There are dozens of different types of headbands you can wear, and they’re not all for women. Headbands come in many shapes, materials, and styles. You can use them to hold hair back, add a decorative detail, or keep your ears warm.
Since then, there have been many types of headbands invented to help people express themselves.
A flirty pink velvet headband with your favorite ‘girly’ dress or a thick patterned scarf headband worn with a loose, flowing kimono on the beach are just two of the many stylish ways to work the hair trend back into your wardrobe.
And for the men out there, you’ll learn a thing or two about the types of headbands you can use to emphasize your own personal style, from hipster to gym jockey. Read on to learn more.
Different Types of Headbands
Give your hair (and wardrobe) an update by adding one of these types of fashionable headbands for men and women. Here are 24 different types of headbands to choose from for every occasion.
Hard Headbands
Hard headbands have a rigid plastic or metal frame that slides over the head and grips behind the ears, so check the fit if you are prone to pinching.
1. Plastic Headband
A plastic headband is the classic hard band: a smooth, horseshoe-shaped strip that slides over the top of the head and grips behind the ears, often with tiny teeth inside the ends for extra hold. In the UK it is often called an Alice band, after the band Alice wears in John Tenniel’s illustrations for Through the Looking-Glass. It is inexpensive and easy to wipe clean. If one pinches behind your ears, look for a more flexible band.
2. Toothed Headband
A toothed headband, also called a comb headband, is a hard band with a row of comb teeth along its whole length, like the translucent ones shown here. The teeth grip your hair so the band stays put, which helps if your hair is fine or slippery. Slide it on from the hairline backward so the teeth comb your hair smooth as it settles, and lift it straight off to avoid snags.
3. Zigzag Headband
A zigzag headband is a slim, flexible band bent into a wave shape. It springs open to slide on, and the zigzags grip the hair at many points, so it can hold even thick hair back without slipping. Men and women both wear it for a sleek, off-the-face look. Push it back from the hairline and let your lengths fall loose, as in the photo.
4. Faux Braid Headband
A faux braid headband is a hard band covered with a braid made of faux hair, so it looks like a plait crowning your head. It gives you a braided look in seconds if braiding is tricky or your hair is too short to braid. Pick a shade close to your natural color and pull a few loose strands over the edges so the band blends in.
5. Satin Headband
A satin headband has a hard base wrapped in smooth, glossy satin, often gathered or ruched like the lilac one shown here. The sheen dresses up simple hair, so it works for the office, brunch or a party. Satin’s smooth surface is also less likely to snag hair than rougher fabrics. Pair a soft shade like this purple with a low ponytail or long, loose waves.
6. Bow Headband
A bow headband is a hard band topped with an oversized bow, like the glittery silver one shown here. The bow is the focal point, so it suits parties, holidays and dressy outfits more than low-key days. Keep the rest of your hair simple, sleek or softly waved, so the bow stands out. A solid satin or velvet bow tones the look down for everyday wear.
7. Embellished Headband
An embellished headband is a hard band covered in decorations such as pearls, beads, crystals or rhinestones, like this one packed with pearls and beads in mixed sizes. It dresses up an updo or a blowout for weddings, parties and formal events, so let it be your main accessory and keep earrings simple. To make your own, glue beads or faux pearls onto a plain band.
8. Flower Headband
A flower headband is a hard band trimmed with artificial flowers and leaves, like the pink and white blooms shown here. It is a go-to for flower girls, bridesmaids and brides, and it also suits spring parties and summer festivals. Choose flowers that echo the dress or the wedding colors, and wear it over loose waves or a half-up style so the blooms frame your face.
9. Gold Laurel Headband
A gold laurel headband is a metal band lined with gold-tone leaves, modeled on the laurel wreath, a symbol of victory in ancient Greece and Rome. It suits weddings, formal events and Greek goddess looks, and some versions circle the whole head like a wreath. Wear it just behind the hairline over loose waves, as in the photo, so the leaves catch the light.
10. Novelty Headband
A novelty headband is a hard band topped with a themed decoration, like these red devil horns trimmed with black feathers. The same idea covers reindeer antlers for holiday parties and animal ears for costume parties, so one band can finish an outfit in seconds. Bigger toppers can make the band tip forward, so anchor it with a couple of bobby pins behind the ears.
Soft Headbands
Soft headbands are loops of fabric, knit or elastic that circle the whole head, so the pressure is spread out and they stay comfortable for hours.
11. Stretchable Headband
A stretchable headband is a soft loop of stretchy fabric that pulls on over the head, with no hard ends to press behind the ears. Wear it wide to hold back curls or cover second-day hair, or fold it narrower for a slimmer band. It is a comfortable, casual pick for anyone, and a bold print like this one looks great with a top knot.
