28 Hairstyles with Headbands: From Curly Hair to Buns, Afro Puffs, and Braids for Any Occasion

Headbands have been a timeless accessory, and their versatility makes them the perfect complement to a variety of hairstyles. Whether you’re aiming for a chic look for a wedding, a casual style for a day out, or something playful for a night with friends, a headband can elevate your hair game. This article explores distinct hairstyle ideas that incorporate headbands, suitable for different hair textures, lengths, and occasions. From hair up styles to effortless hair down looks, there’s something here for everyone.

Classic Hair Up Bun with a Headband

A sleek, polished bun paired with a headband creates a stunning look that’s perfect for formal occasions, including weddings or high-fashion events. This hairstyle suits most face shapes, particularly round and oval, as it adds height and elongates the face. The headband provides an accent that draws attention to your eyes, making it ideal for those with deep or bold eye colors like brown or hazel. It’s a wonderful option for black women with natural hair, who want to create a hair up bun style that showcases their unique texture while remaining elegant.

To achieve this look, simply brush the hair back and gather it into a high or low bun, depending on preference. The bun can be sleek for a more formal appearance or a bit messy for a relaxed vibe. Use a firm-hold gel or mousse to smooth any flyaways. A lightweight headband is then placed just in front of the bun. For maintenance, use a hydrating shampoo like SheaMoisture’s Curl and Shine Shampoo to keep your natural texture healthy and frizz-free.

Loose Waves with a Delicate Headband

For a soft and romantic look, hair down styles with gentle, loose waves paired with a delicate headband are ideal. This style works best for women with curly hair or wavy textures, offering a relaxed yet stylish appearance. It’s great for casual days, but also fits perfectly at more formal settings like weddings or engagement parties. Women with heart-shaped faces will find this look especially flattering, as the waves frame the cheeks and soften the jawline.

To create this hairstyle, first use a curling iron or wand to add soft waves throughout your hair. Once styled, add a thin, decorative headband to complete the look. A spritz of texturizing spray like the one from Oribe’s Dry Texturizing line can help maintain the curls while keeping volume intact throughout the day.

Afro with a Bold Headband

For those with an Afro or natural black women hair, a bold headband can make a major statement. This hairstyle embraces the natural texture and volume of your hair, while the headband adds a pop of color or pattern to create visual interest. It’s a stunning option for a day out with friends or even a laid-back weekend event. The volume of the afro looks great on oval or long face shapes, balancing out the proportions.

To get this look, simply wash and condition your natural hair with a product that enhances your curls, like Cantu’s Curl Activator Cream. Once dry, fluff out your Afro, and place the headband right at the hairline for a sleek, contrasting element. Maintenance is simple with regular moisturizing to keep your hair healthy and avoid frizz.

Half Up Half Down with a Headband

The half up half down style is a timeless choice for anyone wanting the best of both worlds – the polished look of an updo with the relaxed vibe of loose locks. Pair it with a headband for an extra touch of sophistication. This look works well with most hair lengths, including short hair like a bob, and looks great on heart and oval face shapes.

To achieve this style, section off the top portion of your hair and pull it into a small bun or ponytail, while leaving the bottom part to flow naturally. Slide a headband into place for an extra touch of elegance. To keep the look fresh, use a lightweight hairspray to maintain volume and bounce.

Braided Crown with a Headband

This hairstyle combines the elegance of a braid with the charm of a headband. A braided crown encircles the head, offering a regal and romantic look that’s perfect for outdoor events like weddings or garden parties. This style works best for those with medium to long hair, and it flatters round face shapes by adding a touch of height and sophistication.

To create this style, part your hair in the middle and braid two sections on either side. Once braided, wrap them around the top of your head and secure them with bobby pins. Add a headband just behind the braid for an extra layer of detail. To maintain this style, a leave-in conditioner, such as DevaCurl’s One Condition, will keep your braids looking sleek and polished.

Pixie Cut with a Thin Headband

A pixie cut paired with a thin headband can be both edgy and elegant. This hairstyle is perfect for those who love short, low-maintenance hair, but still want the option to dress it up. It works particularly well for oval and square face shapes, as the headband softens sharp features. The thin band adds a chic touch to a casual look, making it ideal for brunch or a night out.

To style a pixie cut with a headband, simply slick back the sides of your hair using a lightweight pomade. Place the headband just behind your hairline for a sleek and modern finish. A spritz of volumizing spray can add texture to the top for a bit more flair.

Fishtail Braids with a Headband

The fishtail braid is a classic and intricate hairstyle that pairs beautifully with a simple headband. This look is perfect for a casual day out or even a boho-chic wedding. It’s best suited for women with long hair, though hair extensions can be used to achieve the look if needed. A fishtail braid works wonders on square or diamond-shaped faces, softening angles and adding balance.

To create a fishtail braid, divide your hair into two sections and begin crossing small sections from one side to the other, pulling tight as you go. Once the braid is complete, add a headband to enhance the look. To keep your braid intact throughout the day, apply a light-hold hairspray like Bumble and Bumble’s Spray de Mode.

Locs with a Fabric Headband

Locs are a beautiful, versatile style on their own, but adding a fabric headband can give them an extra pop of personality. This look is particularly flattering for those with long dreads or locs, providing a relaxed, bohemian vibe. Ideal for weekend outings or casual gatherings, this hairstyle suits square and round face shapes.

To style locs with a headband, simply push all the locs back and slide the headband into place just at the hairline. This keeps your locs neatly arranged while giving you a touch of flair. To keep locs moisturized, use a lightweight oil like jojoba or argan oil regularly.

