Q&A: How to Wear a Headband

January 22nd, 2008

Q:  I was wondering if you had any good ideas about wearing headbands and some different types that are "in" right now.

Jelly Filigree Headwrapby Jessica Stockdale, Style and Beauty writer at Found4less.com

A: 
Headbands are stylish, easy to wear, and versatile. And the great news is that they’ve been re-embraced recently. No matter how long or short your hair is, there’s a headband out there that’s right for you. How do you know what kind of headband will work for you?  Here’s a good rule of thumb: the shorter your hair is, the thinner the band should probably be.

Headband Types:
Not only can you choose the color of your headband, but you can also choose patterns, materials and widths. A solid colored headband can look proper and polished if worn in a classic or neutral color that shows nicely against the color of your hair. Then again, a solid colored headband can also look trendy and fun if worn in a bright hot pink.

The patterns available on headbands are endless – you can find anything and everything from polka dots to pirate skulls. And you can find a headband in materials that fit any mood—from girly to glam—including plastic, leather, and silk or velvet.

Ribbon Double HeadwrapSome headbands are nothing more than fabric pieces that you tie and adjust to your head. These headwraps aren’t scarves (but can sometimes resemble them), and they are made to be a specific width.

What’s hot right now?  The skinny headband is on the rise—probably to suit the ever-so-popular bob hairstyles.  But choose your headband to flatter your own hair and head. Any width can look nice.

How to Wear a Headband: Three Easy Ways
The easiest way to wear a headband is to just slide it on - it’s even simpler than programming a TiVo! But if you’re short on time and want a different look, you can mix up this simple look by changing your part, or wearing the headband with no part.

My newest favorite way to wear a headband is to pull the top half of my hair up and back into a clip. (I usually leave some shorter layers out to frame my face, using pomade to help define the pieces.) Then I put a headband on. For thinner headbands, wear as is. But the thicker the band is, or for a more dramatic look, I suggest putting your hair up so that it has some height (a light and quick application of both holding gel and hairspray will help) and then putting the headband on so that it’s very low and angled a bit forward.

Satin Feather HeadbandWearing a ponytail doesn’t mean you can’t wear a headband. The ponytail can sit low at the nape of your neck or anchored to the side so that you can pull your hair over your shoulder. And while medium ponytails are okay, a high ponytail looks really great when paired with a headband. That velvet headband you wore the other day when your hair was down will look totally different when you change your hairstyle. Style tip?  Instead of a ponytail, try a bun. Many stylish celebrities, like Sarah Michelle Gellar, Amy Adams and Scarlett Johansson have walked the red carpet with their hair in a high bun, accented by a thin black headband.

Comfort tip: Look for wide plastic headbands that are lined on the inside with fabric.  The fabric lining will make them more comfortable to wear and reduce the chance of headache.

Have a great tip about where to buy chic headbands–or how to wear them?
   Share it with us in the comments!

Pictured, from top:
Jelly Filigree Headwrap | $12 at Urban Outfitters, Ribbon Double Headwrap shown in Pine | $10 at Urban Outfitters, and Satin Feather Headband | $4.80 at Forever 21.

Style question?  We’ve got answers.  E-mail us at questions at omiru dot com.

Entry Filed under: Q&A,Women,Women's

15 Comments

  • 1. KateStyles  |  January 25th, 2008 at 3:06 pm

    The most beautiful selection of headbands I’ve discovered is at http://www.andreasbeau.com. They have an enormous variety of widths and styles of headbands as well as clips and ponytail holders. The best thing is that their selection is unique; the trims and fabrics are gorgeous, and what’s more I found the headbands to be particularly comfortable. Tres chic!

  • 2. Trisha  |  January 26th, 2008 at 12:08 am

    Thanks for the headband tip, Kate!

  • 3. Paige  |  January 29th, 2008 at 5:46 pm

    Fabulous suggestions! Thanks! A comment on where to find head bands… My head is really sensitive to them for some reason, but since I love wearing them I’ve spent some time trying to find ones that don’t hurt! Believe it or not, the best place to find comfortable and chic bands is at New York and Company. I’ve bought 2 or 3 there and it’s always my first stop when I’m looking for a new one. I don’t know what they do differently, but I never have any head pain when I wear a headband from them.

  • 4. kerneschick2005  |  January 29th, 2008 at 7:50 pm

    also, Scunci (is that the name of the brand?) makes some GREAT headbands with curved parts to help from hitting the pressure points behind your ears… here’s a link…

    http://www.scunci.com/product_detail.aspx?gid=7&pid=6&lp=19

  • 5. Trisha  |  January 29th, 2008 at 8:57 pm

    Wonderful–thanks for the comfortable headband suggestions. I’ll have to check out New York and Company and Scunci too!

  • 6. jess  |  January 30th, 2008 at 6:48 pm

    Would you recommend a wide or thin headband for a round face?

  • 7. Trisha  |  January 30th, 2008 at 11:02 pm

    To flatter a round face, you want to visually elongate it as much as possible. Create height on top of your head with your hair, and minimize hair width around your face. With this in mind, you can try wide or thin headbands–whichever you like better.

  • 8. Michelle  |  May 9th, 2008 at 12:35 pm

    I love headbands and scarfs because they add a nice, feminine touch to complete any outfit. A stylish headband can either polish a look, or add a bit of glam to an outfit. However, I would suggest that while wearing a high-fashion headband or scarf to keep other accessories to a minimum. For example, earrings should be kept to simple studs, or none at all. The headband or scarf should be the focal point and other accessories, like a heavy necklace, should not compete for attention. This can lead to a cluttered look. I found some great high-fashion hair accessories online at http://www.pinkpewter.com. There are several designs to choose from, and I find the prices are reasonable. I haven’t seen designs like these anywhere else.There are also children’s hair accessories on that site that I find would work for me, too!

  • 9. Maria Svenival  |  January 23rd, 2009 at 8:33 am

    thecandythief.etsy.com has great one of a kind head bands…very retro! I love the headband trend!

  • 10. Debora  |  March 2nd, 2009 at 8:56 am

    Thanks for the info. I think I’ll give it a try…love the ribbon double headwrap!

  • 11. Trisha  |  March 2nd, 2009 at 9:13 pm

    Headbands are super chic, glad you’re giving them a try!

  • 12. Annie Lee  |  February 19th, 2010 at 4:43 am

    Here is a gorgeous and unique headbands I’ve never seen anywhrer.
    http://stores.ebay.com/1st-unique-avenue
    Pretty cool!!
    Celebrity & helloywood star style!!
    You will love them!

  • 13. reae  |  March 4th, 2010 at 1:30 pm

    hi i was looking for a hairband that gave your hair plenty of height, i seen them in america. you combe your hair over the top of them and hey presto! x do you know where i would be able to get one? thank you

  • 14. guestavo gaeta  |  October 10th, 2010 at 5:18 pm

    i love you look like my girl pal Ana i also love wearing heabands im a freak im gay and i dont like girls im bigendered also im gay

  • 15. guestavo gaeta  |  October 10th, 2010 at 5:19 pm

    me too i have a thing for plastic headbands


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