When I first placed a headband on a client who told me she “couldn’t do accessories,” she stared at herself in the mirror for 30 seconds, then started getting emotional. This was an extreme reaction, but it has always stuck with me because I feel like headbands are an underappreciated accessory. A headband does just hold your hair back. It changes the entire vibe of your outfit. A headband can take that outfit you’re sick of into something new in less than 10 seconds.
I have tried different headband styles on a lot of different clients and I’ve always been surprised by how much the right headband compliments your hair, length, texture, and even your mood. For example a velvet headband can look good on straight hair but it also looks good on curled hair while a braided headband can really add something to a plain ponytail. I’ve put together some looks I love, both fancy and more casual, and I’ll talk you through what works in each one. It’s perfectly okay if a look doesn’t suit you. I hope at the very least a couple of these looks encourage you to go into your accessories drawer tonight.
#1: Elegant Braided Hairstyle with Headband Accents
This stunning braided hairstyle features a long, thick braid adorned with a delicate headband, adding an enchanting touch. Ideal for medium to thick hair, it beautifully frames various face shapes. The braid’s texture enhances volume while soft waves around the face create a romantic look. Styling requires a bit of patience but is manageable with a good quality texturizing spray. This hairstyle is perfect for special occasions, combining elegance and practicality effortlessly.
#2: Chic Shoulder-Length Waves with Floral Headband
This hairstyle features soft, shoulder-length waves that beautifully frame the face, making it perfect for various face shapes, especially round and oval. The model has medium-density, slightly textured hair, enhancing the waves’ volume and movement. The floral headband adds a charming touch, making it suitable for casual outings or special occasions. Styling requires minimal effort—just some mousse for texture and a curling wand to create the waves, making it a low-maintenance yet stylish option.
#3: Casual Shoulder-Length Hair with a Chic Headband
This hairstyle features shoulder-length hair styled with a chic headband, perfect for enhancing face shapes like oval or heart. The model’s fine hair density allows for a soft, natural look while maintaining volume. The subtle layers bring movement and dimension, making it easy to style with minimal effort. Ideal for busy days, this hairstyle can be effortlessly transformed from casual to polished with the right accessories, highlighting its versatility.
#4: Stylish Mid-Length Waves with a Headband
This hairstyle works wonders for medium to thick density hair, due to the mid-length waves which provide volume and add thickness to the hair. These gentle waves beautifully drape around the round, oval, and other face shapes, accentuating and framing the features without overpowering them. The headband is a great chic accessory, and also helps keep hair away from your face. To maintain this style throughout the day, apply a light mousse or texturizing spray to enhance the waves and keep them bouncy. Overall, this hairstyle presents an elegant look with little to no upkeep required.
#5: Stylish Mid-Length Hair with a Trendy Headband
This hairstyle has a classy mid-length look that goes well with both oval and heart-shaped faces. The model’s hair is of a fine to medium density which further helps to have the hair move softly and more naturally. Also, the cute headband adds more of a whimsical touch. This style is so easy to maintain, all that is required is a blow dry and a few waves for added texture. This style is perfect for an office day or a casual outing. Try out the cut if you want to have a hassle-free look!
#6: Playful Textured Bob with Headband
This fun bob hairstyle has a more textured look because of soft waves that increase movement. It is perfect for hair types ranging from fine to medium thickness. The face framing, shoulder length style is versatile for most face shapes. The extra headband provides a classy touch, pulling the hair off the face and maintaining the look. It is great for casual and formal events and is very simple to achieve. This polished relaxed style is great for someone looking for a fun hairstyle.
#7: Sleek Long Hair with a Colorful Headband
Is it basic? Maybe. But I think pictures of this look make it much more appealing. Consider the combination of a patterned headband with a blow dry serum-smoothened straight look, finished off with an outfit. The headband alone will transform the look enough that you can skip the hair. I love that for a weekend brunch sort of vibe where you want to be put together but not too put together.
#8: Braided Pigtails with a Knit Headband
I will admit, this one is a little nostalgic for me. I remember styles like these from college when I would do hairstyles on my friends for fun during prep periods. Just two braids, a knit headband, and poof, you’re off to a lovely catalog life. If you have thick hair, this style will be a piece of cake. It also works with medium hair! You can even add some light waves for a little texture before braiding, but it really looks great as is. The whole style takes like 4 minutes.
#9: Classic Bob Paired with a Playful Headband
Headbands on bobs? I´m Obsessed. There is something about the proportions that works. This one is a nice clean chin-length cut, sleek and smooth, and the headband adds some personality without clashing with the shape. If you have finer hair, a lightweight styling cream will keep things polished and shiny, without weighing it down. This is the ideal style for both running errands, and for the chance you’re sitting across from someone at a nice restaurant.
