10 Headband Hairstyles to Wear With Any Look

A headband allows you to add extra style and function to any outfit, whether you’re styling your favorite ensemble or trying to save time when you’re in a rush. Here are some hairstyles to wear with this versatile accessory:

1. 1. Braid: If you have long hair, tuck a headband in front of a loose braid for a relaxed and classic look. Pull out a few tousled layers from around your hairline to frame your face, or tuck a thick padded or embellished headband behind your ears to separate your bangs from the loose braid. Alternatively, create a DIY braided headband out of your own hair by French braiding strands together sideways across your head, about an inch away from your hairline. Wear this look as a bohemian, un-fussy wedding hairstyle or to brunch with your friends.
2. 2. Down and loose: It’s easy to wear any headband style—from knotted headbands to oversized padded headbands to bow headbands—with curly, straight, or wavy hair of any length simply worn down and loosely tousled. Experiment with different placements on your head: Sweep the headband over your hairline to slick back your face-framing layers, or wear the band right behind straight-across blunt bangs. Style your hair in a middle part and tuck the headband behind your ears to keep flyaways out of your face. Curl or wave your hand with a curling iron or beach waver to add texture.
3. 3. Half-up/half-down: A half-up/half-down hairstyle is a flattering look to wear with a headband whether you have short, straight hair or wavy, long hair. For this style, split your hair horizontally at the back of your head, then pull the top half back into a ponytail or styled bun hairstyle. Style this look with a velvet headband (for classic charm) or a flower crown (for a bohemian look).
4. 4. High ponytail: Adding a headband to a high ponytail is a great way to sweep back errant tendrils or accent some face-framing layers. To create a high, voluminous ponytail, tease your hair at the crown of your head, spraying some dry shampoo at the roots for texture and volume. Next, sweep your hair into a ponytail that sits at the back of the crown of your head. Place your headband about three inches behind your hairline so that there’s a little volume between the band and the ponytail. Pair this look with a headwrap for a boho-chic style, or try a thin, embellished headband for a glam look.
5. 5. Low bun: A loose chignon or a low bun is versatile enough to wear with any kind of headband. Part your hair in the middle, tuck a headband behind your ears, then twist your hair into a loose knot at the nape of your neck. Combine this easy hairstyle with a patterned, wide headband for a cute, casual look, or try a bejeweled tiara-style headband for a formal style.
6. 6. Low ponytail: If your hair is too short for a low bun or high ponytail, wear a headband with a low ponytail. Middle or side parts can both work with this style. If you have long hair, gather it closer to one ear for a side ponytail that cascades down your shoulder. Accent this look with a bow, scarf, or elastic headband.
7. 7. Messy bun: A headband always is a great accent for an effortless top knot, whether you have voluminous curly hair or pin-straight hair. Simply sweep your hair up on top of your head loosely, with some tendrils falling in front of your face. Alternatively, tuck the headband behind those tendrils and in front of the messy bun. Secure the bun to the top of your head with some bobby pins if it feels too loose.
8. 8. Retro middle part: For a retro look that can evoke either Jazz Age or hippie styles, wear a thin headband across your forehead with your hair in a middle part. To achieve this style, part your hair in the middle, then wear a loose fabric, patterned, or rope headband horizontally around your head so that it falls in the middle of your forehead. Crimp or braid some of the front hair pieces to add volume and texture to the look.
9. 9. Swept up: Those with short hair (like pixie cuts) can sweep it back with a headband for a delicate look. Simply comb your hair back and smooth your headband of choice back from your hairline to the desired position. Alternatively, comb some face-framing hair pieces towards the front of your face to make bangs and tuck the headband behind them. Use a small comb or clear mascara brush to smooth any flyaways. Any type of headband will work with this look, from a utilitarian bandana to a delicate pearl headband.
10. 10. Updo: Pair an intricate, braided updo or a curly updo from your hairstylist with a soft black headband for a classic look. If you have blunt or curtain bangs, leave them loose in front of the headband. Thin, dainty, or chain headbands also make an elegant addition to your updo. Wear this look to a formal dinner or as part of a bridal look.

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