel that stands out against your hair color.
4
Make a slip knot with the looped end of the tinsel. To form a slip knot, pinch the folded end of the tinsel with 1 hand to form a loop. Slide the thumb and index finger of your other hand through the loop. Then, use your thumb and index finger to pinch the strands of tinsel and pull back to make the slip knot.^{[2]
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- If you're unsure whether or not you've successfully made a slip knot, remove your fingers and pull the loop away. The loop should disappear instead of tightening into a knot.
5
Pull 2 to 3 hairs through the loop and tighten the slip knot near your scalp. Keep your thumb and index finger through the loop of the slip knot. Use your other hand to separate 2 to 3 strands of hair near your part and hold the slip knot up to them. Grab the hairs with your fingers and pull them through the loop. Then, pull the ends of the tinsel so it tightens near your scalp.^{[3]
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- Make sure that you pull the strands of hair completely through the loop so they don't get tangled or knotted.
6
Tie the strands of tinsel into a simple knot. To keep the tinsel secure in your hair, find both of the ends. Overlap the ends and bring 1 end through the loop you made. Then, pull the ends in opposite directions to secure the knot near the base of your scalp. The knot keeps the tinsel in your hair for about 3 weeks.^{[4]
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- Feel free to wash, dry, and style your hair as usual. The tinsel is designed to blend into your hair and it won't melt or break.
- You can repeat this a few times or knot the tinsel with the strands of hair if you want to keep the tinsel in your hair for several weeks.
7
Slide the knot down your hair when you want to remove the tinsel. The tinsel should stay in your hair for at least 3 weeks. When you're ready to take the tinsel out, feel the hair near your part for the tinsel knot. Pinch the knot and slowly slide it down your hair until it comes away.^{[5]
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- You can also cut the knot with a pair of small scissors if you're having a hard time sliding the knot off.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using a Tinsel Tool

1
Buy a tinsel tool from your beauty supply shop. The tinsel tool looks like a small seam ripper or beauty extension wand. The hooked end has a latch that opens and closes. This is what you'll use to pull and tie the tinsel to your hair.^{[6]
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- You can also check pharmacies for the tinsel tool or buy one online.
2
Line up a piece of tinsel with 1 strand of hair near your part. Take a piece of tinsel that's as long as your hair and choose a strong strand of hair next to your part. Use your thumb and ring finger to pinch the strand of tinsel and strand of hair.^{[7]
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- Have fun picking a color of tinsel that blends in with the color of your hair or stands out. Try a bright, neon color if you really want the tinsel to pop!
3
Stretch the hair and tinsel between your fingers so they're taut. Keep your thumb and ring finger on the hair and tinsel at the scalp. Then, stretch the index and middle finger of your same hand up by 2 inches (5.1 cm). Use these fingers to pinch the hair and tinsel.^{[8]
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4
Hook the tool onto the hair and tinsel and pull them between your thumb. Open the latch of the tinsel tool and place it onto the hair and tinsel so the hook catches. Draw the tool down towards your thumb and slide it through your thumb and ring finger. This makes a tiny loop.^{[9]
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- Practice doing this a few times until the motion feels comfortable.
- Keep pinching the tinsel and hair with your fingers while you're using the tool.
5
Catch the hair and tinsel strands again and pull them through the loop. Turn the tool so the open side of the hook faces up and slide it back towards the strand of hair and tinsel. Grab the strands with the hook and slowly pull it through the tiny loop near your thumb and index finger.^{[10]
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- The latch at the end of the tool should close as you pull the hair and tinsel through the loop.
- Keep holding the hair and tinsel with your thumb and forefinger so you can secure the knot.
6
Pull the strands to tighten the knot near your scalp. Use your free hand to pull the end of the tinsel and hair. You can use the thumb and index finger of your other hand to slide the knot that's forming down towards your part.^{[11]
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- You can wash, dry, and style your hair as usual since the tinsel won't melt or break.
- For an extra-secure hold, you can tie another simple knot with the tinsel. Keep in mind that you may have a harder time removing the tinsel later.
7
Slide the knot of tinsel down the strand of hair to remove it. When you're ready to take the tinsel out of your hair, feel for the knot of tinsel near your scalp. Pinch the knot and slide it down the length of your hair until it's out.^{[12]
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- If you're struggling to slide the knot, take a small pair of scissors and carefully snip the knot.