My terrible, terrible hair is not yet long enough for a ponytail or a bun, but I hate having hair in my face. My usual solution? A headband!
Headbands are a quick, easy fix, but they can feel… what’s the word… childish. We may associate them with—
…which is why they’re called “Alice bands” in England. Even worse, headbands might make you feel…
Photo from chicgiving.com
…infantile.
Here’s the question: can headbands be sophisticated enough for grown-ups?
Winona Ryder thinks so:
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
So does Natalie Portman:
Getty Images
More examples, you say?
Pseudo-fascinator headbands are popular and easy to come by. If you, like me, prefer to avoid feathers, check out this fabric option from BeSomethingNew….
or consider knotted cord, as seen at blacksatinshoes:
For casual days, simple fabric headbands are cute and easy to make. This one’s from mixbaby design:
LouiseRose makes pyramid-studded headbands with velvet ribbon:
You could wear a simple length of chain, like this headband from venus11:
If simplicity’s not your thing, consider adding ribbon to a fancy choker or bracelet, as seen in Clay Bouquet Shop. Instant hair jewelry!
www.robertstullsphotography.com
Enough with the photos— ladies, would you ever wear a headband? Gentlemen, what do you think?
I used to wear thick headbands a lot a year or two ago. Then I just suddenly stopped. I don’t know what changed – now I just don’t feel “me” in them so much.
I don’t think that means no grown woman should wear them, though. Especially the ones you posted I think would look really good!
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I really like a lot of the “headpiece” style headbands, the ones that are all art-nouveau-y with poppies creeping up from behind you ear. But, basically, I try to wear them and within a few hours I take them off because they give me a headache.
I do the scarf tied in my hair a lot though, whether tied under a ponytail or bun, or tied up on top retro-style. It feels me, I hope I never outgrow it.
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My sister used to have really thick straggly hair that was always in her face when we were younger, so she always wore a pretty thick/substantial headband. I rarely did, and yes, I do sort of associate them with kids, (particularly my kid-sister and her troublesome hair, hehe!) so no i probably wouldn’t ever wear one. HOWEVER, like all those examples you posted, headbands can be quirky, stylish, chic, and can be worn by adults quite effectively and fashionably! :)
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Kelly – Huh! I wonder what changed… It’s fun to observe our own style evolution, to remember what USED to feel soooo me and sooooo cool— and see what feels hopelessly dated now.
Evie – My problem with headpiece headbands is I see them and think “Wow, that would be so much cooler without the headband attached!”
I buy metal headbands so I can stretch them to fit my head. Plastic headbands are ALWAYS painfully tight.
I’m so jealous of your long-enough-to-play-with hair.
Sierra – Interesting! I don’t remember anyone ever wearing headbands when I WAS a kid, but I still have that same kiddie association. Even on famously beautiful women like Winona Ryder and Natalie Portman (as shown above), I see them in headbands and think “Wait, what?”
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