EDITORIALIST: 7 WAYS TO ROCK THE HEADBAND TREND AS AN ADULT

by Mackenzie Dunn

*Photo Courtesy of Jeremy Moeller / Getty Image*

Perhaps we’re still swooning over Amanda Gorman’s padded Prada headband moment from the 2021 presidential inauguration, but in our estimation, headbands are making a major comeback. We’re not talking about your old-school plastic headbands from middle school, either. We’re talking gorgeous, luxe designer headbands that elevate any outfit—while simultaneously concealing greasy roots and keeping hair out of your face. These playful hair accessories can dress up your Zoom call or pull together a monochromatic look in seconds, and though they might have gained more popularity during the pandemic, celebrity stylists don’t see them going anywhere—even as our social calendars slowly get back to normal.

“Athleisure is exploding in our new normal of Zoom culture and headbands allow people to express themselves with fun, unique, and bold looks,” says celebrity hairstylist Cory Aaron Scott. “This trend will only grow as the world reopens and people begin to socialize in person again. Plus, headbands are the ultimate versatile accessory. They can be used with nearly every hair type and texture—even the shortest of hair,” he says.

If you’re looking to channel your inner Gossip Girl (Blair Waldorf, anyone?), or the world’s most fashionable poet laureate, check out these trendy ways to wear a headband. Expert stylists will walk you through the step-by-step for how to get the look.

How to Wear a Headband

Padded Headband

*Photo Courtesy of Christian Vierig / Getty Image*

Padded headbands give a nod to the ’90s in the best possible way. To achieve the look, grab your favorite puffed-up hairpiece (the bigger the better here) and part your hair down the middle. According to Nick Stenson, a celebrity hairstylist and ambassador for L’Oreal Matrix, “Middle parts are having their moment right now and they look stunning peeking out from any style headband.” To master this style, spray a bit of hairspray directly on your comb or brush to tame stubborn flyaways on either side of the part before laying down your band, per Stenson. Another pro tip: Always have a tube of clear mascara for on-the-go touch-ups.

Wrap Headband

*Photo Courtesy of Edward Berthelot / Getty Image*

“The wrap headband look is a great summer go-to,” says celeb stylist Clariss Rubenstein. To keep cool and get your hair off your neck, start by securing your ponytail (or bun or topknot) at the crown of the head. Then, hold the center of either a folded scar or silk wrap headband at the back of the neck, cross the scarf at the front of the head, and secure the end of the scarf at the nape of the neck. Place two bobby pins on either side of the headband behind your ears to keep it from slipping and secure it in place.

Dainty Headband

A skinny headband is a more subtle and feminine way to get in on the trend, and can easily add a bit of glamour to a cropped cut. Show off your gorgeous bob by placing your headband over a casual, textured wave. To achieve the look, Rubenstein suggests using a flat iron or larger barrel curling iron to create an easygoing bend in the hair. You can alternate size and direction for a natural result. Then, finish it off with a spritz of texturizing spray for a ‘do that’s perfectly undone. Finally, place the headband slightly less than halfway back on your head.

Embellished Headband

*Photo Courtesy of Kirstin Sinclair / Getty Image*

With the addition of a glitzy, crystal-embellished headband, there’s no need for jewelry. Lke a crown, these larger-than-life headbands draw attention to your face and instantly dress up your ensemble. According to luxury hairstylist Senada Ceka, you can mimic this slicked-back look and let the headband take center stage by setting your hair up in a low ponytail or bun. Then, “use a smoothing comb or slim boar brush with some spray wax to help you get the sleekness needed to show the headband off.” Once the wax dries , Ceka says to apply the headband half an inch from the hairline and watch it sparkle as it catches the light.

Bow headband

There’s an art to rocking a bow headband while still coming across as chic and grown-up. Ceka tells us that mastering this tousled look may take a few attempts, but it will become your go-to second-day hairstyle. “Start by parting the hair and separating some frontal pieces that you want to leave outside of the headband,” she says. “This will vary depending on your face frame and I recommend starting with fewer pieces and pulling more if necessary. Then, add texturizing spray to your hair to get the messy, loose texture.” If you want to add more hair to the front pieces, go a little farther from the hairline and end at the back of your ear. Separate these pieces and apply the headband. Finally, Ceka advises gently teasing the root of the front pieces to set them in place and keep them from looking limp.

Scarf headband

“Scarves make the most versatile headbands because they can create so many different looks,” says Stenson., He loves to play with the different lengths, widths, and patterns that can be knotted, tied in a bow, wrapped or tucked in, depending on the mood. Plus, a scarf is always a worthy addition to box braids or naturally-textured hair. To wear in your hair, simply fold the scarf to the desired width, then wrap around your head and tie in a bow at the nape of your neck. For those with color-treated hair, this headband option is also an easy way to cover up roots in between appointments.

Sporty Headband

The stretchy cotton headband of your youth has officially gotten a revival, and our inner Cher from Clueless is screaming. Make the most of second (or even third) day hair by concealing oily roots with one of these thick hair accessories. Biolage global ambassador and celebrity hairstylist Sunnie Brook walks us through this easy style by saying to start by teasing (backcombing) half-inch sections of your hair at the crown. Then, “brush your hair up and away from your face and set the volumized shape with some hairspray.” And since these comfy headbands are notorious for slipping, Brook advises spraying the area underneath the band before applying it to create some grip. Finally, let the headband sit just past the hairline and over the top of your ears for a fashion-forward and face-framing style.