There are different types of headbands. Some of them concentrate on function, while others focus more on style, but most of all, they all work for various hair types.
Some are known to have cultural values. During the 21st century, they have been known to be a must-have accessory for guys.
Most times, headbands are often seen as an accessory for a woman. However, headbands have been a symbol of masculinity throughout history.
In many cultures, they are used to define warriors and brave individuals. Triumphant athletes wore them in the form of laurel wreaths in ancient Greece.
They were also worn in Ancient Rome by those who were in political influence, like emperors. Headbands may provide practicality, fashion, fun, or reflect ideal features.
For a variety of reasons, there are different types of headbands for men today. So leave your baseball cap behind and take a look into the men’s headband world.
Why should you wear headbands?
Before diving into the various types of headbands, have you ever thought or asked yourself why you should wear a headband? Well, we will talk a bit about that.
For several reasons, headbands are known to be amazing. They may possess an elastic band or a stretchy fabric, just to give that perfect fit around your head.
A headband will stop you from giving up and grabbing the scissors if you are trying to grow your hair out and it is in that really awkward in-between stage.
It will keep your hair and sweat out of your eyes if you are active. A headband can fix your bad hair day.
If you want to make a point or highlight your own personal style, they can do that also. Many people have been seen with beautiful headbands, so if you do not own a headband yet, what are you waiting for?
Currently, there are different types of headbands designed for men. Instead of dividing them strictly by the type of headband, we will divide them by category and purpose.
Categories of headbands are:
- Athletic
- Cultural
- Helmet
- Miscellaneous
Athletic headbands
If you engage in physical activity, athletic headbands are one of the most important things you should have.
In the most inopportune moment, they also keep sweat from running down your face and blinding you.
For athletic activities, there are many types of headbands commonly used, and they include;
- Tennis headbands
- Gym/yoga headbands
- Runner’s headbands
1. Tennis headbands
Tennis headbands sometimes come with matching wristbands. Without restricting your mobility or vision, they are designed to be absorbent and remain in place.
If you’re in a tennis match or lifting weights at the gym, they usually have moisture-wicking technology to keep you dry.
Tennis headbands are normally one piece that wraps around your head, other than a design or logo on the front.
They are high-quality headbands and we have selected a few tennis headbands that we think are the best and they include;
- Nike Dri-Fit: Patented dri-fit material, great elasticity, and a Classic Nike logo
- Under Armor Performance Headband: Polyester blend, moisture-wicking
- Beace: Terrycloth design, breathable and absorbent
2. Gym/Yoga headbands
These are multipurpose headbands. They are created to keep your hair out of your face and also absorb sweat.
Generally, they are not as wide as the headbands of runners, but in style and appearance, they are fairly similar.
For any athletic activity, they are outstanding and will keep you cool and relaxed.
We selected a few gym/yoga headbands that we think are the best and they include;
- Obacle: Spandex design for a comfortable fit
- Neitooh: Nylon and spandex, moisture-wicking
- E Tronic: Inner grip strip
3. Runners headbands
All runner’s headbands are aerodynamic and are built to remain on while you are moving fast. They are excellent for cycling as well.
They are usually known to be wider than other types to help hold your hair in place as you travel.
They are thin and lighter than tennis headbands. No matter what form of exercise you are doing, they are always a great choice.
Nonetheless, they are a must for outdoor running or cycling activities. We selected a few runners headbands that we think are the best and they include;
- Temple Tape: Lightweight
- Halo 2: Double-layered and soft, great elasticity, nylon, polyester, spandex blend,
- Sports Running Band: lightweight polyester blend, moisture-wicking
Cultural headbands
Different cultures are associated with headbands. Although many individuals from various cultures today wear them as a fashion statement, they have a special significance to their culture of origin.
By chance you are not from the culture but enjoy the look or significance of these headbands, you should respect the cultural values. It’s much more than just a new trend in fashion.
We selected a few cultural headbands that we think are the best and they include;
- Japanese hachimaki
- Pirate headbands
- Native American Headband
4. Japanese hachimaki
Hachimaki actually means a helmet scarf. The most common theory of their origin is that warriors of the samurai originally wore them.
Samurai wore metal helmets, and it is assumed that the hachimaki kept the helmet from cutting the warriors and also made it more comfortable. During battles, they could also have stopped sweat from running down into the face.
Legend says the hachimaki will give vitality to the wearer and shield him from evil spirits. They are usually worn in order to provide luck and perseverance when a tough task needs to be accomplished.
In WW2, Kamikaze pilots wore them. They are popular in karate tournaments, and common with Japanese motorcycle gangs. When taking tests or exams, they are often worn by students.
There are different types and designs of hachimaki, some of which are traditional. These are white or red, often with an inscribed kanji on them.
A cotton fabric 2 to 3 inches wide and about 36 inches long is the traditional style. They can be worn in many ways, but with the tie in the back, they are most usually tied around the head.
Here are a few styles of hachimaki;
- Toukon: Traditional style with Toukon (fighting spirit)
- Kendo SPY: Black and silver
- Kendo Dragon: Black with white and red design
5. Native American headbands
During ancient times, some woodland tribes wear Native American headbands. These have been designed primarily for beauty.
They were made of deerskin, and embellished with beadwork or embroidered patterns. Generally, they have a feather placed inside them.
Both men and women were wearing them. Children also often wore them, but not necessarily without their feathers.
These were not associated with recognition or ceremonies like more complex native American headdresses.
