How To Wear A Headband: 8 Stylish Ways

How do you wear headbands? How do you style headbands? What types of headbands are there? Headbands have come a long way from those we wore at school. Now they are back in fashion, offering an effortless and stylish way to compliment or finish off any outfit. Your options when it comes to headbands are endless: thin, thick, padded, wide, knotted, knitted, embellished with beads or pearls, fabric, leather, velvet and all in a variety of colours. 

Whatever your style or the occasion, there is a headband for you. They are chic and functional, keeping your hair in place. Opting for a wide or knitted headband will keep your head warm in colder weather and make you look good. Let us show you eight stylish ways on how to wear a headband depending on your hairstyle - whether you’re going for a casual or glamorous look.

How To Style Headbands: The Ultimate Guide

Just as there is an assortment of headbands, there are also many different ways to style and wear them. We have put together eight simple ways on how to wear a headband based on hairstyle and headband type. These tips will give you a general guide to wearing headbands, including something for everyone.

1. How To Wear A Headband With Short Hair

With short hair, it’s best to go with a thin headband, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, so you don’t cover up too much of your hair. Of course, you could choose a thick padded headband to make a statement. Let us show you how to wear a headband with short hair.

Add some volume to your hair by blow-drying, then place your headband about an inch behind your hairline. To add softness, leave some hair hanging in front of the headband to frame your face. 

For a casual and versatile look, choose a headband that matches your hair colour so you can wear it with any outfit. If you want bold and glamorous, choose a thin headband with a big embellishment like a flower or decorated with diamante; both are chic hair accessories for short hair.

2. How To Wear A Knotted Headband

Knotted headbands are usually made from soft fabrics and worn lower across the forehead. The simplest way to wear a top knot headband is to pull it over your head and ensure that all your hair is underneath so when you place it on your head, your hair flows over it, creating a classic feminine style. 

Another way to wear a headband is to wear it over your hair like a crown for an edgier style or pair it with a ponytail to dress up your look. Want to know how to tie a bandana headband? Wrap a folded bandana around your head, tie a knot, then move it to the back or leave it at the front, giving you a casual look. 

Need to know how to wear a headband for a night out? Why not try an embellished version or a satin one in leopard print?

3. How To Wear A Knitted Headband

Knitted headbands are a fabulously smart and functional winter accessory, generally worn over the ears and on top of the forehead. Available in various types of knit, they create a casual, cosy look. Wear it over long, curly or short hair. Try styling it with one plait or two, a half updo or a ponytail. A knitted headband in cashmere paired with the right outfit will give you a classic, sophisticated look.

4. How To Wear A Headband With A Fringe

Show off that fringe with a headband by placing it where your hairline meets the top of your fringe. Also, it’s best to part your hair down the middle. Try a simple thinner headband for short hair, or wear a statement wide headband, or a bandana. Try a padded or knotted headband with a messy ponytail or bun for long hair.

5. How To Wear A Headband with Long Hair

With long hair, you can choose any headband type you like, and there are many ways to style it. Leave your hair down and pick a headband style and colour to compliment your outfit. You can pair your headband with an updo, low ponytail, or braids. For a more sophisticated look, slick back your hair and choose a padded headband embellished with beads or pearls.

6. How To Wear A Wide Headband

You can wear fabric headbands by sliding them on top of your head, ensuring all your hair is underneath. Wide headbands like this are ideal for long or medium-length hair. 

You can wear it close to your forehead or push it back to the top of your head. Wear it boho style over your hair like a crown with your hair down, or pair it with a side ponytail, braid or updo. 

7. How To Wear A Thick Headband

Thick padded headbands are a statement piece that will add style to any outfit and flatter your face. It will add a feminine touch to trousers, jeans and suits and a girly touch to dresses and skirts. Wear these further back from your hairline and with slicked-back hair for a sophisticated look. They are ideal for long hair and come in various shades and designs.

8. How To Wear A Headband With A Bob Haircut

As with short hair, it’s best to go with a thinner headband if you have a bob haircut. If you have a fringe or bangs, part your hair down the middle before placing the headband where your hairline meets your fringe. To add softness, leave some hair hanging in front of the headband to frame your face.

Do you want to know how to wear a headband to make a statement with a casual everyday look? Then you could also try a wide headband, knotted bandana, or a thick pearl-encrusted headband for something more sophisticated.

Final Headband Tips

We hope you will be shopping for headbands with ease in the future now that we have shown you how to wear a headband with any hairstyle and how to style your headband. Finally, here are a couple of things to note before your next headband-shopping expedition:

• Always keep in mind when putting on your headband (except wide, flexible or knitted ones) to place it in front of your ears where your hairline stops leaving a little space between the headband and the top of your head. Push it back until the ends are behind your ears, then lower the top of the headband into place.
• Comfort is essential, so ensure when you buy a headband that it sits nicely and is not too tight or irritates you, especially if you want to wear it all day. 
• Although we have recommended certain headband types for long or short hair, don’t be afraid to try out whichever headband you like.
• As an alternative to a fitted headband, you can learn how to tie a headscarf to wear as a band instead.

Now that you know how to wear a headband, why not check out the selection of headbands available at NA-KD and see if you can find the perfect one? You can also check out our expert’s suggestions about how to wear a bucket hat and how to measure hat sizes to get the perfect fit.