9 Headband Hair Hacks: Look Pulled Together in 30 Seconds

One thing I can’t really handle on busy mornings is how long it takes to make my hair look presentable. Unfortunately, the whole shampoo-blow-dry-flat-iron routine falls by the wayside when you’ve got kids running underfoot, breakfast to prepare, bags to pack, and people to usher out the door.

So for me, one of the most valuable—and affordable—investments I’ve made into my routine is the humble headband. It may be simply and fairly innocuous, but this hair accessory has saved me from certain sloppiness on more than one occasion. Here are nine headband hair hacks I’ve discovered to look pulled together in just thirty seconds—or less! Check them out in the slideshow.

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Headband Hacks

Chic Bob

Give your bob cut a little boost with a wide-body headband. This look evokes a Roaring Twenties sort of quality, and it’s a great way to feel much more polished on a day when your hair may be a bit sloppy looking.

Image Credit: Instagram @my_favourite_lullaby
Delicate Elegance

That quick chignon or loose bun you favor on lazy days undergoes a total makeover when you add a headband to the equation. The key is to use a slim, decorative band, which also handily holds back any bangs that are growing out.

Image Credit: Instagram @glittersolsiden
High Bun

Sometimes a bun is the easiest look of all to wear—it’s literally a matter of throwing your hair up into a messy knot and calling it a day. Tame the mess with a fabric headband that converts your look into something that’s even a bit sexy.

Image Credit: Instagram @nikonbelgium
Perky Ponytail

When the best you can do is throw your hair in a high, retro-inspired ponytail, go one better by adding a cute headband to your look. This style is fun, flirty, and a bit youthful—but there’s nothing wrong with that!

Image Credit: Instagram @bernadette888
Sparkly Shine

An accessory or two is often all it takes to transform your look from basic to beautiful. If you wear your hair loose, why not shake it up with the addition of a sparkly headband? This look spells perfection with its dazzling finish and double-band design.

Image Credit: Instagram @grindes
The Lift

A headband can also help give your hair some body when it looks a little lifeless. A textured headband like this works best, because its height conveys a sense of greater lift at your roots. Tease your hair at the crown before slipping the band on for a chic look.

Image Credit: Instagram @lyonnaisesnextdoor
Turban Top

Some bad hair days have a way of developing at the roots, where a light layer of frizz or flyaway strands creates an odd, fuzzy halo. Enter the turban headband, which offers more coverage than a basic headband thanks to its extra-wide swath of fabric.

Image Credit: Instagram @blossomandgracehd
Wispy Tendrils

Whether you wear it in a low ponytail, a bun, or a relaxed braid, you can instantly dress up your hairstyle with a wide headband like this. Slip it on and let a few loose tendrils frame your face for a chic look.

Image Credit: Instagram @brushedbysandradene
Workout Chic

One of the best things I can do for myself is squeeze in a quick workout after I’ve taken care of all my other AM duties. A tight bun alone usually isn’t enough to keep my hair trained; a headband keeps all hair away from my face (a personal pet peeve).

Image Credit: Instagram @gemdimps