Headbands are clothing accessories worn around the head to hold the hair away from the face.
Headbands are worn for different purposes, and they have various symbolism.
Dating as far back as 475 to 330 BC, the history of headbands can be traced. The Greeks and Romans wore hair wreaths for very special events.
Some schools of thought believe those wreaths were likely the beginning of today’s headbands.
Others think that these days headbands take the shape of scarves worn around the head.
Either way, headbands are very fashionable and attractive when styled beautifully.
This article will discuss the different types of headbands and the different ways to style them.
So, let’s dive in!
Different Types of Headbands
1. Turban Headband
Turban headbands, an example of different types of headbands, make lovely wraps when styled correctly.
Turbans are the ultimate fashion trend in vogue, and their headbands can be created out of any length of clothing.
With criss-cross designs in front, these headbands mimic the so-called famous turbans, and these patterns can be embellished with flower motifs, jewels, and other designs, making them stand out.
An interesting fact about this headband style is that it is for almost all hair types, from thick locks to fine hair.
2. Toothed Headbands
As mentioned earlier about the history of headbands, it is said that headbands are traditional. Among the traditional styles of headbands are the toothed ones.
The prongs, also known as teeth, protrude either to a side or completely encompass the length of the underlying headband.
This headband style is perfect for people with thin, fine hair because it holds the hair in place and creates a wavy and fabulous look.
3. Knitted Headbands
There are different types of headbands for different weather and occasions.
Headbands can still be worn to stay warm and remain fashionable even in the cold. The knitted headbands go over the ears, keeping them warm.
These headbands are made of cotton and are thick. They can be made at home with some yarn and elastic.
They can be crocheted or knitted. To be fashionable, they are made in several colors to match all winter outfits, indicating that weather can’t limit how they can be styled.
4. Fabric Headbands
By being the most popular among headbands, this headband is usually made of cloth with absorbent properties.
However, this style is also available in niche materials like cashmere, velvet, cotton, nylon, silk, and even satin.
This headband is worn around the forehead during physical activity to keep sweat and hair from entering the eyes. They serve as fashion accessories because of their versatility.
5. Bowknot Headbands
Another example of the different types of headbands is the bowknot headband which gives off a retro vibe apart from the turban style is the bowknots.
Made famous by actresses of the bygone era, these headbands can be worn for different occasions, from a themed party to give off a 60’s heroine vibe to getting a facial done to keeping hair out of the face during a shower. This headband is an all-rounder.
6. Ponytail Headbands
Ponytail headbands save one the stress of keeping the ponytail from ruining the hairstyle.
With a hole cut in the back to accommodate the ponytail, this headband style can be a go-to accessory for a jog out in the morning.
7. Alice Headbands
Inspired by the famous “Alice In Wonderland’ story, this headband style is skinny and has a horseshoe shape.
However, it is so thin that it serves more as a fashion accessory than a functional one.
It has been modified to come with inner teeth in these modern times to keep it in place on silky hair.
8. Gym Headbands
As the name implies, this headband is an accessory that can complement your gym outfit.
This headband style is lighter and thinner and is used in activities like boxing to control sweat from dripping into the athlete’s eyes.
They are great to wear for sweat-inducing activities because they have tighter grips. They are often worn pushed back instead of straight on the forehead.
9. Scarf Headbands
Due to its versatility, it can be styled in a dozen ways by women of all ages and hair textures.
This headband is an exciting mix between a scarf and a traditional headband.
Several patterns and styles are available for this particular headband style, from simple, monochrome styling to glittering designs or other embellishments for a party look.
10. Plastic Headbands
Popular among kids and schoolgirls, this affordable headband comes with ornaments, rhinestones, and other quirky designs.
Unfortunately, this headband is slippery and does not work for fine hair.
Modern plastic headbands are now in different patterns and styles; they can be matte, glossy, or even covered in fabric, making them more elastic and comfortable.
11. Embellished Headbands
Not only can embellished headbands be worn as fashion accessories, but they can also be worn as jewelry.
Embellished headbands are decorated with bright pieces of jewelry, colorful beadings, shimmering crystals, and diamonds that catch the eye and beautify the person wearing them.
These headbands can be paired with any outfit and worn on different occasions.
12. Polka Dot Headbands
This might sound childlike, but this headband style is fun to rock. They can be worn at night or for shopping.
They can even be worn to a party, depending on how it is styled. It is an excellent example of different types of headbands.
13. Velvet Headbands
By providing a sense of fashion with function, this headband style lends an air of elegance to the accessory it is worn with.
This headband is made with super-soft and stretchy material that is durable and comfortable.
It can be worn underneath a headscarf to keep it in place and still look fashionable.
14. Sequins Headbands
An amazing fact about this headband is that virtually any headband can be transformed into a glittery headband.