#10: Boho Beachy Waves with a Headband
Do you live far away from a beach, but love the beach style? Well, now you can achieve it! The style is quite casual, and the headband compliments the look perfectly. All you need to do is spray some sea salt spray in your hair, and your look is complete! The headband is also super useful for keeping your hair out of your face. As much as we love the effortless look of beach waves, they can be tricky to manage, especially when eating outside. I love looks that are aesthetic yet functional.
#11: Loose Waves Dressed Up with a Headband
I create these looks for my clients more than anything else because they are so nice to wear. Soft and loose waves with a polished and relaxed look from the headband. To get waves like this use a curling wand on medium sized sections and finish with some light hold hairspray. The headband gives it a polished look even as the waves relax, and they will. That’s actually when it looks the best.
#12: Curly Bob with a Decorative Headband
Bouncy bob-length curls with a cute headband make for a look that is just as good in real life as it is in photos (which we all know is not always the case). The curls give you a lovely face-framing effect, and the headband goes from ‘I have curly hair’ to ‘I have curly hair + I know what I’m doing.’ For products, all you need is a light mousse for definition without crunch.
#13: Long Straight Hair with an Ornate Headband
Your long, shiny, and straight hair may look plain, but adding a decorative headband will add style and make your hair look elegant. A finishing serum will give your hair a shiny smooth look and will get you out the door pretty quickly. Hair accessories such as headbands can give you a variety of hairstyles and can transform your hair from sleek and straight to soft waves.
#14: Long Braid with a Decorative Headband
I think the style with the big headband and one long braid is great for looking effortlessly chic. A headband can help accent your eyes and cheekbones, and the braid does a great job covering up the effort put into the look. If you get braided fast enough, you can do this look in 5 minutes. This look will be especially great on you if you have thick hair, since it will make the braid look chunky and satisfying. You could also switch the headbands you wear to keep your style looking fresh and different, even if you do the same braid every day.
#15: Collarbone Bob with a Fun Headband
I can’t explain what it is, but the collarbone length soft layered bob with headband is something cool. The soft layers help with movement, the headband adds purpose, and the entire thing is low maintenance, which is nice. With a quick blow dry and headband, you’re set. Out of everything I cut, this length is my most favorite. It’s so versatile and works with so many different face shapes and hair types. With headband, you can style it a ton of different ways.
#16: Long Layers with Highlights and a Headband
The highlights look great and create some dimension in the layers. The headband is an afterthought. It all creates a wonderful look and draws focus to the color. If you go this way with the highlights, plan for regular toning appointments because that’s where people usually let things slide. Then they wonder why their hair looks brassy. The cut and color are worth protecting.
#17: Textured Short Curly Cut with a Headband
Short curly hairstyles are great ways to express yourself, and it’s incredible how much personality can be shown even with so little hair! The headband is a nice touch to show that you didn’t just roll out of bed, and it’s added some effort to the style. It certainly adds to that “just rolled out of bed” look. The curls for the short curly haircut will look soft and well-defined. They will need a little bit of help, and that’s where a good leave-in conditioner comes into play. It will be really important to keep everything hydrated and with little to no frizz. Of course, I am confident about those short curls! They will look amazing and much better than any other hairstyles, even the ones that are twice the length. I know those short curls are going to look great!
#18: Long Beachy Waves with a Boho Headband
If I ran my own jewelry business by the coast (I don’t, but a girl can dream), I imagine this would be the look I would go for. Think of a bright boho style headband that keeps the hair out of your face, and long, loose beachy waves. If you want beach waves, do keep in mind that if your hair is a bit finer, the waves will look fuller. Just a little bonus! More hair means more upkeep, so if you’re not a fan of tangles, long drying times, and all that, get ready!
#19: Long Sleek Hair with a Patterned Headband
Some hair styles seem harder than they really are. Some people put effort into something like the ends of their hair. It is easier to conceal split ends on long hair, but with fine straight hair and a headband, all of that is visible. It does look like you have to make an effort to keep your hair trimmed. With shinny hair and a fun patterned headband, it looks polished and you can go from casual to formal without needing to change anything.
#20: Curly Lob with a Headband
The textured curly lob is a great style! The length is perfect for easy styling, the curls add tons of volume and movement, and the headband keeps it off the face on hot humid days. If you want your curls to stay defined throughout the day, use a light gel or mousse on damp hair. This style looks much better on day two hair, which is the highest compliment I can give to a hair style!
