How to Wear a Headband with Short Hair

Co-authored by Janet Miranda

Last Updated: November 5, 2022 References Approved

Having short hair can be great, but sometimes you might have to get a little creative in order to change up your appearance. If you’re wanting to accessorize your short hair with a cute headband, there are many different ways that you can wear one. Whether you’re going for something classic and simple or you’re wanting to make a bold statement, there’s a headband look that’s perfect for you.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Choosing a Headband

1
Go with a headband that matches your hair color for a casual look. Choose a headband that is either the same color as your hair or would look good next to your hair color. This way, your headband becomes a versatile accessory that you can wear with any outfit.
- If you’re a brunette, try wearing a headband made of small tan or brown crystals for a touch of subtle sparkle.^{[1]
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- If you aren’t sure what colors will look best, stick with neutrals. Neon green or lavender aren’t as easy to match as black or white.
2
Wear a simple, thin headband for everyday versatility. Try out a thin, subtle headband that lies flat against your head if you plan on wearing it to most of the places you go. ^{[2]
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Research source} Pick a headband that’s made of metal, fabric, plastic, or a combination. Thin headbands are classic, and can be worn to work, out to dinner, or even to the gym.
- Try to keep embellishments and patterns simple. Go for a thinly braided solid-colored headband or a headband that has a thin stripe of pearls or rhinestones across the top.
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3
Pick a unique, bold headband to wear on a night out. If you’re looking for an accessory to wear on special occasions, headbands that are made of unique materials or have unique structures look great with short hair.
- Try a thinner headband that has a larger embellishment on it, such as a feather or flower.
- Wear a thicker headband made of leather if you’re going for an edgy look.^{[3]
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  Research source} They also tend to stay in place better.
4
Wear a headband that’s 1 inch (2.5 cm) or less in width. Both thick and thin headbands can look great with short hair, but try not to go too much wider than 1 inch (2.5 cm).^{[4]
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Research source} The wider your headband, the more your hair and head will be covered up, which may not be as flattering if your hair is only a few inches long.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Styling Your Hair Beforehand

1
Create volume by curling and teasing your short hair. Create body with a curling wand. Separate your hair into small, workable sections and then wrap one section around the wand. Hold it for a couple of seconds and then let the strand go and move onto the next one. After curling all of the sections, separate your curls and tease them by combing your hair towards the root. This will give you even more volume.
- If you want wavy hair, only wrap the top half of the strand around the wand.
2
Blow your hair smooth with a hairdryer.^{[5]
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Research source} Put a nozzle attachment on the end of your hairdryer and brush your hair with a boar bristle brush as you blow it dry. This will make your hair lay flat and feel smooth.
3
Pin back sections of hair that are near your face. Take a small section of hair near your hairline, twist it, and pin it back by locking 2 bobby pins in an “x” shape. Continue doing this for most of the hair along your hairline. This way, you can wear the headband solely for decoration and not rely on it to hold your hair back.^{[6]
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- Choose bobby pins that match your hair color so they don’t stick out.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Placing the Headband

1
Put the headband about 1 inch (2.5 cm) behind your hairline. You don’t want your headband too far forward or too far back or it will look out of place. Put it about 1 inch (2.5 cm) back to create a look that is both attractive and stylish.^{[7]
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2
Add softness by letting some hair hang around your face. While you can pull all of the hair on your hairline back with your headband, it may look better if you leave some pieces out. Pull all of the hair in front of the headband out and let it frame your face. If you have bangs, pull everything back except for your bangs.^{[8]
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- Try it a few different ways to figure out what looks the best to you.
3
Wear the headband across your forehead for a boho look. If you have a headband that’s a completely connected circle, you can place it around the front and back of your head. This placement isn’t always great for securing your hair in place, but it can add a bohemian flair to nearly any outfit.^{[9]
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4
Create a faux-bang with your headband. Use a comb to make a deep side part and then pull your hair across your forehead. Secure the hair behind one side of your headband with bobby pins to create the illusion of cute sidebangs.^{[10]
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Community Q&A

Question

How do I place it properly?

Community Answer

Put the headband ends behind your ears, then push the rest of the headband back to a length you think fits and looks cute.
Question

I have gray hair and really in need of a haircut. I am older. I need something to keep hair out of my eyes.

Flyingsky 99

Community Answer

You can wear a plastic or metal band if you want something firm to hold your hair. But keeping your age and sensitivities in mind, you may prefer to go for a cloth or sports hairband, as they are comfortable and prevent aches behind your ears.