If you’re searching for hints and answers for the Strands puzzle dated May 31, 2025, you’ve come to the right place. This article will provide valuable clues, tips, and ultimately, the solutions to today’s puzzle themed “Next to the bobby pins.” To conveniently return to our Strands hints each day, consider bookmarking this page. You can also discover past hints here in case you wish to revisit previous puzzles.
Today’s Strands puzzle revolves around hair accessories. Below, you’ll find subtle hints that lead to the answers for today’s Strands. Remember to scroll carefully and take only the hints you need!
The hint for the spangram in today’s Strands puzzle is: two words that describe items a person with long hair might use to style their locks. This spangram will provide a significant clue to solving the puzzle.
When it comes to the theme words in today’s Strands, think of specific examples of items used to tie back, style, and gather one’s hair. These words are directly related to the spangram and will help you complete the puzzle effectively.
We’re about to reveal the answers for today’s Strands puzzle, so beware of spoilers!
The spangram for today’s Strands is HAIRACCESSORIES. This word serves as the central theme and is critical in solving the puzzle.
The theme words for today’s Strands puzzle include:
CLIP BARRETTE CLAW SCRUNCHIE HEADBANDWhen the puzzle is solved, the completed board will look something like this:
It appears that today’s puzzle prominently features hair accessories. The spangram, HAIRACCESSORIES, runs vertically down the center of the board. You can find:
CLAW in the bottom left corner, likely referring to a claw clip. BARRETTE positioned right above the claw. CLIP located in the upper left section. SCRUNCHIE found in the upper right corner. Lastly, HEADBAND is scattered throughout the board.You can enjoy the Strands game on the New York Times website or through the NYT Games app. When you begin, you’ll encounter a game board filled with letters alongside a clue that hints at the puzzle's theme. Your mission is to identify the hidden words that align with this theme.
The main word to locate is the spangram, a term that clearly embodies the puzzle’s theme. For instance, if the theme is “Better with age,” the spangram might be FERMENTED, which describes products that improve over time. The spangram will span the entire game board, either horizontally or vertically, and will be highlighted in yellow when found.
Finding the spangram often simplifies the process of completing the rest of the puzzle. In Strands, words can be arranged in any direction (up, down, left, right, and diagonally), and each letter can only be used once. There is a singular correct solution for each puzzle.
Unlike other games such as Connections and Wordle, failing in Strands isn’t a concern. When you submit guesses, you will either identify a correct answer, accumulate credit towards hints, or receive a gentle shake indicating the word is invalid or too short.
There are no limits on guesses, and no timer to race against. You achieve victory by correctly using all the letters on the board, which means identifying both the spangram and all theme words. Like other NYT games, once you solve the puzzle, you will receive a shareable card showcasing your performance, complete with blue dots for theme words found, a yellow dot for the spangram, and a lightbulb indicating words obtained via hints.
Happy puzzling, and may your hair accessories be stylish!
