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Headbands are more popular than ever and you don’t have to be a toddler, kid, or tween to wear one. While they have never really gone out of style, they are experiencing a major surge and have never been more chic and stylish.
Below are some unique and diverse headbands that will only help in making your good hair days even better. They are a great way to add a finishing touch to an already stellar ensemble and allow for some self-expression with all the amazing, colorful options available.
We have included some over-the-head bands and fabric-covered, on-trend turban-style ones that are meant to be styled around the head. There are also chic velvet and pearl-studded options, animal print, and vintage beaded ones that are all easy and comfortable to wear and have quality materials to ensure they won’t cause any pain or damage to the hair.
Our Picks of the Most Stylish Headband
DRESHOW Boho Headbands — Best Overall
This pack of 10 fabric-covered headbands has you covered for everyday wear with their multiple colors and floral fabric options. These headbands are more like head wraps that can be worn around the head or under the hair with a back elastic band for an easy-fitting, boho-chic look.
Pros
- These wraps are made from a soft chiffon georgette or silk material
Cons
- There are no solid color options
Kisslife Headbands — Runner Up
This set of knot-top headbands is similar to the one above, however, instead of going around the whole head, these sit on top of the head. This set includes 10 different colors that are great for both adults, teens, and even some kids and are wrapped in ribbed cloth fabric that is stretchy and smooth to the touch.
Pros
- One size fits most
Cons
- No print options are included
Lotus78 Headbands — Most Simple
The Lotus78 Headbands are an essential accessory for anyone looking for style and functionality. The headbands are crafted from a high-quality blend of Polyester and Spandex that is both breathable and quick-drying, giving ultimate comfort while still looking stylish. The elastic material allows for a versatile fit that can be stretched to your desired size, making them comfortable and easy to put on and remove.
Pros
- Huge selection of colors and designs
Cons
- Not ideal for those with small heads as they can slip off
Huachi Hair Bands — Most Classic
Similar to our first pick, these turban-style headbands go fully around the head, yet these are made from a ribbed knit material vs. silky chiffon. Channeling 90s chic, these classic headbands have a knot twist design and come in a wide range of colors that will potentially match every outfit in your wardrobe. These elastic headbands are also stretchable so they easily adapt to most head sizes and will never be too tight.
Pros
- These headbands will look great with all hair lengths
Cons
- These bands are not very wide
Teenitor Headband — Best Design
This set of five jeweled headbands is comprised of rhinestones and beads in a few different fashionable shapes and sizes. These headbands are made to fit all around the head with a durable elastic band that easily blends into the hair to fit a variety of head sizes. These headbands are great for any formal or casual occasion, can be worn with many different types of hairstyles, and can even be wrapped around the wrist as a bracelet.
Pros
- The jeweled bands are delicately created with no discernable threads showing through
Cons
- These bands are not adjustable
AIEX Headbands — Excellent Quality
A great dupe for some higher-end headbands is this super-luxe velvet set. Included are three velvet headbands in neutral, easy-to-pair shades of black, pink, and beige that are combined with a chic top-knot design. If that wasn’t enough, these headbands have cool faux pearl accents all over that take this headband to the next level of stylishness.
Pros
- The pearl beading accents are not glued to ensure they will stay put
Cons
- No other color options are available
FROG Headbands — Also Consider
This set of six vintage metallic headbands are a great hair accessory option to keep for yourself and come with plenty of options to gift to all your friends and family and they make great stocking stuffers. They have six unique metallic fabric designs that are perfect for everyday wear, are great to wear when exercising, and will enhance any casual or formal outfit.
Pros
- These headbands are carefully made to stay put
Cons
- The fabric may be slightly itchy
Buying Guide: Stylish Headbands
Are Headbands Fashionable?
Headbands have remained a popular hair accessory ever since ancient times. They first popped up almost 2500-years ago. History suggests that Greek women enjoyed wearing stylish headbands in different colors and sizes.
People considered it a luxury accessory used for special occasions and events. There were also valuable hair wreaths made for the winners of ancient Olympics. Hence, headbands did not only evolve as only hair accessories but as sports accessories too.