Box Braids with a Jewel-Studded Headband

For those with box braids, a jewel-studded headband adds a touch of glamour and elegance. This hairstyle is perfect for special events such as weddings, where you want to showcase the beauty of your braids while also making a statement with your accessory. Box braids work well for women with round or heart-shaped faces, as they elongate and frame the face beautifully.

To achieve this look, first ensure your braids are fresh and neat. Slide the jeweled headband in place right at the crown of your head. To maintain the look, a lightweight shine spray can keep your braids looking sleek without making them greasy.

Messy Bob with a Casual Headband

A messy bob paired with a casual headband is the ultimate laid-back chic look. Perfect for a relaxed day at the park or a brunch date, this hairstyle is ideal for women with short hair or shag cuts. The messy texture adds volume and character, while the headband keeps things fun and playful. This style works best on square and round face shapes.

To style a messy bob, use a texturizing spray to add volume and tousle your hair with your fingers for that “undone” look. Place a headband over the top, slightly pushing it back for a relaxed vibe. A finishing spray will keep the texture intact throughout the day.

High Ponytail with a Statement Headband

A high ponytail combined with a bold statement headband is an eye-catching and sleek look that is perfect for both casual and formal occasions. This style is ideal for those with long hair or hair extensions and works well with oval and heart-shaped faces. The height of the ponytail adds length to the face, while the headband brings focus to the eyes. This is a great look for a day out or even a wedding guest hairstyle.

To create this style, gather your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. Add a bold, wide headband just behind your hairline for a striking effect. Keep your ponytail smooth with a glossing serum, like John Frieda’s Frizz Ease. For maintenance, use a sulfate-free shampoo to keep your hair soft and shiny.

Curtain Bangs with a Minimalist Headband

Curtain bangs are all the rage, and pairing them with a minimalist headband offers a stylish twist. This look is perfect for short hair or a bob, and it flatters those with square or oval face shapes by softening the forehead and highlighting the cheekbones. Curtain bangs with a headband work well for casual outings or even a relaxed office look.

To achieve this look, style your bangs by parting them in the middle and blow-drying them to create a soft, swooping effect. Add a simple headband just above the bangs for a polished finish. A volumizing mousse, like Living Proof’s Full Thickening Mousse, can help create lift and texture for an effortlessly chic look.

Sleek Low Bun with a Velvet Headband

A sleek low bun with a velvet headband is an elegant and timeless hairstyle. It’s perfect for formal events, especially weddings or gala dinners, and works best on women with long or medium-length hair. The sleek finish of the bun, combined with the softness of velvet, makes this look both sophisticated and luxurious, complementing oval and square face shapes.

To create this style, use a smoothing serum and brush your hair back into a low bun at the nape of your neck. Secure the bun with pins, and place a velvet headband just behind the hairline for a touch of class. Use a shine-enhancing spray to keep the bun smooth and glossy throughout the event.

Boho Braids with a Flower Headband

For a whimsical, festival-ready look, boho braids combined with a flower headband are perfect. This style works well for those with long hair or fishtail braids, and it’s ideal for outdoor events like music festivals or beach weddings. The braids bring a carefree vibe, while the flower headband adds a fresh and natural touch, making it flattering for all face shapes.

To create this look, braid two sections of your hair loosely and let the rest flow freely. Add a flower headband for an extra layer of boho charm. For maintenance, use a texturizing spray like Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Spray to give the braids an effortlessly tousled appearance.

Dreads with a Scarf Headband

Pairing dreads with a scarf headband creates a cool, laid-back look perfect for casual days or low-key events. This style works well for black women with natural hair and dreads or locs, offering a touch of bohemian flair while keeping the hair secure and stylish. Round and heart-shaped faces will benefit from this style, as the scarf softens the overall look.

To create this hairstyle, simply wrap a scarf around your head and tie it in place, letting your dreads fall freely. To maintain your dreads, use a residue-free shampoo like Knotty Boy Dreadlock Shampoo to keep your hair clean and fresh.

Braided Half Updo with a Beaded Headband

A braided half-updo combined with a beaded headband is an excellent choice for those seeking a more intricate hairstyle for a special occasion. This look works beautifully for women with long hair or hair extensions, and it’s perfect for a formal event like a wedding or a fancy dinner. The braid adds texture, while the beaded headband brings sparkle, flattering heart and oval-shaped faces.

To create this style, braid two sections of your hair from the front and pull them back into a half-updo. Place a beaded headband in front of the braids for a glamorous finish. Use a firm-hold hairspray to keep the braids in place and ensure they stay intact throughout the night.

Side-Swept Curls with a Rhinestone Headband

Side-swept curls paired with a rhinestone headband make for a glamorous and red-carpet-ready look. This hairstyle is perfect for those with curly hair or waves, and it’s ideal for formal events such as weddings or parties. The side-swept curls highlight square and oval face shapes by adding volume and drawing attention to the eyes.

To create this look, curl your hair with a medium-barrel curling iron and sweep it to one side, securing it with pins if necessary. Add a rhinestone headband for a touch of sparkle. A shine spray like Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine will keep the curls shiny and frizz-free all night long.

Afro Puff with a Bold Fabric Headband

For those rocking an Afro puff, adding a bold fabric headband can elevate the style. This look is great for natural hair, especially for black women who want to embrace their texture while adding a stylish accessory. It’s perfect for casual outings or even a night out with friends. The bold headband adds a pop of color, making it flattering for all face shapes.

To create this look, gather your hair into a high puff and secure it with a hair tie. Wrap the bold fabric headband around your head for an extra burst of color and style. To maintain your natural curls, use a curl-enhancing product like Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls.

Conclusion

Headbands are an incredibly versatile accessory that can enhance any hairstyle. Whether you have curly hair, natural locks, or a sleek pixie, there’s a headband look for you. Let us know in the comments which hairstyle you’re excited to try, and share your favorite headband styles!