Mastering Thick Headband Hairstyles: 23 Simple and Elegant Ideas for Effortless Style

If you’re looking to spice up your hairstyle game, thick headband hairstyles might just be your new go-to.

These versatile accessories can instantly elevate your look, whether you’re aiming for something chic and sophisticated or relaxed and bohemian.

Thick headbands are more than just a stylish statement—they’re a practical solution for managing hair on both good and bad hair days.

They add volume, keep hair out of your face, and can even complement your outfit for a coordinated look.

Wondering if thick headbands are right for you?

This article will walk you through various ideas and hairstyles that incorporate thick headbands, suitable for all hair types and lengths.

Whether you have short hair, long waves, or natural curls, there’s a perfect style waiting for you.

We’ll answer all your questions about how to style your hair with these fashionable accessories and provide plenty of inspiration to get you started.

So, if you’ve been thinking about trying out new hairstyles that are both practical and stylish, keep reading to discover how thick headbands can enhance your look and make your daily hair routine easier and more fun.

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23 Stylish Thick Headband Hairstyles to Try Now

1. Loose Top Knot with a Thick Headband

Close-up of a woman with a loose top knot hairstyle, a black thick headband, and natural makeup.

This hairstyle features a loose top knot paired with a thick, dark headband that adds an element of chic casualness.

It’s ideal for those with medium to long hair looking for an effortless yet stylish updo.

Perfect for casual outings or a relaxed day at the office, this look adds volume and texture to your hair.

To maintain, ensure regular moisturizing of your strands to avoid dryness from the pulled-back style.

2. Curly Volume with a Wide Headband

Profile view of a woman with voluminous curly hair and a wide, brown headband.

For those with naturally curly or wavy hair, this voluminous hairstyle with a thick headband adds both style and function.

The headband helps keep the curls off the face while showcasing their natural texture.

Ideal for people who want to enhance their curls’ natural bounce and shape, this look is both playful and practical.

To maintain, use a curl-defining cream to keep the curls hydrated and frizz-free.

3. Long Waves with a Textured Headband

Side view of a woman with long, wavy hair and a dark patterned headband.

This hairstyle combines long, loose waves with a textured headband, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated look.

It’s perfect for those with long hair who want to add a bohemian vibe to their everyday style.

The headband not only adds an aesthetic element but also keeps the hair out of the face.

To maintain the waves, use a light holding spray or mousse and avoid over-brushing to keep the texture intact.

4. Sleek Straight Hair with a Simple Headband

Side profile of a woman with sleek, straight hair and a dark, minimalist headband.

A sleek straight hairstyle paired with a simple, thick headband gives off an effortlessly polished vibe.

This look is ideal for those with straight or slightly wavy hair looking for a minimalistic yet elegant style.

Great for professional settings or formal occasions, it keeps the hair neatly in place while adding a touch of sophistication.

To keep the hair looking sleek, use a flat iron and apply a heat protectant serum for shine.

5. Short Bob with a Satin Headband

Close-up side view of a woman with a short bob and a green satin headband.

For those with a short bob cut, adding a satin headband can elevate the look from simple to stylish.

This hairstyle is perfect for individuals with fine or medium hair looking for a polished and fashionable appearance.

The headband serves as both a stylish accessory and a practical tool for keeping shorter strands in place.

To maintain this look, regularly trim the bob to keep the shape, and choose a satin headband for comfort and reduced hair breakage.

6. High Ponytail with a Knotted Headband

Profile view of a woman with a high, voluminous ponytail and a black knotted headband.

This hairstyle features a high ponytail that is full of volume and texture, accentuated by a knotted headband.

Ideal for individuals with long hair who want to keep their locks out of the face while maintaining a stylish appearance.

The knotted headband adds a trendy twist, making it perfect for both casual and semi-formal occasions.

To keep this look fresh, use a volumizing spray at the roots and regularly smooth the hair to maintain its bounce.

7. Textured Afro with a Wide Headband

Close-up of a woman with a textured afro and a wide, rust-colored headband.

This look highlights a textured afro paired with a wide headband, perfect for those with natural curls.

The headband not only adds color and interest but also helps manage the volume and shape of the afro.

Ideal for individuals embracing their natural hair texture, this style is both bold and practical.

To maintain, use moisturizing products and a leave-in conditioner to keep the curls soft and well-defined.

8. Sleek Long Hair with a Satin Headband

Side profile of a woman with sleek, long hair and a shiny, red satin headband.

