How to Wear an Elastic Headband

Co-authored by Hannah Madden

Last Updated: April 13, 2020 References

An elastic headband is a super versatile accessory. However, knowing what to do with your headband can be tough since there are so many ways to wear it. You can keep your hair casual, do it for a formal event, or even use your headband to keep down any flyaways. Try wearing your headband a few different ways to find a style that’s right for you!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Leaving Your Hair Down

1
Create a boho look with a headband on your forehead. Slip the headband over your head and settle it on your forehead. Make sure the front part of the headband is centered in the middle of your forehead and the back part of the headband sits snugly on the back of your head. You can adjust your headband if it’s not sitting right on your forehead or if there’s a design you want in the front.^{[1]
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- For example, if your headband is plain in the back but bedazzled in the front, make sure the bedazzled part sits right on top of your forehead.
- If you have bangs, you can leave them down underneath the headband.
- This look is great for music festivals or anywhere you want to give off a hippie vibe.
2
Wear a headband the classic way by tucking it behind your ears. Pull your headband behind your ears and situate it in the middle of your head. Try to split the top of your head in half with your headband by leaving your face-framing layers and bangs in the front and moving the rest of your hair to the back. Make sure the headband is tucked behind your ears so that it doesn’t slip around.^{[2]
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- To create more volume at the back of your head, tease your hair with a rattail comb before you put on your headband.
- Pick out a few face-framing layers to add some flair to your style.
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3
Keep flyaways in place by pushing your face-framing layers back. Pull your headband down around your neck, then shimmy it upwards behind your ears. Push the front layers of your hair back behind the headband. Make sure the headband is settled behind your ears and around the back of your head so that it stays in place.^{[3]
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- This is a great style to try if you are growing out your bangs and they keep getting in your eyes.
Tip: If you are worried about your headband slipping throughout the day, put 2 bobby pins into the side of the headband behind your ears to hold it in place.
4
Add embellishment to 2 long braids on either side. Split your hair in half evenly with one section on either side of your head. Split each section into 3 pieces, then use the pieces to create 2 braids. Secure them with a hair tie or a cute bow, then pull your headband on over your head and tuck it behind your ears.^{[4]
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- You can also make 1 large braid on one side of your head instead.
- Pull out some face-framing layers if you’d like to spice up this look.
- Try doing fishtail braids instead for a more dynamic style.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Putting Your Hair Up

1
Create an elegant updo by tucking your hair into your headband. Situate your headband behind your ears and in the middle of your head. Then, grab your face-framing layers and tuck them around your head into the sides of the headband. Finally, grab the majority of your hair at the back of your head and tuck it up and over the headband to keep it in place.^{[5]
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- If you are going to a formal event, use a sparkly or bedazzled headband.
Tip: Use a few bobby pins to keep any stray hairs in place.
2
Go with a half-up look to keep your hair out of your face. Situate your headband behind your ears and in the middle of your head. Try to split the top of your head in half with your headband by leaving your face-framing layers in the front and moving the rest of your hair to the back. Then, twist your face-framing layers back around the headband to keep them out of the way.^{[6]
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- If you have straight-across bangs, you can leave them down on your forehead.
- This is a great summertime party look.
3
Add flair to a slick, low bun with a headband. Brush your hair back into a bun on the nape of your neck and secure it with a hair tie. Add a few bobby pins to keep it in place, then pull your headband on and situate it behind your ears. Pull out a few face-framing layers to decorate your face more.^{[7]
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- If you are going to a party, spice up your bun with a few small claw clips.
4
Keep your hair out of your face with a sleek ponytail and headband. Brush your hair back into a ponytail on the crown of your head and secure it with a hair tie. Pull a thin elastic headband over your head and secure it behind your ears. If you’re worried about the headband slipping, add 2 bobby pins on either side of the headband to keep it in place.^{[8]
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- This is great for physical activity or playing sports.
5
Spice up a messy bun with your headband. Pull your hair back to the crown of your head loosely with your hands into a messy bun. Secure the bun with a hair tie or a scrunchie for some added flair. Pull your headband on and situate it behind your ears and on the front of your head.^{[9]
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- This is a great look to try if you don’t have a lot of time to do your hair in the morning.
6
Create a wrapped ponytail for added elegance. Pull your headband on in the middle of your head, leaving your face-framing layers in front. Tighten your hair into a low ponytail with a hair tie at the nape of your neck underneath the headband. Split the hair right above the hair tie in half to create a small hole, then flip your ponytail over the headband and through the small hole.^{[10]
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- Adjust any lumps or bumps that might have happened by smoothing out the hair wrapped around your headband.