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Hair Pieces for Dancers: Ballet Headpieces, Lyrical and Recital Styles

Pink and lavender floral ballet bun headpiece with gold scroll ends and rhinestones

By ZoeDancewear · Updated October 31, 2026

Short answer: a dance hair piece is a decorative band, wreath, clip or bow worn with a bun or a styled ponytail for recitals, competitions and stage looks. For ballet, choose a piece that sits flat around the bun, stays in place when you turn your head, and matches the costume colors. Check the school or competition rules, because plain hair is the rule in class.

What types of dance hair pieces are there?

Type Used for Good to know
Floral bun headpiece Ballet, lyrical, recitals Curves around a bun; romantic look
Flower headband Recitals, photos, character looks Sits on the head with ribbons at the back
Hair bow Recitals and class looks if allowed Clips at the bun or ponytail
Crown or tiara Classical stage looks Often provided by the costume maker

How do I wear a hair piece with a bun?

  1. Make a firm, smooth bun first. See how to do a ballet bun.
  2. Place the piece around the base or lower half of the bun, with the center flower below the bun.
  3. Secure it with pins or the fastening provided, and test by turning the head.
  4. Adjust so it does not cover the face or slip forward.

Our bun accessories guide covers pins, nets and clips.

How do I choose the color?

Match the main color of the costume, or choose a soft shade that goes with several outfits. Pale pink, ivory and champagne work with most leotards, while red, green and lilac suit stronger costume colors.

Are hair pieces allowed in ballet class?

Usually not. Most classes ask for a plain bun and a hair net or simple pins. Hair pieces are mostly for recitals, competitions and photos. Always check your teacher’s rules.

What do we sell?

Colors may look slightly different on screen.

How do I store a hair piece?

Keep it flat in a box or a bag, away from damp and heavy items, so the flowers and ribbons keep their shape.

Frequently asked questions

What is a dance hair piece?

A decorative band, wreath, clip or bow worn with a bun or styled hair for recitals, competitions and stage looks.

How do you wear a headpiece with a bun?

Place it around the lower half of a firm bun, secure it, and test by turning your head.

Can I wear a hair piece to ballet class?

Usually no. Class hair is a plain bun. Hair pieces are for recitals and photos.

What color hair piece should I choose?

Match the costume, or choose a soft color such as pink, ivory or champagne.

How do I keep a hair piece from slipping?

Start with a firm bun, pin the piece in place and check it with a head turn.