#21: Long Layered Waves with a Beaded Headband
This beaded hairband is amazing and makes your hair look more elegant. I like how the hair is kept simple with long layers and slight waves. The headband is the statement hair accessory and the braids are just to keep the hair up and out of the way. This look doesn’t get the appreciation that it deserves because it looks fantastic. With layers, do not neglect your trims because as the hair becomes uneven the layers lose their shape and start to look frizzy. Unfortunately, a hairband won’t fix that.
#22: Softly Layered Long Hair with a Satin Headband
To start, I am drawn to the satin headband that gives some elegance to an otherwise completely casual outfit. Soft layers add fluidity to the length of the hair without the effect being too overdone. This type of layering gives more volume in just the right areas, particularly if your hair is medium to fine in texture. The upkeep to keep the layers looking nice is a trade-off. Overall, the styles are incredibly easy. Just a headband and blowout and you’re all set!
#23: Braided Ponytail with a Decorative Headband
I braid ponytails for clients who want a finished look without needing to spend 45 minutes in front of the mirror. A headband can really elevate a ponytail. This one is sleek and polished, the braid is neat but not too stiff. The headband adds a fun touch to the overall look. One thing to note is that if you wear a headband for an extended period, you may feel some tension, so consider giving your scalp a break later on. All in all, this is a great option for quick styles, and it’s great for events or a casual day look.
#24: Soft Beachy Waves with a Velvet Headband
Velvet headbands make everything feel more purposeful. Even if your waves look like you air-dried your hair in the car. The soft velvet and beachy waves create a nice feel and make for great pics. Plus, it’s a nice headband that photographs well. If your hair is thinner, you may want a volume-boosting product at the roots because things can go flat if it’s a midday hair emergency. The headband also keeps flyaways in check, which is a practical benefit that I appreciate.
#25: Long Straight Hair with a Classic Blue Headband
The long straight hair paired with a blue headband gives off a certain vibe. It’s almost like a character in a French movie who went to get a baguette and ended up looking super stylish. I love how this outfit is so simple, yet so effective. But I have to be honest, straight hair shows everything. If you have dry or coarse hair, this will be particularly rough because it will highlight, rather than hide, any uneven sections. It takes a lot of upkeep in order to get it to look as nice as it does in this picture, so be prepared for regular conditioning and upkeep trims. When well maintained, straight hair is super clean, and this is one of the most versatile looks you can have.
#26: Long Wavy Hair with a Polka Dot Headband
I really like the playful touch of the polka dot headband. The soft long waves are also effortless and add a romantic touch. Only a little bit of encouragement will help these waves form and help them last all day. A leave-in conditioner will also help by adding shine and hold. It will also help the hair shape to be more structured. Over styling is the main thing that should be avoided. The waves should look natural.
#27 Softly Curled Mid-Length Hair with a Statement Headband
I like medium length hair with soft curls because it is interesting and easy to style. The statement headband in this picture goes nice with the hair. The headband draws attention to the hair, so it doesn’t matter if the curls look nice. Thicker hair is better for these kinds of curls so they can stay in shape throughout the day. If they do loosen up, you can just spray them with water, and they will look good again. The required maintenance during the day is very low.
#28: Deep Elegant Waves with a Delicate Headband
Although deep waves might seem difficult, all it requires is some patience and a good iron with a decent sized barrel. The waves are shiny and have a lot of volume. The headband adds a feminine touch without overshadowing the waves. If you want to avoid the look feeling too pageant-y (which can be the case with deep waves) adding a texturizing spray after curling the waves will help. If you want to feel like you have special hair for an event, or a dinner, this is a stunning option.
#29: Long Straight Hair with a Braided Headband
The braided headband and long straight hair give off a fairy tale vibe, but in a good and modern way. The headband really highlights the amazing quality of her hair, which shows how much care has been put into it. The detail in the braid is a great extra for people who don’t know how to braid their own hair! Longer hair can require more maintenance, but the commitment will be worth it.
#30: Low Bun with a Patterned Headband
I think everyone underestimates how versatile low buns can be. They think low buns are way too plain, but add a cute headband with a scarf detail etc. and suddenly it’s a whole new look. This is great for when your hair isn’t cooperating because most of it is tucked away and the headband is the main focus. If your hair is really fine, I would suggest using some texturizing powder or dry shampoo before twisting it up. This will give the bun more volume and keep it in place. I really like cute bun hairstyles that only take like 3 minutes!
#31: Mid-Length Waves with a Pearl Headband
Pearl hair bands are nice since they give an elevated look to any hairstyle and make even the simplest hairdo look like you’re going to a special event. This style is great because the length is just right so it doesn’t take too long to curl each section and it creates great movement with the curls. If you have thin hair, the curls will actually make your hair look a lot more voluminous which is always nice. Since this band has added details with the pearls, it is a bit more on the dressy side so I’d probably keep it for places where you want to be dressed up just a little from the everyday look.
