How to Wear Tie Headbands

Co-authored by Rachel Michael and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: December 13, 2021 References

Headbands can add a lot of personality to your look while also keeping your hair in place. Using a headband that ties, whether it’s a scarf or bandana, offers you a lot of fun, cute ways to spruce up your hairstyle. Play around with different knots and bows to create different looks.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Updos

1
Twist the headband into your braid for a chic look. Before you start braiding, tie the headband along the base of your hair, as though you’re tying a low ponytail. Braid the headband in with the other 3 sections of hair to create a colorful, dynamic look. As a finishing touch, tie the headband at the bottom of the braid to hold it in place.^{[1]
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- This looks especially striking with brightly colored headbands, or any headband that contrasts with your hair color. For instance, if you have brown hair, try out this style with a red tie headband.
2
Play around with a knotted headband and a high bun. Grab the bulk of your hair and tie it off into a high bun. Center the headband along the bottom of your head, leaving the loose ends pointing upwards. Tie the loose ends in an easy knot, so the headband is snug and comfortable around your head. Keep this knot centered along the top of your head, or leave it a bit off-kilter, if you’d like—the choice is yours!^{[2]
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Expert Source

Rachel Michael
Personal Stylist
Expert Interview. 30 November 2021.}^{[3]
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- If the fabric is feeling a bit too loose, just double-knot the headband for good measure.
- You can also try this look with a ponytail.^{[4]
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- You can try a flipped version of this for a tennis-style headband.^{[5]
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3
Spruce up your bun with a hair bow headband. Twist your hair into a bun, using a regular hair tie to hold it in place. Loop your tie headband around the base of your bun, which will totally hide the hairband. Loop and tighten the loose ends of your headband into a small- or medium-sized bow, which will perch along the top of your head.^{[6]
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4
Loop a headband along your hairline for a sleek vibe. Place the headband along the bottom of your head, bringing the loose ends of fabric upwards. Adjust the headband a little bit so it’s directly covering your hairline. Before you go out and about, knot both ends of the headband together so it stays put.^{[7]
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- This looks great with your hair tied up in a ponytail or bun.
- You can center the knot on the top of your head, or you can angle it along the sides of your forehead.
5
Tie your headband around your updo as a stylish accent. Secure your hair in a bun, braid, or ponytail as you normally would, using a hair tie to keep everything in place. Loop a headband or hair scarf around the hair tie, knotting or tying the fabric into a bow for decorative measure.^{[8]
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- You can do this with any kind of updo, whether it’s a low ponytail or a high bun.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Wearing Your Hair Down

1
Knot a headband at the top of your head for a simple look. Slide the headband below your ears so the loose ends are pointing upwards. Knot these loose ends directly on top of your head, which creates a stylish division between your bangs and the rest of your hair.^{[9]
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- As an extra touch, curl some of your hair with a curling iron to give it a little extra texture.
2
Loop a scarf into a seamless headband for a polished option. Place your folded hair scarf or headband beneath the bulk of your hair. Grab both sections of fabric so they meet at the top of your head. Cross the sections of fabric and loop them back to bottom of your head, tucking them into the headband for safekeeping.^{[10]
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- This works especially well with a bandana or hair scarf.
3
Tie the headband behind the crown of your head for an elegant style. Place the center of the headband on the top of your head, looping the loose ends of fabric toward the base of your head. Tie both loose ends into a bow, so the headband feels snug. Let the loose trails of bow intermingle with the rest of your hair, which will create a simple but beautiful look.^{[11]
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- This style can keep your hair in check on a windy day.

Expert Q&A

Question

Are headbands OK to wear?

Rachel Michael
Personal Stylist
Rachel Michael is a Personal Stylist based in Minneapolis, Minnesota and the Owner of Rachel Michael Styling. With more than six years of experience, she specializes in helping others understand and develop their unique style through wardrobe editing, personal shopping, and styling. Rachel holds a BA from Arizona State University and an Image Consultant Certification from Statement Makers. She has also worked with brands like Stitch Fix to help hundreds of women have a style they love.

Rachel Michael

Personal Stylist

Expert Answer

Definitely! You can always try wearing your headband off-center—this adds a touch of modern style to your look.