How to Wear a Headband + Some Favorites

Calling all Blair Waldorf fans! Let’s talk headbands and how to wear a headband. It’s an easy hair accessory to throw on to instantly make any outfit a bit more polished, and works on long or short hair and with or without bangs. There are so many cute headbands out there right now; I’m sharing a bunch of my favorites, along with a few ways to to wear them. 

How to Wear a Headband

Long gone are the days when you’d put a headband on and push the headband to puff up your hair. Today’s headbands and hairstyles are much chicer, and there’s a headband style for pretty much everyone.

Headbands are the greasy and bad hair day saviors! If you have a video conference and didn’t have time to do your hair, just spray in some dry shampoo, throw on a headband and poof – instant virtual style.

Headbands are a relatively low on the investment level when it comes to accessories because they’re cheaper than jewelry, shoes, and bags.

Some of the best places to shop for headbands include Anthropologie, Lele Sadoughi, and Shopbop.

Anthropologie always has a great selection of headbands. You can find a ton of different styles, colors, and prints there! Shopbop also offers a great headband selection, although they tend to be a little pricier than Anthropologie’s options.

How to Wear a Headband With Your Hair Down

Traditional Headbands

For traditional headbands, AKA the he hard ones with the opening at the bottom – the easiest way to wear them is over your head, placed behind your ears and with some hair in the front of the headband to frame your face. This is an updated, more modern way to wear this timeless hair accessory.

Instead of inserting the ends behind your ears and sliding the curved part over your forehead toward the back of your head, simply place your headband on top of your head, about an inch behind your natural hairline. I know that sounds crazy, but this tinny little adjustment when putting on your headband will have your hair will fall natural in front and behind of the headband along the sides, and you can adjust accordingly.

You can also tuck some hair behind your ears after the headband is on; it’s much more effortless and rigid than that slicked back style you used to rock.

This hair style is better for middle parting or if your part is just off-center, and looks great with loose waves for added volume.

Turban Headbands

For a turban style, you can still wear it like a traditional headband, it just may take some extra time to pull some hairs through the front. My favorite way to wear a turban headband, though, is full-on hippie style.

Just open it and pop it over your head in a horizontal position, with the front knot/twist/bow detail on the front of your forehead. Then I like to push it up just a smidge so there’s a bit of volume and my hair isn’t so flat. It can be tricky at first, but practice makes perfect!

A black turban headband is always a classic. 

How to Wear a Headband With A Bun

A Sleek Low Bun

A sleek, slicked-back low bun is always great for when you want to be a little on the fancier side with your hair.

Nobody does the slicked-back low bun/headband combo better than Blair Eadie. She has perfected the perfect center part and low ballerina bun.

First, be sure to comb everything back and down in place to avoid bumps, then finish with hairspray to prevent flyaways. 

This is a great headband hairstyle if you want to be polished but a little dressed up. For more formal occasions, try this look with an embellished headband.

A Messy Bun

Alternately, you can also do a low, messy bun for a bit of a more effortless feel. I love this headband hairstyle on lazy days when you also want to look put together.

To keep the easy vibe of this look, make sure your hair isn’t pulled too tightly above the ears, then grab a few strands and let them hang in front of your headband.

More Headband Hairstyle Ideas

Headband with a Low Ponytail

Whenever I’m in a rush or haven’t washed my hair, I default to a low ponytail. However, sometimes this look can feel a little blah, so the easiest way to elevate this hairstyle is to add a headband.

Headband with Braids

If you want to take your headband hairstyle up a level, try a braid with it!

Laura Leigh of Louella Reese incorporated a single French braid, then topped it off with her headband. This is a darling look for a vintage, cottage-core feel.

Headband with Short Hair

I think headbands look so cute with short hair, proven below by Jessica Camerata of An Indigo Day.

For short hair, stick to a traditional headband and let the front fall pieces hang in front of your ears. You can’t go wrong with adding a little bend to your hair, either.

Use a Bandana as a Headband

A long thin scarf, square scarf, or bandana also make for great headbands. You can work them into any of the hairstyles above, my I’m partial to wearing them with my hair down. Just tie the ends into a little knot, and you’re good to go!