#32: Long Textured Layers with a Sleek Headband
Your haircut is amazing! I love the long, textured layers. I can run my fingers through the layers over and over. The more movement the better. It gives an effortless, bouncy, runway model vibe. The sleek headband is great. It keeps all the hair pushed back and out of the face while maintaining volume at the crown. The subtle highlights help add dimension to the hair to give it more accentuated layers. If you have medium to thick hair, I can already see the potential it holds because that texture and density will allow the layers to look their absolute best. I suggest you book an appointment as soon as possible. Be realistic about the upkeep though. These types of cuts need maintenance every 8-10 weeks to avoid that unintentional, overgrown look.
#33: Defined Curls with a Classic Headband
In my opinion, seeing defined curls with a simple headband is truly remarkable. It conveys confidence and beauty. It also says, “I know what I am doing with my hair, and I know what looks good”. On top of that, if you have thick and natural curls, it is about using what you have and letting a headband give some structure to your style. There is no arguing that defining your curls takes a lot of time, effort and money to get the right products. And good luck negotiating with your hair on humid days. Headbands and curls are a winning combination and they have some of the most stunning styles.
#34: Long Straight Hair with a Soft Pink Headband
The light pink headband looks great here with the long straight hair because it adds color, and isn’t childish. This headband style is great for healthy fine hair that is long. Although, fine straight hair tends to fall flat really quickly. So, a root volumizing spray can be useful. The headband creates enough visual interest for a finished look, even on a flat hair day.
#35: Natural Curly Hair with a White Headband
I specifically want to work with clients that have curly hair and want to embrace their natural texture, which is what attracts me to this look. The volume and health of the curls are incredible. The white headband is fresh and sport-inspired. It’s fun and youthful, and you don’t have to do anything to your natural texture. If you have thick curls, you already know that curl cream and moisture are a must. If your hair is finer and you’re thinking, “Can I really achieve this much volume?” you may need to lower your expectations. That said, the headband and curls look amazing at any volume.
#36: Long Straight Hair with a Brown Leather Headband
I like how simple it is to wear a long straight brown headband. It has a timeless look that isn’t too trendy and will probably still look good in a few years. The headband pushes back all the hair, making the end result look polished. It can even go from a casual coffee date with friends to a classy work presentation. This versatility is a great trait to have in a hairstyle. If you have really fine hair, you might want put a bit of product in to create some hold so the headband doesn’t slide. Nobody wants slippery headband hair.
#37 Long Layered Waves with a Black Headband
My favorite is thick hair with long layers and a more subtle wave. In this case, a basic black headband is the best option because the hair design is interesting enough to not require a statement accessory. The layers will soften the jawline and the waves add movement to it. All together, this forms an overall effect that feels relaxed and natural. Keep in mind that if you decide to go for long layers, you will have to make sure you are getting your hair trimmed regularly. If you don’t, then you will lose the shape and end up just growing hair instead of wearing a style.
#38: Long Soft Layers with a Floral Headband
I love the garden party aesthetic of a floral headband over soft waves with layers. The layered waves add a good amount of dimension without being too bulky. The relaxed look of the soft waves looks much better than a stiff, overdone style. If you have fine or medium hair, this style is very easy to do! It would only take you about 15 minutes to achieve this look using a large barrel curling iron. Pretty easy for a gorgeous style! In terms of upkeep, the only maintenance this look will require is an occasional trim to the layers. Once layers grow out, they lose the soft, graduated effect too quickly, and things can start to look shapeless.
#39: Long Straight Hair with a Braided Detail Headband
What adds character to this headband is the braided detail. It elevates a basic style like long straight sleek hair and adds a little personality that you wouldn’t get from a plain band. Achieving this level of sleekness probably requires some heat styling. Unless you are genetically blessed with hair that dries perfectly straight, we don’t want to hear about it. For everyone else, a good flat iron and a enough patience will do the trick. This look is polished and intentional, and it shows best on hair that’s in good condition so make sure to keep up with your hair treatments.
#40 Polished Shoulder-Length Cut with Textured Ends
For a style you can wash and go with, I usually recommend a shoulder-length cut. If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to add some personality, a headband will work. The ends will have great movement with some good texture. If you have a natural wave, this will help bring it out even more. This will also make it easier to grow your hair out. As your hair gets longer, it will skip that annoying stage that most shorter styles do. Keep this in mind if you don’t plan to visit the salon every six weeks!
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