Your Guide to Wearing Headbands Multiple Ways

Are you growing complacent in your hair care and styling routine? Think you’ve tried everything there is to try with your haircut and texture? Bring something new into the routine with hair accessories like jeweled or knotted headbands.

There isn’t just one way to wear a headband. Depending on where you place it on your head and how you style your hair around it, you can create a variety of fun and unique styles. Break out of your rut by using Twine and Love’s guide to wearing headbands multiple ways as a stepping stone to more hair creativity!

Ponytail

Do you like to sweep your hair back in a ponytail to keep it out of your face? An eye-catching headband can help you achieve that goal while adding flair.

Low Pony

Pull your hair back into a low ponytail and secure it with an elastic. Slide on a simple headband in your favorite color, style, or texture. If you want, pull a couple pieces of hair out to frame your face.

High Pony

A high ponytail adds a chic feeling without much effort. Tie your hair into a high ponytail, using a brush and hairspray if needed to tame flyaways and create a sleek look. Finish off the style by putting on a colorful headband that frames your face while keeping your hair securely out of the way.

Bun

Whether you have extra-long hair or simply prefer to keep your hair in one place, a bun is a perfect opportunity to add a headband. How do you like to style yours?

Messy Bun

The messy bun is a classic way to encourage your hair’s natural texture while keeping it out of the way. Incorporate some extra texture into your ’do with a chunky knotted headband centered at the crown of your head. Pull out a few wisps of hair and let them effortlessly frame the headband and your face.

Slicked-Back Bun

If you have naturally straight hair, you’re a prime candidate for this sleek, sophisticated style. Use your product of choice—gel, spray, or mousse—to slick your hair out of your face and twirl it into a neat bun at the nape of your neck. Choose a knotted headband in a solid color to top off the look and keep your hair secure.

Glam Center Part

Parting your hair straight down the middle is a classic style made all the more sleek and chic with the addition of a bejeweled headband for extra visual interest. Accent a daring center part by placing—not pushing—the headband toward the back of your head. Treat it like a tiara or a crown, not simply a means to keeping your hair tidy.

Pro Tip:

Pushing your headband from the hairline to the crown is ideal for more casual or sporty hairstyles, as it keeps more of your hair away from your face. Glamorous hairstyles benefit from more thoughtful placement of the headband, so you can keep a couple of wispy pieces loose to frame your face.

Half-Up, Half-Down

If you like to leave some of your hair flowing free but don’t want to keep pushing long hair out of your face, try incorporating the best of both worlds. Tie up half of your hair so the face-framing layers are out of your face, and leave the length in the back loose. Use a thinner headband encrusted with rhinestones to keep those face-framing layers in place.

Loose and Wavy

You don’t have to pull your hair back into a ponytail or bun to have fun with headbands. Style your hair in loose waves, using an anti-frizz serum if necessary to keep flyaways to a minimum. Place a knotted headband at the crown of your head, leaving some of those face-framing waves loose in front.

Pro Tip:

Because this hairstyle is so simple on its own, use it as an opportunity to wear a statement headband! Go wild with colors, textures, and rhinestones, and let the headband command some attention.

Sporty and Practical

Has it been a day or two since you’ve had the chance to wash your hair? Wearing a headband is a tried-and-true method for transforming unwashed hair into a fashion statement. Slide the headband on toward the front of your head to disguise oily roots, and either leave your hair loose or tie it into an effortless messy bun or side ponytail.

Short Hair

Whether you’re rocking a bob, a pixie, or a trendy asymmetrical cut, don’t feel left out of the headband game. Headbands function similarly to tiaras in hair that’s too short to fall in your face.

Pixie

Style your hair to enhance the short layers in your pixie cut; if you have wavy or curly hair, let your natural texture shine. Choose a thin jeweled headband and center it at the crown of your head, allowing your hair to frame it naturally.

Sleek Bob

If your hair’s a wee bit longer, use your favorite flyaway-taming product to gently slick back your hair. Make a part in your hair wherever you like, and grab a thick knotted or embroidered headband to sweep face-framing layers out of the way.

Curly Updo

Need to create a glam hairstyle for a fancy event? A headband with some sparkle can elevate any updo. Pile your hair on top of your head, then pull a few face-framing pieces out. If your hair is naturally curly, use cream or mousse to encourage the natural texture. Meanwhile, if you have straighter hair, use a curling iron on these pieces.

Next, grab a headband covered in sparkly rhinestones and set it at the crown of your head, a couple of inches behind your hairline. Avoid pushing it from the hairline to the crown, as that creates a look that’s more sporty and less glam.

If you’re looking for unique things to do with your hair that don’t involve a fresh new cut, enlist the power of hair accessories. Headbands, in particular, are a remarkably versatile tool for styling and accessorizing your hair, no matter what length or texture you’re working with.

Use Twine and Love’s guide to wearing headbands multiple ways the next time you need some styling inspiration. Don’t forget to check out our collection of handmade headbands and other hair accessories!