Headbands are a trend that, truth be told, never goes out of style. There is a virtually endless array of styles on the market, making it possible to find a headband for nearly every outfit and occasion. Athletic apparel brands have jumped on the bandwagon, as well, with headbands that keep your head and face cool and dry during sports activities and workouts.
This accessory is also affordable, making it a stylish piece that fits nearly anyone’s budget. If headbands have one caveat, it’s that not every type of material and design will work in every type of hair. However, this is a minor obstacle and one that you can easily overcome if you do your research.
The 18-inch length x 10-inch width dimensions of the Natural Life Boho Bandeau Headband bolster its staying power; this wide headband won’t slide through your hair. Plus, you can wear it in many different ways.
What to know before you buy a headband
The type of headband you want
If you think that headbands are limited to the plastic or fabric bands of your primary school days, you’ll be excited to learn that there are many different styles available today including:
Plastic headbands: Perhaps one of the most well-known versions, these headbands are constructed of plastic and come in the standard horseshoe shape.
Fabric headbands: These headbands might be another classic, but they’re available in a dizzying array of fabrics, widths, colors and designs. The options are virtually infinite.
Toothed/comb headbands: This is a flexible, stretchy comb that slides over your hair and holds your tresses securely.
Faux braid headbands: The faux braid headband owes its rise in large part to the increasing popularity of hairpieces. Choose a shade that matches your hair and you can easily pull off braided styles.
Athletic performance headbands: Intended for use during athletic activities like workouts, these headbands are constructed of fabric that wicks sweat and typically has a firm grip.
The function of the headband
Consider what you plan to do while wearing the headband. It’ll impact the type of headband you choose. For example, plastic headbands usually don’t work well for securing your hair and keeping your head dry during workouts.
The type of hair you have
Thin headbands with a loose grip are prone to sliding in fine hair that’s silky and they don’t have the holding power required for thick or curly hair. If your hair falls into any of these categories, thick headbands with a firm grip or comb headbands are the best options. If you have hair of average thickness and texture, you can probably get away with most headband styles.
Headband features
Headband material
Headbands are constructed from a wide range of materials and you may want to buy multiple headbands. If that’s the case, think about what kind of material will work best for the intended purpose of each headband, the occasion and the place you’ll wear them. Don’t lump them together and buy the same type of headband for different situations, unless it’s perfect for them all.
Headband color and design
Headbands are available in so many colors and designs, it’s easy to buy more than you’ll actually wear. You can keep the process simple by focusing on which colors and designs are best for the intended purpose of the headband. Think about the outfit you intend to wear it with and how well it might coordinate with the rest of your wardrobe.
Headband placement
Some headbands are designed to be worn across the top of your head, perpendicular to your forehead. Others are designed to be worn across your forehead. You can usually find the latter design in athletic performance headbands and bohemian style headbands.
Headband cost
With a price range of $5-$35, headbands are one of the most affordable accessories on the market. There are designer versions that cost upwards of $100, but the average headband is inexpensive.
Headband FAQ
What’s the right way to wear a headband?
A. There are several different ways you can wear a headband, but there aren’t any hard-and-fast rules. You can wear a fabric headband across the forehead in a boho style or over the top of your head. You can pull back all of your hair with a crown headband or pull a few strands loose in the front and tuck them behind your ears, in front of the headband. Headbands look ultra-chic when worn with a ponytail or bun.
The method you choose is entirely up to you. This is one reason why headbands are fun and versatile.
Can you wear a headband if you have short hair?
A. You absolutely can. One universal benefit of headbands is their ability to work in any length of hair. One important point to keep in mind is the length of your hair at the crown and in the front. If it’s super short, you may not be able to pull it back with all styles of headbands. Fortunately, headbands also look great with some loose strands of hair.
Which headband should I get?
Best of the best headband
Natural Life Boho Bandeau Headband: available at Amazon
Our take: The generous 18-inch length x 10-inch width dimensions of this whimsical headband give it enormous versatility. Wear it draped across your forehead or the crown of your head, wrap it around an updo or even repurpose it as a crop top.
What we like: Unlike some other cloth headbands, the Boho Bandeau won’t slip off your head as the day goes on. You can choose from a large variety of designs. The Boho Bandeau comes with instructions for wearing it in 12 different ways.
What we dislike: Some buyers expressed frustration over quality issues like the headband stretching out, cheap fabric and fading colors. There are reports that the sizing is too big and reports that the sizing is too small, so this issue may depend largely on the size of your head.
Best bang for your buck headband
Scunci Stretch Hair Combs, Three-Count: available at Amazon
Our take: Similar in design to the traditional headband, these stretch hair combs improve on it by pulling your hair back sleekly without snagging it. Plus, they stretch.
What we like: Since these combs are constructed of a material that stretches, you can count on a firm hold regardless of the size of your head or the thickness of your hair. This three-pack comes with combs in tortoise, opaque white and black to give you options.
What we dislike: Dissatisfied buyers reported poor quality and construction that resulted in the combs breaking and stretching out after just a few uses.
Honorable mention headband
Under Armour Performance Headband: available at Amazon
Our take: If you’re looking specifically for a headband to wear during workouts, this pick from Under Armour will help keep you cool and dry by wicking moisture from your skin.
What we like: Choose from four colors in this performance headband made by a trusted fitness apparel brand.
What we dislike: The most common complaints among unhappy buyers were inferior moisture-wicking performance and a fit that was too tight.
Megan Oster is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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