How to Wear a Headband

If there’s one thing we love, it’s the way a hair accessory can instantly upgrade your hairstyle with minimal effort. One of our go-to accessories? A headband, of course! This OG accessory is known for its ability to camouflage hair color in need of a touch-up and oily roots—not to mention it’s super cute for day-to-day wear. Not sure how to rock one for yourself? Here, learn how to wear a headband with the following six headband hairstyles.

HOW TO WEAR A HEADBAND

Ready to style your mane with your new favorite hair accessory? Let’s get to it!

HEADBAND HAIRSTYLE #1: SOCK BUN

Pull your hair into a perfect donut with the help of a sock bun! After you’ve created your bun, slip on your headband of choice, which will upgrade your ‘do while simultaneously disguising any flyaways and baby hairs.

HEADBAND HAIRSTYLE #2: LOOSE WAVES

Amp up the bohemian vibes by pairing loose waves with a lace headband. Get the look sans heat with the help of a wave spray. Spritz the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Wave Swept Spray onto damp hair, braid, then remove the braid when your hair is dry. Slip on your headband and rock your boho ‘do!

HEADBAND HAIRSTYLE #3: FISHTAIL BRAID

Weave your strands into an intricate fishtail braid—and take the look up a notch by throwing on a headband of your choice (perhaps a braided one to complement the hairstyle). If you’re rusty on your braiding skills, check out Our Easy Fishtail Braid Tutorial.

HEADBAND HAIRSTYLE #4: DUTCH PIGTAILS

Consider Dutch pigtails a blast from the past? While you may have sported a similar hairstyle when you were five, we swear Dutch pigtails are trendy in a whole other light nowadays—especially when paired with a beautiful headband!  

HEADBAND HAIRSTYLE #5: SLEEK AND STRAIGHT

Smooth back super-straight strands with a headband. This will keep flyaways at bay while allowing your sleek, straight hair to cascade down your back.

HEADBAND HAIRSTYLE #6: MESSY BUN

Picture this: You run out the door and throw your hair into a messy bun. We’ve all been there! Whether you’ve overslept or simply can’t be bothered to spend extra time on your hair, putting on a headband can take your messy bun from rushed to looking planned in less than a minute.

HOW TO MAKE A HEADBAND

Now that you know how to wear a headband, you may be wondering if it’s possible to make one. Spoiler alert: It is! And—bonus—it’s super simple, too. Here are three ways to make a headband in case you don't have one on hand.

Option #1: Use a ribbon. Have some ribbon lying around? A silky strand is the perfect material to make a DIY headband. Simply cut the strand to an appropriate length and tie it around your head. You can leave a bow on top for a feminine touch, or slide your tied ends to the back of your head for a seamless look.

Option #2: Use a scarf. You can also use a scarf as a makeshift headband. Just steer clear of ones with thicker fabric, like wool, and opt for the lighter, slightly shorter in length ones you have in your wardrobe. Then, wrap the scarf around your head and tie it at the nape of your neck. All done!

Option #3: Use a piece of fabric. Find yourself at the craft store? You can easily customize your DIY headband by picking up the fabric of your choice to make your headband. After choosing your favorite pattern, material, and color, get it cut slightly longer than you think you’ll need—it’s always better to have too much to work with than not enough! Wrap the fabric around your head and tie at the nape of your neck. If you have a sewing machine and a stretchy fabric, you can also place a pin where the ends of the fabric meet, then sew to create a head wrap. Easy, right?

Next up: Give another hair accessory a try. Here’s How to Wear a Barrette.