Headbands Are Back—Here Are 20 Trendy Ways to Wear Them

One thing is clear: Hair accessories are back and better than ever. At the top of the list? Headbands, of course. Whether they make you feel totally put together à la Blair Waldorf or conjure up memories from primary school, the headband renaissance is in full swing. But transforming the accessory to fit your current style can be a task. That's why we're here to help. We've rounded up 20 foolproof ways to wear a headband no matter what vibe you're feeling. From sporty styles to red carpet-ready ribbons, keep scrolling for all the headband inspiration you'll ever need.

Pushed Back and Padded

Padded headbands have definitely evolved from your middle school days (think chic instead of childish). The only aspect that's stayed the same is how to put it on—start at your hairline and push it back.

Back and Embellished

A statement headband like this embellished one deserves to, well, make a statement. Slick back your hair underneath to keep all eyes on your bold accessory. Floyd's Barbershop stylist Patrick Butler suggests keeping the hair up with a product such as Reuzel Fiber Pomade ($18). A high-quality product, he adds, "allows you to handle any look and texture you are trying to work with."

Hair Accessory Stacking

Claw clips or headbands—who says you have to decide? Certainly not us. Just one look at this eclectic, bejeweled example of hair accessory stacking, and we're in love.

Sleek, Middle Parted

This type of headband-parting combo looks great with any hairstyle or length. Instead of pushing the headband back, part your hair down the middle and place the headband toward the back of your head.

Knotted Wrap

Keep it easy with this classic, versatile headband style. Wrap the bandana or scarf around your head with your hair up or down, then tuck the ends of the scarf in the back of your head or bring them around to the front à la Adwoa Aboah.

Sporty Low Ponytail

For a '90s hair accessories throwback, copy Sarah Hyland's sporty style. This look is a super-simple way to disguise day-three hair. Pull it into a low, loose bun with a scrunchie and top it with a thick elastic headband.

Wrapped With Braids

A headband with a print, like the tropical pattern shown here, is a fun yet practical accessory for a day spent outside at a festival. To get this look, either tie your silk scarf yourself or find a version with an elastic strip along the bottom.

Down and Touseled

When styled with natural, air-dried waves, like Sydney Sweeney's, nothing about this pearl and rhinestone headband says prim and proper. "One of my favorite ways to prep hair is to create tousled waves with a dry texture spray like Matrix Total Results Miss Mess Dry Finishing Spray ($18)," says celebrity stylist Nick Stenson.

Wide Headband With Part

As Stenson notes, accessories like hats and headbands are great but tend to be limiting aesthetically. Fear not; Flat headbands don't have to look super sporty. For a slightly different way to wear the wide, flat headband, follow Jenna Dewan's style and secure your headband over your middle parting for a more modern look.

Beachy Crochet Headband

For a surf and sun-ready style fit for your next vacation, take a cue from hair queen Matilda Djerf's low-key look, complete with a beachy, blue-striped crochet headband.

Classic Lacquered Headband

The '60s called, and they want you to know that lacquered headbands are a super chic and mod option. This sleek accessory adds a polished touch to Bella Hadid's edgy all-leather 'fit.

Up With a Double-Rope Headband

When one headband just isn't enough, copy this chic double rope style from Lupita Nyong'o. Choose a headband in a contrasting color to make it pop, or match it closely to your hair for a more subtle effect.

Velvet Padded

For the ultimate "Gossip Girl" vibes, we love this sweet Blair-style bow paired with loose Serena-esque waves. The tousled texture of the hair perfectly balances the cuteness of the headband.

Elegant Pixie

For shorter hairstyles, a skinny embellished headband, like Janelle Monae's, won't detract from your look or hide too much of your hair underneath.

Y2K Inspired

Yep, the '00s favorite headband is back, and, of course, Bella Hadid makes it look chic. Make sure the rest of your hair is slick to keep the look polished.

Tied With a Bow

Thanks to the re-emergence of the coquette aesthetic, bows are going nowhere. The name of the game with this look is the bigger the bow, the better. To get the look, wrap a long, skinny scarf around crown like a headband, securing in place with bobby pins before tying a bow around your neck with the fabric.

Short and Slicked

Ruth Negga's short and slicked-back look requires just a dab of pomade and a brush back with a comb. Top it with an embellished headband, and you can head out the door.

Long Waves

The key here is to create a beachy look, then top it with a headband wide enough to hide your roots. For this look, use a product that will hold the wave, like Paul Mitchell Foaming Pommade ($16), which Butler says "performs in any situation. Color-treated hair? No problem. Using hot tools to style? No problem. Short hair that needs a distinct style? Check."

Rockabilly Retro Headband

The patriotic, 1940s wartime figure Rosie the Riveter continues to be a hair icon to this day, with Barbara Palvin Sprouse and it-girls everywhere tying a red kerchief into their retro updos.

Curly Updo

This elegant, piled-on-top-of-the-head updo gets a casual twist thanks to a headband topper. For this look, create loose waves throughout the hair before pulling it into a ponytail and twisting the end into a bun. Secure with pins and pull out a few face-framing pieces before adding the headband to the entire look.