The Best Knotted Headbands

Buying Guide

Your hair is exposed to a variety of stressors throughout the day. But along with heat and chemicals, hair accessories are among the top damaging factors. The friction caused by hair barrettes can cause irreparable damage to the hair shaft. Other causes of hair shaft damage include heat from hair dryers and styling irons, chemicals and even towel drying.

While it might be impossible to avoid all damaging factors, there are some things you can do to keep the impact to a minimum. If you can let your hair air dry and skip heat-based styling products, you’ll be at an advantage. You should also invest in products that will help protect your hair, like thermal protection sprays.

As for hair accessories, skip items that compress hair strands like elastic ponytail holders and metal or plastic hair barrettes. Scrunchies are better than elastic bands, especially if you opt for satin or silk. If you can limit the number of hours each day you bind your hair, that can also reduce damage.

If you prefer to keep your hair off your face, a headband can be a great option. But it’s important to look for a headband that doesn’t compress your hair strands. A knotted headband is a great retro choice that binds your hair without compressing it or crimping it. Typically made from fabric, these headbands lack the compression you get with plastic headbands.

However, knotted headbands can be tough to keep in place. The all-fabric versions have a habit of slipping around, so you’ll need to ensure you either get the right fit for your head shape or find one that’s adjustable. Many knotted headbands use plastic for the structure you need but cover them with fabric to protect your hair. This can be a great way to get the benefits of each type without putting your hair at risk.

• You don’t have to settle for just one style of headband. Often they’re sold in sets that bring in multiple colors and patterns. This can help you quickly scale up your accessories collection.
• Headbands can be great for keeping your hair out of the way while washing your face or applying makeup. If you’re planning to wear your headband for that, look for one that will easily dry and can handle contact with water and cosmetics. Being able to drop your headband into the laundry can come in handy for those quick cleanups.
• When choosing a type of headband, take a quick look at your wardrobe to ensure you’ll have clothing to match what you buy. If you’re just looking for a headband to wear around the house, this won’t be as much of an issue.
• If you’ll wear your headband in warmer weather, look for one that’s either made from breathable material or has ventilation built in. This will help keep you comfortable in any weather.
• You don’t have to limit yourself to solids or classic designs like flowers and polka dots. There are a variety of pattern options to let you shake things up.
• You can check the measurements of any headband you buy to determine the width of the band. That will help ensure you’re getting the look you want.
• Head sizes differ quite a bit. Headbands typically don’t come in sizes like hats. But you can check the circumference and measure it against your head. All-fabric headbands have a little more flexibility than plastic ones covered in fabric.
• If you’re looking for headbands for everyday wear, look for more neutral options like black, white or tan. You’ll find you reach for those headbands more than you will patterned, especially if you own quite a bit of patterned clothing.
• There are some alternative ways to wear headbands, including pairing them with a ponytail or bun at the nape of your neck. You can also keep some of the hair in front of the headband to create an alternative to pulling all the hair off the forehead and cheeks.