Even today, headbands keep on coming back to trends now and then. From fashion shows to celebrities - nobody seems to get enough from these evergreen stylish accessories. Recently, headbands have also entered professional business attire.
The normalization of work-from-home culture during the pandemic has given rise to the “Zoom dressing” trend. In it, people dress from the shoulder up to attend online meetings and workshops. As a result, headbands have become a go-to accessory for women to polish their work-from-home looks.
So, yes, headbands are fashionable this year. And these convenient yet stylish hair accessories will remain in fashion for years to come.
Types of Stylish Headbands
When browsing, you will find hundreds of different types of headbands. Some of the popular ones include:
Simple toothed headbands
These plastic headbands have prongs protruding from one side like a hair comb. You can use them to keep your hair firmly away from the face.
Bowknot headbands
The bowknot headbands give a retro, vintage look. They have a bowknot that you can adjust on the front or at an angle. Usually, they use a soft and washable fabric.
Knitted headbands
These woolen hair accessories are broad, thick, and perfect for winter. Apart from hair styling, they also provide warmth to your head.
Faux-braided headbands
As the name suggests, the faux material strands get weaved together to give a braided effect. These headbands are great for a semi-casual, aesthetic look.
Sports headbands
The sports headbands are wide and plain. Usually, people wear them to the gym, runs, and outdoor activities.
Choosing a Stylish Headband
There is a wealth of headbands available in the market. You will come across various shapes, designs, colors, sizes, and whatnot. Hence, finding the best headband for your particular needs is a challenge. But, worry not because we have compiled 4-simple factors to consider when choosing a stylish headband. Remember to keep these in mind!
Color & aesthetics
The fundamental purpose of wearing headbands is to enhance your looks. So, the first thing you should consider is the color and design of the headband. Does it match your outfit? Is it minimalistic, patterned, or studded with stones? Go through all such questions before selecting.
Width
Headbands are available in varying widths. Typically, you will find narrow (less than an inch), broad (1 to 2 inches), and extra-broad (more than 2 inches) headbands. The width type has a significant impact on your outlook. So, choose accordingly.
Comfort
The comfortability depends on whether it is a men's or women's headband. Usually, manufacturers tailor the structure of the headbands according to a specific gender. The specialized design is what makes the headband feel comfortable upon wear.
For example, women's headbands are typically smaller than men’s. Hence, the headband fits more firmly and reduces slipping. You will also find unisex headbands, though their generalized structure might not offer better comfort.
Material type
The material used in the headband construction determines feel and durability. Generally, there are three types of materials used by manufacturers, including:
- Fabric
- Plastic
- Wool
If you want a long-lasting headband with minimal care, then opt for plastic ones. However, they aren’t eco-friendly. Fabric and woolen headbands also last long, though they require regular maintenance for fresh looks.
How Do You Wear Stylish Headbands?
There are no definite rules when it comes to wearing stylish headbands. You can wear it any way you want. Usually, people prefer these ways to wear a headband:
Hair down
Begin by brushing your hair until there are no tangled strands. Then, choose a headband according to your face proportion and shape. For example, if you have a round face, then opt for angular headbands.
Next, decide whether you want to part your hair or not. If yes, choose a side and neatly part your hair using a comb. Usually, a side parting looks better when you have bangs.
After it, either push the headband against your hairline from the front. Or, adjust it on the head from the top. Your headband should rest at least a ½-inch away from the hairline.
Updo
First, choose a headband that compliments your updo style. For example, if you have made a casual top-knot bun, pick a narrow and minimalistic headband. Likewise, you may want an embellished headband for a formally-made chignon bun.
Brush your hair and make the desired updo style. Make sure your hair has some texture to it for the best results. If your hair is silky and smooth, use texturizing spray or dry shampoo. When done, place the headband on your head. You can rest it behind the hairline or push it in the front to create a tiara effect. Secure the hairstyle using bobby pins or hair spray.
Braid/ponytail
It’s best to choose relaxed, casual-style headbands for braids/ponytails. Once selected, brush your hair and make the desired style. Try a high ponytail, side ponytail, french braid, etc.
Secure the hair with an elastic band or clip. Place the headband and arrange as per preference. You may want to pull a few hair strands free.
