The Best Ways To Style Headbands For Lazy Girl Hair Looks That Still Stun

Headbands have a way of elevating any outfit, and the noughties-era hair pieces are back in a big way, along with an array of complementary hairstyles. There are the classic, '90s plastic headbands with their preppy finish. Puffy headbands add dimension to outfits. Y2K zigzag comb headbands are taking over like an invasive species. Plaid, silk, braided, and chain headbands are all earning their place in our styling repertoires because they enhance even the laziest hair days. Simple, stretch headbands are as vital to athleisure as they are to dressier fits. There's really something for every style when it comes to headbands.

Once relegated to 5-year-olds or the characters on "Gossip Girl," headbands are proving that they have much more range. They're versatile; they're stylish; they also keep your hair out of your face. The simple accessory works with casual outfits just as easily as it does with glamorous looks, so count headbands among the '90s looks that are making a comeback for fall 2025. They really are a simple addition with a big impact, and for all the lazy girls out there who love their bed rot self-care practice, headbands make hair styling a cinch.

Nothing points back to '90s nostalgia quite like references to 1995's cult classic film, "Clueless." A preppy, plaid headband that matches the plaid in other elements of your outfit plays on this Y2K trend perfectly. Plus, a statement plaid headband is a chic and practical way to keep your hair out of your face. It's an unfussy way of styling any hair length, but it looks particularly good on those with medium to long hair. Bonus points for styling your headband with cool, small sunglasses. 

Those who came of age in the '90s will remember the iconic, zigzag stretch comb headband. You know, the little device that pulls hair away from the face, combing it out into defined rows away from the hairline, and can be worn with hair down or as an added detail in a ponytail or bun look. Celebs like Bella Hadid and Alexa Demie have brought the simple headband back to the cultural conversation, proving that with fashion, everything comes back around.  

One of the most popular headbands is one that's simple and stretchy. Pull it up around the hairline, keeping it snug near the temples, and style hair around the simple piece. It works beautifully as extra hair support during workouts, but it also looks great with dressier fits. A black, stretchy headband with a structured blazer makes for a chic combo. Bonus points if you pair it with stylish sunglasses and lots of jewelry; that will make the headband choice feel deliberate and trendy. 

With crystals and beads adorning the top, a bejewelled headband takes any outfit to the next level. As a multi-use hair accessory, a fancy little headband functions as both a hair piece, keeping flyaways secure, but also as added jewelry, working double time for your look. The pretty little addition adds a touch of glamour and sparkle to an outfit. Play with the tones in the headband, and incorporate those in the rest of your jewelry to give a cohesive flourish.

Headbands can sit in various positions. Traditionally, they lie across the top of the head, but for added charm, play around with placement. A headband made from a metal chain, festooned with charms, makes a unique addition to a hairstyle. Wear it across the forehead for a more bohemian flourish. For those who love Princess Diana's style and are devotees of Dianacore, this is a great idea. The princess famously wore an emerald choker as a headband in 1985, securing the piece of jewelry across her forehead for an event in Australia. A playful re-imagining of a necklace, scarf, or metal headpiece creates a finishing touch to both casual and formal outfits. 

While headbands are great with hair worn long and loose, they also pair beautifully with updos. Their preppy charm elevates a simple bun, especially if you opt for something flecked with crystal embellishments that glimmer in the sunshine. For lazy hair days, a decorative headband lends a casual updo — complete with some face-framing pieces — a stylish finish, making a casual hair look more intentional. Polish it off with some statement earrings and you're good to go.

Nothing's as adorably '90s as the puffy, padded headband. The hair accessory is bold, as it adds a more prominent profile to any outfit. The best part about these headbands is that they look great on long hair as well as short hair, or hair pulled back in a bun. Simply position the headband about an inch back from your hairline. You can choose to wear your hair combed back or style it in a middle part.

Headbands are for all hair lengths. Even with ultra-short styles, a headband adds visual interest and balances proportions. A black bow headband, or anything else more whimsical, is the perfect finishing touch for a pixie cut. It adds a feminine flourish to the tomboy hairstyle, creating a playful twist on a short cut. Since short hair draws attention to the face, a headband further emphasizes this by framing the face and keeping the focus on one's features. 

Headbands aren't always about pulling hair away from the face; sometimes they serve as the finishing touch to long hair and full bangs. A headband secured over bangs creates a polished, sophisticated vibe that looks classic. Best of all, headbands can pull together an entire look. A collared dress or button-down shines when paired with a headband because it drives home the preppy vibe, bringing together an entire look.