Adding a bit of sparkle to a simple updo, this headband is an excellent accessory for kids and women.
15. Faux Braid Headbands
The faux braid headband, an excellent example of different types of headbands, is the perfect one for people who do not want to braid their hair but want a perfect braided hairstyle.
The fascinating fact about this style is that it is available in different colors; get the one that matches the color of your hair, and you are good to go.
16. Golden Laurel Headbands
The golden laurel headband, an example of different types of headbands, features tiny leaves, flowers, and a scatter of diamantes-like foliage headbands, which the ancient Romans once flaunted.
If you intend to create a unique look for an event or flaunt the Greek goddess look, this headband is the perfect choice.
17. Floral Headbands
The difference between this headband style and the golden laurel headband is that the former contains floral ornaments.
This headband has a cluster of jewel-colored flowers on one side to give the hair an effortless, perfect look and is more of an accessory than other headband types.
For young girls and grown women, the floral ornaments on the headband can be tilted to one side to give it a beautiful look.
18. Woven Headbands
Similar to braided headbands, this style is worn to be noticed as it is available in different colors and patterns.
The only difference is that woven headbands need not be chosen based on hair type because they are meant to be show-stoppers.
19. Tennis Headbands
As the name implies, this style of headband is worn by both male and female athletes during tennis matches.
It absorbs sweat off their forehead during the game and prevents hair from hindering their vision by keeping long, stray hair in check.
20. Karate Headbands
Similar to the Japanese style of hachimaki, which means “helmet-scarf’ symbolizing courage and perseverance.
Karate headbands represent bravery, strength, and courage, as it takes these three qualities to be involved in Karate.
They are tied bandana style, which we shall discuss later, instead of being pushed back like tennis headbands.
21. Running Headbands
These headbands are great for holding the hair back as running is done at high speed, making even the shortest hair a hassle.
These durable and absorbing headbands help keep sweat from flicking across the face.
22. Yoga Headbands
There is a headband for every activity; this style is often made from moisture-wicking material, as yoga requires a lot of stretching.
They also come in different shapes and sizes to keep wayward hair strands in check.
23. War Bonnets Headbands
The war bonnet headband, another perfect example of different types of headbands, is known to have a history with the Native Americans.
This type of headband is mainly worn on ceremonial occasions. The bonnets were believed to have inherent power to help shield the wearer.
These bonnets are characterized by many straight feathers earned by the wearer through heroic acts.
24. Bandana
Usually tied at the back of the head as opposed to the other types of headbands, this headband is worn as an accessory and keeps hair in check.
An amazing fact about this type of headband is that the band can be adjusted to fit all head sizes, neither loose nor tight.
One limiting factor, however, is that it can be a little slippery when the knots loosen up. It does not have the exact grip as other types of bands.
Nonetheless, bandanas are vibrant and colorful and can be rocked at any time of the day.
25. Thin Headband
This headband style is extremely thin and more of an accessory than a piece of clothing. They are rarely able to push back thick hair but elevate the wearer’s look.
26. Ribbed Headband
This type of headband is similar to a sports headband but has ridges along the length of the band as opposed to the smooth texture of sports headbands.
The ridges are helpful in different ways; athletes can use them to wipe off the sweat on the palm or the back of their hands.
27. Pirate Headbands
The symbolic skull on the headband gives it is distinctive feature compared to the other different types of headbands.
The colors are usually red or black and are worn as part of a costume. They are bandana-like, tied at the back, with a long strip of cloth hanging off the side.
28. Festive Headbands
These headbands usually come with slide-on styles; they accessorize a costume or add festive touches to the wearer.
The Devil Headband is another type of festive headband, as it can be worn to a costume party, especially during Halloween.
29. Stretchable Headbands
Though headbands are meant to hold the head firm, it would be nice if they could be stretchable and comfortable so the head does not feel gripped.
30. Hachimaki Headbands
In Japanese culture, ‘hachimaki’ means ‘helmet-scarf.’ They often wear these headbands from sporting activities to their students preparing for exams.
This is one of the different types of headbands that symbolizes courage and perseverance, as rioters wear them as symbols of steadfastness.
31. Wide Headbands
Wide headbands are best for people with dreadlocks and long curly hair. This type of headband comes in different shapes.
People with such hair textures require more taming; hence, this type of headband is needed because it usually starts at the forehead and covers the wearer’s head more than halfway through.
Conclusion
It is important to note that headbands can be classified according to their practical uses.
They can serve as accessories or jewelry and be functional like those worn for strenuous activities.
There are different types of headbands for different occasions. Either as an add-on to a simple updo or as jewelry, headbands can be worn for various purposes.
They can be worn outdoors to functions, costume parties, facials, indoors, in the kitchen, or as nighties.
So, the next time you are asked for advice on which type of headband would best suit a particular function, refer to this article!