A sleek, straight hairstyle combined with a satin headband provides a clean, polished look.

Perfect for those with long, straight hair who want a simple yet elegant style for everyday wear.

The satin headband not only adds a pop of color but also prevents hair breakage.

To keep hair sleek and smooth, use a straightening serum and avoid excessive heat styling.

9. High Sleek Ponytail with a Wide Headband

Profile view of a woman with a high sleek ponytail and a wide black headband.

This hairstyle showcases a high, sleek ponytail accentuated with a wide headband for a clean and modern look.

Ideal for those with long hair, this style is great for athletic or professional settings.

The headband keeps hair in place while the ponytail adds an element of sophistication.

To maintain, use a smoothing serum and regularly brush to keep the ponytail looking neat.

10. Messy Bun with Bangs and a Thick Headband

Close-up of a woman with a messy bun, side-swept bangs, and a thick black headband.

This hairstyle combines a messy bun with side-swept bangs, enhanced by a thick headband.

Perfect for those with medium to long hair who want a casual yet stylish updo that frames the face.

The headband helps keep the bangs in place while adding a chic, retro vibe to the overall look.

To maintain, use a texturizing spray for volume and regularly trim the bangs to keep them neat.

11. Natural Puff with a Thick Headband

Close-up of a woman with a natural puff hairstyle and a black thick headband.

This hairstyle showcases a natural puff, enhanced with a thick headband that adds a touch of elegance and practicality.

Ideal for those with natural, curly, or coily hair, this style allows for volume and texture while keeping the hair off the face.

Perfect for casual settings or adding a stylish edge to a more formal look.

To maintain, ensure regular moisturizing and use a leave-in conditioner to keep curls hydrated and defined.

12. Boho Waves with a Yellow Headband

Side profile of a woman with loose, boho waves and a yellow headband.

This look features loose, carefree waves complemented by a vibrant yellow headband, adding a pop of color and a touch of boho chic.

Ideal for medium to long hair, this style is perfect for a day at the beach or a casual outing.

The headband helps keep hair in place while highlighting the natural wave pattern.

To keep the waves fresh, use a sea salt spray and gently scrunch the hair to enhance texture.

13. Soft Bob with a Knotted Cream Headband

Close-up of a woman with a soft bob haircut and a knotted cream headband.

This hairstyle combines a soft, wavy bob with a knotted cream headband, creating a look that is both modern and timeless.

Ideal for those with shorter hair, this style adds a playful yet sophisticated element to a classic bob cut.

Perfect for both casual and semi-formal occasions, the headband keeps hair neat and stylish.

To maintain, regularly trim the bob and use a light styling cream to keep waves soft and bouncy.

14. Classic Braid with a Wide Headband

Side profile of a woman with a classic braid and a black wide headband.

A classic braid paired with a wide headband offers a sophisticated and sleek look, suitable for any occasion.

Ideal for those with long hair, this style keeps hair in place while adding an element of polish to the overall appearance.

Perfect for professional settings or casual outings, the headband complements the braid beautifully.

To maintain, ensure the braid is secured well and use a smoothing serum to keep hair frizz-free.

15. Loose Waves with a Lace Headband

Front view of a woman with loose waves and a lace headband.

This hairstyle combines loose, natural waves with a delicate lace headband, creating a soft, romantic look.

Ideal for long hair, this style is perfect for weddings, special occasions, or a day out in the sun.

The lace headband adds a vintage touch, enhancing the gentle waves and adding elegance.

To maintain, use a light mousse for volume and definition, and avoid over-brushing to keep waves intact.

16. Pixie Cut with a Knotted Fabric Headband

Close-up of a woman with a short pixie cut and a beige knotted fabric headband.

This style features a short, chic pixie cut accented with a knotted fabric headband, adding a touch of softness and elegance to the look.

Ideal for those with short hair who want to add a feminine twist to a pixie cut.

The headband serves as both a stylish accessory and a practical way to keep hair in place.

To maintain, trim the pixie regularly and use light styling products to keep the hair soft and manageable.

17. Textured Short Hair with a Sparkly Headband

Profile view of a woman with short, textured hair and a sparkly headband.

This hairstyle combines short, textured hair with a sparkly headband, perfect for those seeking a playful yet sophisticated look.

Ideal for adding some glam to a short haircut, the sparkly headband makes this style versatile for both daytime and evening events.

