Headbands Are Back—Here Are 30 Trendy Ways to Wear Them

It’s official, hair accessories are back in style. The latest item to have made a comeback on both the runway and in our closets, headbands are majorly trending. Although the accessory is a classic example of preppy fashion, it exists in a variety of styles—from textured headbands for the colder months to sporty chic and even bejeweled designs. The current headband trend takes inspiration from runways of the 2000s, Blair Waldorf’s Upper East Side prep, and even 1960s hairstyles. We’ve tapped hair experts, Nick Stenson and Patrick Butler, for their advice on how to style headbands to match your style. Keep reading for 30 styles to inspire your next look.

Pushed Back and Padded

Padded headbands have changed since middle school, as evidenced by this Prada statement piece. However, the styling method remains the same: start at your hairline and push it back.

Statement Headband with Slicked Back Hair

This embellished headband takes center stage in all its glimmering glory. Recreate a similar look by laying your hair down and slicking it back before adding an ornate headband. Butler recommends keeping the hair up with a product such as Reuzel Fiber Pomade, which “allows you to handle any look and texture you are trying to work with.”

Hair Accessory Stacking

Headbands can be paired with other hair accessories such as claw clips as seen here. We love this unique and eclectic pairing that allows you to show off your style in multiple ways.

Laid Down Middle Part

Instead of placing your headband by pushing it back, part your hair down the middle, then place the piece over the crown of your head. Use edge control to ensure your hair remains laid down all day (or night) long.

Knotted Wrap

Keep things casual with this versatile headband style. Wrap a scarf (or bandana) around your head and tuck the ends in the back of your head or in the center as seen here on Adwoa Aboah. This style can be recreated with your hair up or down.

Wrapped With Braids

A patterned headband is a great addition to longer strands. It is a fun and practical way to style hair during time spent outside such as at a music festival. Recreate this look by tying a silk scarf around your head or opting for one with an elastic strip holding the two ends together for easy placement.

Down and Touseled

Tousled waves like Sydney Sweeney’s look great with an added row of pearls and/or rhinestones. “One of my favorite ways to prep hair is to create tousled waves with a dry texture spray,” Stenson says.

Combed Over

Hair accessories such as hats and headbands may seem like they lack versatility, Stenson says, alluding to the fact that they’re sort of a cover-up for your hair. But, the way you style your hair can actually lend itself to your accessory of choice, leveling up your entire look. Here, Jenna Dewan elevated a traditionally sporty flat headband by parting her hair in the middle and combing her strands over the accessory for a more preppy style.

Beachy Crochet

Keep your edges laid down and your hair put together on your next beach day with a wide and flat headband. Here, Matilda Djerf opted for a crochet style that is giving us major summer style inspiration.

Classic Lacquered

Lacquered headbands are timeless and super chic. They can add a polished touch to any outfit, as seen here on Bella Hadid worn with an edgy leather outfit.

Braided Double Rope

Mini headbands– like the one worn here by Lupita Nyong’o– can be doubled up for an element of surprise. Wear a contrasting color for a pop of color, or one matching your hair color for a more subtle look.

Baroque Aesthetic

Maxi headbands featuring velvet and embellished details have made their way out of retirement. Partly inspired by baroque style, longer strands with volume will make this accessory pop even more.

Embellished Pixie

Thin embellished headbands are a great way to complement shorter hairstyles like Janelle Monae’s. Hair accessories can make the perfect addition to a pixie cut for a touch of elegance and sophistication.

Y2K Zig Zag

The popular zig-zag headband of the 2000s is having a resurgence. Wear it with statement jewelry and slicked-back hair for a polished look.

Tied With a Bow

Bows in their various forms are going stronger than ever thanks to the popularity of the coquette aesthetic. This maximalist runway look can easily be recreated at home– just wrap a long thin scarf around your head and secure it with bobby pins. To maximize the look, tie the leftover lengths into a bow around your neck.

Short and Slicked Back

Ruth Negga’s short and slicked-back look requires just a dab of pomade and a quick comb through. Add an embellished headband to level up the look.

Long Waves

This chic and modern look requires minimal styling. It is the perfect option if you are on-the-go but want to wear your wavy hair on display. Butler recommends using Paul Mitchell Foaming Pommade to hold your waves. He says it “performs in any situation. Color-treated hair? No problem. Using hot tools to style? No problem. Short hair that needs a distinct style? Check.” This is also the perfect look for disguising few day-old strands or as a finishing touch as you run out the door post-sweat sesh.

Retro Americana

Rosie the Riveter, the arm-flexing factory worker symbolizing 1940s American resilience, still serves as inspiration today. Here, Barbara Palvin Sprouse recreated the look by tying a red handkerchief on a retro updo.

Curly Updo

Curly hair pairs particularly well with headband styles, as seen here on Ciara. Use your natural curls or create loose waves before twisting your strands into a high bun. Secure the look using bobby pins if needed and pull a few face-framing strands free before adding your headband of choice.

Sporty Chic

Lori Harvey’s sporty look is a direct throwback to the 1990s. This style is a great way to conceal post-workout edges and celebrate the beloved hair accessories of the decade.

Faux Fur

Bring preppy style into the colder months by opting for a faux fur headband. This statement piece can be matched with other winter accessories like a scarf and gloves for a color-coordinated final look. We can’t get enough of this cozy winter white, shearling moment.

Winter Wool

Headbands can be functional, too. They can help keep your ears warm in the winter, hide unstyled hair, and add a fashionable touch to any winter outfit.

Pop of Color

Whether you’re wearing an all-black, all-white, or neutral outfit, headbands are an easy way to add a pop of color to any look. Use it as a means to coordinate to your fit or add some contrast to your look.

Silver Jewels

Headbands don’t have to be simple; they can also be considered jewelry. Bronx and Banco featured an embellished piece, which doubles as an ear cuff, on one of its models during its February 2024 runway show. Recreate this look by slicking back or braiding your hair and styling a few loose strands on your forehead.

1960s Bob

Alex Consani walked the runway for Conner Ives Fall/Winter 2024-2025 show in a hairstyle fully inspired by the 1960s. A large flat headband was added to her lob, which was styled with flipped out ends. It’s giving Mad Men.

Slicked Down

Recreate this slick everyday style by opting for a side part, low bun, and thin flat headband. Add some statement jewelry to up the ante on this otherwise minimalistic look.

Pearls with Face-Framing Strands

Pearls help elevate any look, even a simple bun. Keep a few strands out for a tousled effect.

Maxi Monogram Scarf

Monogram scarves are a staple accessory because they are so versatile. Worn as a headband, they help complement a variety of looks and can be easily adapted to your personal style.

Tortoise Shell

Tortoiseshell is a timeless pattern that can give any outfit some added preppy flair. Simply push back your hair to secure the accessory and leave your strands free-flowing for an everyday look.

Low Ponytail

Elevate a low ponytail or half-up, half-down look with the simple addition of a headband. Here, Christinna Kuan opted for a silver padded style, a middle part, and loose waves.