Check out this list of the types of headbands for women and men. There are several types of styles you can choose from. You can find headbands best suited for different occasions like parties or the gym.
Like all the fashion trends of the past years, headbands are making a comeback. And how! All the rage in the 80s and 90s, the modern headbands are now catching up with the times.
Popular TV shows like Gossip Girl and celebrities like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner are responsible for reviving this trend. There are several different types of headbands for women.
Headbands can have different materials, shapes, designs, and embellishments. So if you’re not confident wearing the typical girly Alice band, you can find something like a scarf headband or a gym sweatband to work for you.
Types of Headbands For Women 2023
| Types of Headbands for Women | Best For | Link |
| Scarf Headbands | Retro Look | View on Amazon |
| Turban Headbands | Curly Hair | View on Amazon |
| Bowknot Headbands | Makeup Application | View on Amazon |
| Fabric Headbands | Securing Bobby Pins | View on Amazon |
| Toothed Headbands | Fine, Thin Hair | View on Amazon |
| Knitted Headbands | Winters and Colder Days | View on Amazon |
| Plastic Headbands | Schoolgirls, Themed Outfits | View on Amazon |
| Gym Headbands | Workouts, Yoga, Running | View on Amazon |
| Alice Headbands | Matching with Outfits | View on Amazon |
| Ponytail Headbands | Long Hair | View on Amazon |
Scarf Headbands
Scarf headbands are an interesting mix between a scarf and a traditional headband. You can tie it on your hair in different ways just like you’d a scarf.
But unlike a scarf it doesn’t keep sliding off your hair. The headband is also easier to tie than a regular scarf. And there are several different patterns and styles available.
You can choose from simple, monochrome scarf headbands or go for the ones with glitter, stones, or other embellishments for a party-time look.
These headbands are usually a type of fabric headbands. You wouldn’t find a scarf headband in plastic. The fabric used can vary from simple nylon to glamorous velvet.
We also suggest experimenting with different patterns while wearing scarf headbands. You can choose one to match your clothes for examples.
Floral Elastic Hair Scarf Headband
Turban Headbands
Turban headbands are called so because they look like you’re wearing a sort of mini-turban on your head. These types of headbands for women come with a criss-cross design on the front.
Sometimes, the criss-cross pattern is embellished with a bow-tie, flower motif, jewel or other designs. These headbands mimic the turban look popular with women in the 60s and 70s.
The best thing about turban headbands is that they keep your mass of curls in place. So it’s great for those with thick locks or for Black women’s hair.
You can choose pieces in nylon, satin, or other non-absorbent material too. This helps keep your curls from drying out.
But this style of headbands isn’t just for the thick-haired girls. If you have fine hair, it can work just fine. A lot of women use turban headbands to keep hair away from their face while applying skincare products or makeup.
Huachi Turban Headbands for Women
Bowknot Headbands
Apart from turban headbands, other types of headbands for women that give off a retro-vibe are the bowknot headbands. As the name suggests, these are bands with a bow and knot design on them.
In fact, if you look at several actresses of the bygone era, you’re sure to find a picture of them in these colorful bowtie headbands.
Like turban bands, these too are a type of fabric headbands. So they’re easily washable and reusable if you get them too sweaty or stained.
And this is likely to happen as bowknot headbands are the perfect accessory for your makeup, skincare, or shower routine. If you want your baby hairs out of your face, this is a go-to headband.
Chloven 2 Pack Microfiber Bowtie Headbands
Fabric Headbands
Fabric headbands for women are a vast category! You can find several fabrics, designs, and embellishments within the realm of fabric headbands.
Some of the more traditional fabrics for these types of headbands for women include cotton, nylon, and polyester. But in modern times, you’ll see a lot of women turning towards silk or satin headbands.
These fabrics do not have large fibers that cause tangles or breakages on your strands. They do not absorb moisture like cotton does either. So a silk or satin headband prevents your tresses from drying out.
Fabric headbands are also available in some niche materials like velvet, cashmere, etc. These are usually geared towards special occasions.
The best thing, in our opinion about fabric headbands is that it’s super easy to add bobby pins to them. So if you have thin hair and want to keep it tightly in place, a fabric band with clips will work like magic!
They come in different styles you can match with your outfits too. Prints, polka dots, stripes, checks, and knitted patterns, are some designs you might find on fabric headbands.
Velvet Headbands for Women
Related: Types of hair clips
Toothed Headbands
Toothed headbands are among the more traditional style of headbands. These are usually made of plastic or metal and contain a comb-like inner or “teeth”.
These teeth help grip your hair and keep them in place. If you want to beat the wind or keep your hairstyles tightly in place, this is a go-to headband.
And as the “teeth” create a wavy pattern on your hair, it gives an added dimension to your hairstyle. These are the best types of headbands for women with thin, fine hair.
