Head bands have come in and out of fashion in the last few years. Extremely on-trend this season, the Spring/Summer 2012 catwalks had a variety of styles on show – from Louis Vuitton’s angelic styles, to sportier, lycra ones elsewhere. While they’re essential festival wear in the summer, whether or not you wear them throughout the rest of the year really depends on if you think they ‘suit’ you or not. Well, we’re here to tell you that there is in fact a style to suit everyone – whether you’re blonde or brunette, with short hair or long hair, curly or straight.
Hair colour
First off, do not match your head band to your hair colour. This means that if you have peroxide blonde hair, a white head band may end up looking like a bandage. Bumble and Bumble Editorial Stylist Neil Moodie advices just as much: ‘It's quite good to choose a colour band that's contrasting with your natural hair colour. For example if you have dark hair it's good to wear a bright vibrant colour in your hair to contrast. It makes a real statement.’
Short hair
Head bands are a brilliant weapon in the arsenal of short-haired ladies everywhere, instantly updating your look and adding a girly touch. Case in point is Michelle Williams at the Golden Globes, as Neil explains: ‘Michelle Williams at the Golden Globes a prime example! She had a black velvet headband in her soft blonde hair which gave her hair a slight ‘60s feel.’
Short hair suits most styles of head band, whether you’re going for a glam look with a diamante one (à la Charlize Theron ), or a more casual look with a simple wrap around scarf knotted in a bow. Just make sure the style doesn’t overwhelm your hair cut by getting the proportions right – nothing too big or dramatic.
Long hair
Longer locked ladies shouldn’t despair however – but they should pick their head band of choice with care. For Rapunzel style manes it’s probably best to keep your personal style in mind, as this is just another part of your overall look. Don’t wear a floral garland if you’re more of a skirt suit kind of girl, if you know what we mean.
If you’re a free-spirited bohemian like Florence Welch, the eternally chic turban might be for you. Similarly, if you’re away with the fairies or it’s the middle of summer, why not go for a floral garland? Remember, if you stick to what goes with your personal style, you’ll be on to a winner, and never wear anything you’re uncomfortable with.
Curly hair
So what about the texture of your hair? Curly hair can be difficult to tame, but head bands are a great way to do this. Much like with short hair, it’s nice to be able to do something different with your locks, particularly if you’re used to wearing them wild and free. The styling team at Michael Van Clarke advise: ‘Plastic alice bands are making a comeback particularly zig zag comb bands. They are perfect for holding curly hair away from the face whilst keeping some of the texture.’
Fringes
And fringes? Well, if you’re in full on Zooey Deschanel mode, embrace the bow head band or opt for a bouffant style and secure with a thin elastic head band. Backstage hair stylist Bianca Tuovi has some great tips for creating this kind of look: ‘Head bands that have a rubber backing on the side that sits on the hair won't slide of your head. If you create a style that has more height on the crown, it will also stop the band from sliding off.’
Another great tip? According to the team at Michael Van Clarke, elastic head bands like this are also great for when you’re growing out a fringe, to keep it neatly secured.
So there you have it! Now look at our edit of the best head bands on the high street, and stay perfectly coiffed.
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