12. Turban Headband
A turban headband is a wide fabric band with a twist or knot at the front, made in anything from glossy satin, like the mustard one shown here, to bold prints. The raised knot adds a polished touch, so it works for errands and dinners out alike. It also covers more of the hairline than a slim band, which helps on second-day hair. Leave a few face-framing pieces loose, as shown.
13. Bowknot Headband
A bowknot headband is a soft, stretchy fabric band shaped into a bow at the front, like the turquoise one shown here. With no hard frame, it is comfortable for long wear and less likely to leave a dent in your hair when you take it off. Wear it with a messy bun or with your hair down on a low-key day.
14. Velvet Headband
A velvet headband is a soft band made from plush velvet, like the wide sage green one shown here. The fabric has a rich, slightly fuzzy texture that feels gentle on the head and looks dressier than plain cotton. Velvet suits fall and winter, from blush pink for Valentine’s Day to deep green for the holidays. Wear it with a low bun, as in the photo, for an easy polished look.
15. Sequin Headband
A sequin headband is a soft band covered in rows of tiny sequins that catch the light every time you move. It is made for parties, concerts, New Year’s Eve and costume looks. Let it be your one sparkly piece, or go all in like the photo, where a turquoise band matches a sequin choker and glittery blue eye makeup. A black one pairs easily with a little black dress.
16. Woven Headband
A woven headband is a thin band of braided material, like the light tan braid shown here worn low across the forehead. It gives an easy boho look that suits festivals, beach days and casual summer outfits, and neutral shades go with any hair color. For a full flower-child style, wear it over long, loose hair or pair it with a few small braids.
17. Sweatband
A sweatband is a thick loop of absorbent terry cloth worn across the forehead to soak up sweat before it reaches your eyes. It is a staple for tennis, basketball and gym workouts, and it has a fun retro look in classic white or stripes like the ones shown here. Wear it low on the forehead, and wash it after every workout.
18. Wide Sports Headband
A wide sports headband is a broad band of smooth, stretchy athletic fabric that keeps hair and sweat off your face during exercise. It covers more of the hairline than a thin band, so it holds back longer layers and baby hairs through running, yoga and gym sessions. Men and women both wear it, and a dark color like the one shown here hides sweat marks.
19. Thin Elastic Headband
A thin elastic headband is a slim, stretchy band, often sold in multipacks like the one shown here, that keeps flyaways and short layers off your face. Its snug fit holds hair in place through workouts while covering very little of the head, and it suits men and women alike. Stack two for extra hold, or wear one with a ponytail for running or the gym.
20. Ponytail Headband
A ponytail headband is a fleece ear warmer with an opening at the back, so a ponytail or bun can pass through while the band covers your ears. It keeps you warm on winter runs, hikes and ski days without flattening your hair the way a hat can. Bright shades like this orange are also easier for others to spot in dim winter light.
21. Knitted Winter Headband
A knitted winter headband is a wide band of knitted or crocheted yarn that covers the ears, often with a twist at the front like the blue one shown here. It keeps your ears warm without the hat hair, so it is easy to pull on for commutes, errands and casual winter days. Chunky knits look cozier, while finer knits fit more neatly under a hood.
Tie-On Headbands
Tie-on headbands are strips of cloth you fold and knot yourself, so they fit any head and can be tied at the nape, the side or on top.
22. Bandana
A bandana is a square cotton kerchief, often printed with paisley, that you fold into a strip and tie around your head. It soaks up sweat at the gym, adds a laid-back touch to casual outfits and suits men and women alike. To wear it, fold it corner to corner into a triangle, fold it into a band from the long edge, then knot it at the nape. A bright color like this orange makes a bold statement.
23. Scarf Headband
A scarf headband is a silk or cotton scarf folded into a wide band and tied, with the knot and ends at the side or on top. It covers more of the head than a bandana, so it makes a colorful statement and shows off a high ponytail or a loose bun. If your hairstyle goals lean retro, tie the knot on top for a pin-up look, or let the ends hang at the side, as shown.
24. Hachimaki
A hachimaki is a traditional Japanese headband, a strip of white or red cloth tied around the forehead and often printed with a red circle and kanji. It is worn as a symbol of effort and perseverance, at sports games, during hard work and by students preparing for big exams. The one shown here reads 合格 (gōkaku), meaning success or passing an exam. Wear it with respect for that meaning, not as a costume.
How do you choose from such a great list of headband types? The good thing is there’s no rule that says you have to choose only one. So experiment! Pick up a few different ones while you’re out shopping, then play with the various looks you can create.