Lurrose 2pcs Unisex Headbands Toothed Hairbands
Knitted Headbands
How do you stay stylish and warm in the winter? Simple, try out the knitted headbands look. These types of headbands are great if an ear muff or beanie isn’t the ideal accessory to your winter outfit.
Unlike most headbands that tuck away behind your ears, knitted bands go over them. This keeps your ears warm and yourself fashionable. So win-win!
Most of the knitted headbands are made of wool. These are wide and have come in different crochet or knit patterns.
VEEJION Women Knitted Knotted Winter Twist Warm Headband
Plastic Headbands
Plastic headbands are more popular with kids and schoolgirls than with young women. But some like them as a fashion accessory, regardless. What works for plastic headbands is that they are very affordable.
Most plastic headbands come with quirky designs, ornaments, rhinestones and other designs. In fact, you can get creative and add your own DIY touch to a plain black headband.
But one common complaint most women have about these accessories is that they are too slippery.
Sure, you can find some with teeth on the inner lining, but we’ve found that they don’t really work for fine hair.
Modern plastic headbands have now stepped up to demand and come in quirky designs. You can find classy matte headbands, those with fabric coverings, themed headbands for halloween and other festive occasions, and a lot more!
Yazon 8mm Colorful Plastic Teeth Headbands
Gym Headbands
Gym headbands are a form of sweatbands. They are thinner, made of lighter material, and often come with moisture-wicking properties.
Most types of headbands for women are designed to keep hair in place. But the main purpose of a gym headband is to keep sweat from dripping down your face.
There are other types of sweatbands like tennis bands which are worn on your forehead instead of in the front of your head.
You can also find yoga bands which keep your tresses from troubling you during your headstands.
Alice Headbands
The name Alice headbands comes from the iconic accessory worn by the main character in Alice in Wonderland. It’s usually a plain black headband which is designed in the shape of a horseshoe.
Sometimes, it even comes with cute bunny ears. Once popular with schoolgirls all over the world, the Alice band is making a comeback as a fashion accessory.
So we will advise against placing too much trust in its ability to hold your hair back. But it does look really trendy with your outfit.
Ponytail Headbands
If you’ve worn a fabric headband while putting your hair in a low ponytail, you know the struggle of keeping the back from riding up and ruining your style.
Or what about the time you have a headband in hand but no hair ties? How are you going to tie a ponytail?
These headbands take care of it all. Ponytail headbands are fabric bands with a hole cut in the back to accommodate your ponytail or braid.
Satin Headbands
Crochet Headbands
Flower Headbands
Types of Headbands For Men
There are different types of headbands for men. They usually have some sort of function but people love to use them as an accessory to create a style statement.
It can also be a part of the culture for many. They are a very practical accessory that can make your life easier in a lot of circumstances.
Headbands have always been a part of a women’s wardrobe but it is not commonly seen on men.
But if we take a look at history, we can see that headbands have been a part of many ancient cultures and symbolise masculinity.
The Greeks and Romans would wear a wreath around their head, especially on special occasions and auspicious events.
It was also worn by athletes in Greece after victory. They also denote valour and bravery in a lot of cultures.
Benefits Of Headbands
A lot of people are not aware of the different kinds of headbands for men and their uses. They help in a lot of practical ways as well as add to your style quotient.
Some of the main reasons why you should add headbands to your wardrobe are:
- Controls sweat- If you are someone who engages in physical activities like sports, performance art, workouts etc, a headband can make life so much easier for you. It keeps sweat at bay by preventing it from falling to your face.
- Tames hair- If you have been trying to grow out your hair but find hair falling on your face irritating, a headband will be a great investment. It makes sure that that annoying hair falls nowhere close to your face.
- Covering up bad hair days– A headband can keep those wild locks away and can even mask a bad hair day or a bad haircut to make you look neat and presentable.
- Protection from helmets- This is an important reason why a bike rider should own a headband. Helmets can be stinky and cause your hair to smell if you wear them. It can also mess up your hair and even cause breakage! So it is essential to protect your hair using a headband.
- Protects hair – Your hair can also be damaged by environmental elements such as wind, dust, rain, sun damage etc. A headband helps in covering your hair while outdoors so the damage may be prevented.
- Makes a style statement– A hairband can be a perfect accessory to upgrade your outfit. This stylish accessory, when paired correctly, can help you deliver a fashion statement for both formal wear and casual wear.
- Helps you stay cool– A headband can make all the difference during the hot summers when you are trying to tame your hair and put it in place.
There are so many different types of headbands available in the market that cater to men.
In this list, we have divided them based on two factors, based on their purpose and the basis of their category.
Depending on the category, headbands are mainly divided into four:
Athletic Headbands for Men
