Princess Diana, Jane Fonda, Hailey Bieber, and let’s not forget, our favorite Upper East Side queen, Blair Waldorf, are total headband icons. They’ve rocked headbands in so many ways—sometimes going all out with a statement piece like a beaded headband, and other times keeping it simple and using the headband with other hairstyles

To be honest, a lot of us (yes, including us!) swore off headbands for the longest time. But after seeing these legends slay the look, we just had to give it a shot. And we loved it and we’re pretty confident you’re going to as well. So, here are 9 fun and creative headband hairstyles that might just make you rethink everything about this accessory. 

The Classic Push-Back

Credit: Envato Elements/ StudioLucky

This hairstyle is literally what it sounds like: just slide your headband on and push your hair back. Boom, done. It works with thin, thick, plain, padded, or a statement-piece headband. 

Pro tip: If you’ve got baby hairs or flyaways that won’t behave, smooth them out with a little gel or hairspray. Or don’t—messy can look cute too. 

Best for: Straight or wavy hair, short to medium lengths.

Messy Bun with a Headband

Credit: Envato Elements/ Eyecan2

Speaking of messy, this hairstyle says it all. Throw your hair up into a messy bun—don’t overthink it, the messier, the better—and add a headband to pull it all together. This combo works with literally any type of headband. 

Best for: Long hair, all textures.

Headband Braid

Credit: Envato Elements/ LightFieldStudios

Okay, the headband braid is one of those hairstyles that looks super fancy but is actually pretty easy to pull off. There are two ways you can recreate this style: you can either use your own hair to create a braid that acts as a “headband,” or you can just fake it with an actual braided headband. Either hairstyle looks super cute!

Best for: Medium to long hair, wavy or curly textures.

Sleek Ponytail with a Headband

Credit: Envato Elements/ carolinapava

This hairstyle is simple, chic, and works for literally any occasion. Brush your hair back into a smooth ponytail—low, mid, or high. Add a little hair gel or serum to tame any flyaways and slide on your headband. Go for a bold headband, like a patterned or embellished band. 

Best for: Straight hair, medium to long lengths.

A Little Bow Action

Credit: Envato Elements/ kiraliffe

Sometimes, all you need is a cute bow to level up your headband game. You can either use a headband with a built-in bow or you tie one on yourself. Pair it up with loose hair, a ponytail, or even a bun.

Best for: All hair types and lengths.

Hairband with Braid

Credit: Envato Elements/ LightFieldStudios

This combo is super cute and gives your hairstyle an effortless upgrade. Braid your hair in a single braid, double braids, or even a side braid. Once your braid is set, slide on a headband.

Best for: Medium to long hair.

Over the Hair

Credit: Envato Elements/ wirestock

This is probably the easiest hairstyle mentioned here. Just grab your favorite headband and place it over your hair. It works with loose hair, waves, a messy braid, you name it.

Best for: Long hair, all textures.

Twisted Updo with a Headband

Credit: Envato Elements/ eduarda0502

This one is perfect when you want to feel fancy without too much effort. Slide on a thick or decorative headband. Then, take sections of your hair, twist them up and tuck them into the back of the headband. Keep doing this until all your hair is secured. Leave a few strands at the front loose.

Best for: Long hair, all textures.

Double Headband

Credit: Envato Elements/ wirestock

Why settle for one headband when you can wear two? Use thinner identical headband for this style. Slide both on with around half an inch of space between them. You can wear your hair loose, in a ponytail, or with a bun. You can also place one over your head and the other one normally.

Best for: Medium to long hair, straight or wavy textures. 

Helpful Styling Tips 

• Choose headbands that fit the event. Casual headbands are great for everyday wear. Jeweled or satin ones work for formal settings.
• Use bobby pins to keep the headband in place, especially if you have silky hair.

Summary

Headbands are officially back, and there are so many fun ways to style them! These hairstyles are easy to do and instantly take your style up a notch. So, grab your favorite headbands and start experimenting—you’ll be surprised how much they can transform your look!

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