The headband keeps hair neatly in place while adding a touch of sparkle.

To maintain, use a texturizing spray to enhance the hair’s natural volume and shape.

18. Sleek High Ponytail with a Thick Headband

Side profile of a woman with a sleek high ponytail and a black thick headband.

This style showcases a sleek high ponytail, complemented by a thick black headband for a sharp and polished appearance.

Ideal for those with long, straight hair who want a professional and elegant look.

Perfect for formal occasions or a day at the office, the headband keeps hair sleek and in place.

To maintain, use a flat iron for sleekness and a strong-hold gel to keep the ponytail intact.

19. Low Ponytail with a Casual Headband

Profile view of a woman with a low ponytail and a black casual headband.

This look features a low ponytail with a casual headband, perfect for everyday wear.

Ideal for medium to long hair, the headband helps keep hair away from the face while providing a laid-back, relaxed style.

Great for casual outings or daily routines, this hairstyle is easy to maintain and style.

To keep the look fresh, use a light hair spray for hold and avoid over-styling to maintain the hair’s natural texture.

20. Messy Top Knot with a Knotted Yellow Headband

Close-up of a woman with a messy top knot and a knotted yellow headband.

This hairstyle combines a messy top knot with a knotted yellow headband, creating a casual, bohemian vibe.

Ideal for medium to long hair, this style is perfect for relaxed settings or a day out in the sun.

The headband adds a pop of color and keeps stray hairs in place while maintaining a carefree look.

To maintain, use a dry shampoo for texture and a light hairspray to keep the top knot secure.

21. Braided Updo with a Thick Headband

Close-up of a woman with a braided updo and a black thick headband.

This hairstyle features a stylish braided updo, accentuated by a thick black headband that adds both elegance and edge.

Perfect for those with long braids or twists, this style keeps hair neatly in place while adding height and volume.

Ideal for formal occasions or a chic everyday look, the headband frames the face beautifully.

To maintain, use a shine serum to keep the braids glossy and regularly re-twist any loose strands.

22. Short Bob with a Bow Headband

Close-up of a woman with a short bob haircut and a gray bow headband.

This hairstyle combines a chic, short bob with a playful bow headband, adding a fun and youthful twist to a classic cut.

Ideal for those with shorter hair looking to accessorize their look with a touch of whimsy.

The bow headband keeps hair away from the face and adds a unique element to everyday styling.

To maintain, use a light hairspray for hold and regularly trim the bob to keep the shape fresh.

23. Half-Up, Half-Down with a Knotted Headband

Front view of a woman with a half-up, half-down hairstyle and a knotted dark brown headband.

This style showcases a relaxed half-up, half-down look, complemented by a knotted headband for a bohemian vibe.

Ideal for medium to long hair, this style is perfect for a laid-back, casual look or a relaxed evening out.

The headband keeps hair in place while the loose strands frame the face, adding softness and texture.

To maintain, use a texturizing spray to enhance natural waves and avoid over-brushing to keep the style intact.

How Can You Style Different Hair Types with Thick Headbands?

Thick headbands are incredibly versatile and can be styled with various hair types, from straight to curly and everything in between.

For straight hair, a sleek headband can add a touch of elegance, while a textured headband can create visual interest.

For curly and natural hair types, thick headbands can help manage volume while showcasing natural curls.

The key is to choose a headband that complements your hair texture and personal style, allowing you to create a look that is uniquely yours.

What Are the Benefits of Wearing Thick Headbands?

Wearing thick headbands offers several benefits beyond just aesthetics.

They provide a practical solution for keeping hair out of your face, making them perfect for workouts or busy days.

Thick headbands can also help tame flyaways and keep your hairstyle intact throughout the day.

Additionally, they can add volume and dimension to your hair, especially if you’re dealing with thinner hair or looking for a quick style upgrade.

By experimenting with different styles and placements, you can discover how these accessories can enhance your overall look.

By incorporating these hairstyles with thick headbands into your routine, you can enjoy a variety of stylish and practical looks suitable for any occasion.

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Abbey Emer, an expert hairstylist and passionate beauty advocate, is the vibrant Editor-in-Chief of LooksNiceOnMe.

With her extensive experience in hairstyling and a keen eye for beauty trends, Abbey brings a touch of elegance and creativity to every article.

Her renowned hair tutorials and dedication to empowering individual expression set her apart as a leader in the beauty community.

Abbey's philosophy: Embrace your uniqueness and let your hair tell your story.