How to Wear a Headband with Short Hair: 11 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

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1Choosing a Headband

2Styling Your Hair Beforehand

3Placing the Headband

Other Sections

Tips and Warnings

Things You'll Need

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References

Article Summary

Co-authored byJanet Miranda

Last Updated: November 5, 2022ReferencesApproved

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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. 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]
    • 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. 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] 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. 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] They also tend to stay in place better.
  4. 4

    Wear a headband that’s 1 inch (2.5cm) 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 (2.5cm).[4] 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.

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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Styling Your Hair Beforehand

  1. 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. 2

    Blow your hair smooth with a hairdryer.[5] 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. 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]

    • Choose bobby pins that match your hair color so they don’t stick out.
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Placing the Headband

  1. 1

    Put the headband about 1 inch (2.5cm) 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 (2.5cm) back to create a look that is both attractive and stylish.[7]

  2. 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]

    • Try it a few different ways to figure out what looks the best to you.
  3. 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]

  4. 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

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  • Question

    How do I place it properly?

    How to Wear a Headband with Short Hair: 11 Steps (with Pictures) (14)

    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.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy!Claim Your GiftIf wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

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  • 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.

    How to Wear a Headband with Short Hair: 11 Steps (with Pictures) (15)

    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.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy!Claim Your GiftIf wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

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      Tips

      • Make sure to purchase a headband that fits on your head, since they actually do come in different sizes.

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      • Elastic band types of headbands tend to stay on the head better.

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      How to Wear a Headband with Short Hair: 11 Steps (with Pictures) (16)

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      Things You'll Need

      • Headbands
      • Comb
      • Boar bristle brush
      • Bobby pins
      • Hairdryer
      • Nozzle attachment
      • Curling wand

      More References (1)

      About This Article

      How to Wear a Headband with Short Hair: 11 Steps (with Pictures) (24)

      Co-authored by:

      Professional Hair Stylist & Makeup Artist

      This article was co-authored by Janet Miranda. Janet Miranda is a Professional Hair Stylist, Makeup Artist, and the Founder of Be.NYLA. With over 15 years of experience, Janet specializes in makeup and hair for advertising, commercial, editorial, runway, special events, television, and videos. She was trained at Vidal Sassoon Academy and with top hair and makeup artists including MAC Cosmetics and Redken. Janet has worked five seasons of New York Fashion Week and one season on Project Runway. She continues to add brands to her growing client list including Armani Exchange, Neutrogena, and Pantene. Janet’s work has been featured on CBS, Brides Magazine, 100 Layer Cake, Style Me Pretty, Green Wedding Shoes, Ireland Image Brides Magazine, and Elle Japan. This article has been viewed 126,743 times.

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      Co-authors: 9

      Updated: November 5, 2022

      Views:126,743

      Categories: Hair Adornments

      Article SummaryX

      To wear a headband with short hair, first give your hair some volume by curling or teasing it. You can also brush and blow dry your hair to create volume without as much texture. Once you're done styling your hair, pin back the sections that are near your face using bobby pins, which will keep it from getting in the way when you're wearing your headband. Then, put on your headband so it's about 1 inch above your hairline. For a softer look, try pulling out some of your bangs and letting them hang around your face. To learn how to choose a headband for short hair, read on!

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      How to Wear a Headband with Short Hair: 11 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

      FAQs

      How do you wear a simple headband? ›

      Place the ends of your headband in front of your ears right where your hairline stops. This should leave a little bit of space between the top of your head and the headband. Gently push the headband back until the ends are behind your ears, then lower the top of the headband into place.

      How do you wear a headband and make it look good? ›

      Secure over a middle part

      For a sophisticated and sleek style, try wearing a headband over a middle part. Whether you go maximalist or minimalist in design, your hair will look undeniably polished. If you're not into middle parts, simply rock your usual off-center or side part instead.

      Can a 60 year old woman wear a headband? ›

      Headbands are the best way to glam up your attire. They quickly transform you into a diva turning heads. “Headbands can be fine at any age, but as a mature woman, I'd steer clear of flowers, bows, and sparkly little girl styles,” said a fashion stalwart on being asked about whether older women should flaunt headpieces.

      What can I wear with very short hair? ›

      Lace, embellished tops, pastels, bright colors, florals, fitted skirts & ruffles are all good places to start. Avoid clothing that is loose or baggy. Instead, stick with fitted clothing and layer flowing cardigans or kimonos.

      How do you wear a headband with fine hair? ›

      FABRIC HEADBANDS

      A great way to style this headband is to slip over an updo to hide thinning areas around the hairline. Fabric headbands are fantastic as they won't pull or damage your hair. Top tip; use hairpins to secure the headband into place, for that extra hold and security.

      How do you do a headband hairstyle? ›

      The how-to for this is simple: Blast your hair with texturizing spray (if you have finer, limper hair), slide on a headband (the fancier the better), then tie off your hair into an ultra-low ponytail. Yeah, you don't actually need long hair, or braids, or twists, or a ponytail to wear a headband (shock!

      Can you wear a headband with a pixie cut? ›

      If your hair is very short – i.e. a pixie cut or shorter – then a thin headband will be more flattering as it will show more of your haircut." But that's not to say short hair never works with a wider style.

      How do you wear headbands with fine hair? ›

      FABRIC HEADBANDS

      A great way to style this headband is to slip over an updo to hide thinning areas around the hairline. Fabric headbands are fantastic as they won't pull or damage your hair. Top tip; use hairpins to secure the headband into place, for that extra hold and security.

      How do you wear a headband with short hair and bangs? ›

      Once your top knot is good to go, place the headband behind your ears with the headband's arch sitting in front of your face. Then, lift the headband, pushing your bangs or front hair towards the top knot. Pull a few pieces out from the side and be on with your day!

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