Depending on your concept, Native American headdresses may also fall into the headband category. These, often brightly colored headdresses, are made of feathers and beads.
They symbolize courage and have historically been reserved for warriors or revered tribe members.
We selected a few Native American headbands that we think are the best and they include;
- Turkey Feather Indian Headdress: Black leather and brown turkey feathers
- White Red and Blue Headdress: Blue and grey, with blue, white, and red beadwork
- Wigspedia: Beaded headband in multiple colours and patterns
6. Pirate headbands
Pirate headbands were once worn to keep long hair out of the rigging and sweat out of the eyes. Sailing during the pirate era was physically exhausting.
They were exposed to waves, sea spray, and sun all over the open sea. A long bandana tied to one side is the typical pirate look. This would keep their hair clean and provide protection for their head. Many people today want the look of a pirate.
Pirate life has been romanticized, and it can be very sexy to the roguish style. For long hair, pirate bandanas are excellent, but short-haired sailors may also make use of them.
In a durag style, a pirate headband may cover the entire head or simply be tied around the head in a headband style.
It is the long tails that separate them from other styles of headbands. They are often in bright colors or just black.
We selected a few pirate headbands that we think are the best and they include;
- Charm Kundalini Headwrap: Multiple colour choices, versatile design
- Zanheadgear: Fun prints and different styles
- FXHIXIY: Satin durag style with long tails
Helmet headbands
Helmet headbands are created to fit under a helmet without losing their effectiveness. Why should you wear a headband while wearing a helmet?
Firstly, you are going to be sweaty. No matter the temperature inside a helmet, your head will always sweat.
Have you recently smelled your helmet? Headbands can be washed quickly to remove the accumulated sweat, making it more difficult to clean your helmet. Helmet hair is the next issue to talk about.
Who wants to walk around with hair on his helmet? Nothing ruins an amazing look quite like a bad case of helmet hair, no matter whether you’re riding a motorcycle or just finishing up with football practice.
You are going to be busy trying to fix your hair and probably don’t have time to hang out with your friends.
So, a reasonable option is to wear a headband under your helmet. With no extra work needed, it prevents helmet hair from being an issue.
There are a few types of headbands for helmets. Bandana or skull cap headbands and athletic headbands are usually a nice alternative to wear under your helmet.
You don’t have to pick one made specifically for helmets, as they are going to offer great efficiency.
We selected a few helmet headbands that we think are the best and they include;
- Halo Bandit: Wide athletic band, a perfect choice to keep you dry under your helmet
- Gbateria: Pack of four printed skullcap durags
- Cooling Cap: Special cooling feature that keeps you cool under your helmet
Miscellaneous headbands
This category of headbands is different from other categories. Some of them focus more on form over function and are meant to be a statement of fashion.
Some of them will keep you warm, while some will save you from a bad hair day.
There are a few types of headbands that fall under this category, and they include;
- Bandana
- Wavy/toothed
- Soft headbands
- Knitted
7. Bandana headbands
Bandanas can be folded to cover your hair in a triangle shape, which is ideal if your hair has not been washed for a couple of days. They can also be folded about 2 to 3 inches wide into a strip. They can then be worn or pulled back a little toward the forehead.
They send a calm and optimistic vibe. The style worn by bikers and rock stars is often associated with “bad boys,” so it can add a little edge to any casual outfit.
It can be considered as a sense of style for men and also a perfect accessory for ladies. They work well for long, short, or medium hair, and there are so many design choices available that one that fits your personal style can easily be found.
We selected a few bandana headbands that we think are the best and they include;
- Genluna: Classic paisley print, which comes in a variety of colours to match your outfit
- Rothco: Large camo bandanas
- Titos: Red and black edgy style, perfect for adding a little attitude
8. Wavy/Toothed headbands
These stylish headbands make fun zig-zag style patterns in your hair. Without really taking the time to do it, this will give you the look of styled hair. They add volume to your hair as well.
They look contemporary and classy, making them perfect for many formal events, special occasions, and outfits. The majority of headbands are made to stand out. These are built to be less visible, making it easier to take centre stage with your great hairstyle.
We selected a few wavy/toothed headbands that we think are the best and they include;
- XINGZHE: Very simple to use and it also adds volume to your hair
- Zocone: Five different styles to give you different looks
- Spring style: Metal spring headbands
9. Soft headbands
Soft headbands are said to be similar to sports headbands. The only difference is absorbency, which the soft headbands are not designed with. Though they will surely keep your head in place, they are designed to give a fashion statement.
We selected a few soft headbands that we think are the best and they include;
- Nike Sport Headbands: These are too thin to do much other than make you look more athletic
- Fashband: Soft, stylish, and comfortable with fun prints
- Charm: Solid color made from quality material, a casual, classy style
10. Winter or knitted headbands
Knitted headbands are ideal for cold weather. They are casual but still mature in style.
You can find the right balance between trying too hard and not trying hard enough with a knit headband.
They keep your ears warm and, on a windy winter day, keep your hair looking nice. Best of all, with other choices like a toboggan or a hooded jacket, you would not get hat hair as you normally would.
Some men see them as an item for cold weather and come to love the look so much that they wear it all year round. It is a perfect accessory during the winter.
We selected a few winters or knitted headbands that we think are the best and they include;
- Nike Winter Reversible: Classic Nike style in a warm knit headband
- Brubaker: simple solid color that goes with any outfit
- Fleece Active: Great for skiing or other winter activities
