Best stylish headbands for women to buy in 2023
Forget the ones you wore in school, modern headbands are stylish, easy to wear and a god-send on bad hair days.
These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article. Product prices and offer details are not assured, and should be confirmed independently with the retailer. Learn more
A stylish headband can elevate even the most simple of formal dresses or party outfits. The perfect solution for all hair types, it’s worthwhile having one in your accessories collection for last-minute bad hair days - simply pop on, and watch your hairstyle go from a zero to a ten in seconds.
Styling a headband is a breeze. A slicked back, low bun can suddenly feel worthy of the runway with a great headband popped on top. Alternatively, your frizzy hair day can look purposeful when you add a headband - it will hold flyaways back off your face, while giving that extra volume a chic feel.
Below you’ll find our picks for the best stylish headbands for women in 2022, from scarf styles to solid bands.
BEST CLASSIC HEADBANDS FOR WOMEN
When looking for your perfect classic headband for daily wear, think neutral. You want a headband that can work back with everything in your wardrobe, so beige, black and white are your best options - however, a good jewel tone can really uplift a work outfit if you’re bored of your week wear.
IZOA Sandy Headband, THE ICONIC, $39
Made of woven rattan, this round headband features a knot detail at the top, giving it a scarf-like look. We love this with everything from a blazer and faded jeans to your favourite maxi dresses.
SHOP NOW
Gysette Rixo Twist Headband, THE ICONIC, $64
Designed to be worn over your hair, not tucked under, this is our go-to pick for a bad hair day. Squash frizz down and allow your natural waves to shine with this headband, which will reign in volume to make humidity puffiness feel intentional.
IZOA Taylor Headband, THE ICONIC, $39
Available in a whopping nine colourways, this easy to wear headband is created using soft chiffon fabric over a solid band. It gives the illusion of volume to fine hair, and works really well for the office as it’s understated.
Morgan & Taylor Leslie Headband, THE ICONIC, $29.95
A classic velvet headband is very Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl - the definition of classic style. This burgundy piece is padded to give volume, but not too over the top for the office.
Sienna Linen Knot Headband, Forever New, $17.99
Linen is the material of the moment, and yes - it works for headbands too. This linen headband has a similar style to the Taylor piece above, and works really well as a statement accessory with a simple tee and jeans.
Two-Tone Straw Alice Band, Lovisa, $17.99
This alice band headband uses two different tones of beige to create a criss-cross design that makes it stand out a little more than block colour headbands.
Morgan & Taylor Milena Headband, THE ICONIC, $49.95
The woven style of this headband looks wonderful on blondes and redheads in particular, as the detail really stands out. It’s a lovely, classic style for both formal occasion wear and the office.
BEST PARTY HEADBANDS FOR WOMEN
Sick of statement earrings and chunky necklaces, but want to add some va-va-voom to a party outfit? A part headband is where it’s at. From spangly gold numbers to eye-catching brights, these headbands will make sure you’re noticed on the dance floor.
Morgan & Taylor Piper Headpiece, THE ICONIC, $129.95
This is as glam as glam headbands get. Featuring a studded pattern made of gold beads and jewels, this headband looks amazing with a simple black dress.
IZOA Taylor Headband, THE ICONIC, $39
The pink iteration of the IZOA Taylor headband is a great party go-to piece. The colour pops on all hair shades, and while it seems like a polarising hue for regular wear, it’s surprisingly versatile - it looks great with neutral shades and as a colour-clashing piece with patterns and brights.
Billini x Natalie Anne Isabelle Headband, THE ICONIC, $89.95
This jewel-encrusted headband also fits well under our bridal headband section, because it has such a classic, old-world feel to it. Not out of place in the 1920s, the blend of emerald cut crystals and stones gives it a vintage feel. Team with a formal fashion piece for timeless class.
Adeline Satin Ruffle Headband, Forever New, $24.99
The generous ruffles on this headband add volume and take a subdued shade into statement territory. This is a great option for racewear, or as a wedding guest. It’s surprisingly versatile as it looks fantastic with formal dresses but can also work back with summer linen.
Mixed Stone Knot Detail Headband, Lovisa, $34.99
Can you tell we love pink? It’s such a wearable colour for headwear, and this stone-encrusted turban style headband is the perfect style for it. Team this with a sparkly party dress, simple slip or even a power suit for added oomph.
BEST BRIDAL HEADBANDS FOR WOMEN
Don’t overlook the classic bridal headband for your big day. A genius way to attach a veil if your hairstyle won’t hold a clear claw clip, you can even go veil-free and use a headband to add bridal detail to your hairstyle.
Silver Diamante Floral Halo, Lovisa, $29.99
This is simple and understated - we love silver in darker hair tones as it really stands out. You could style it as the model shown, or use to secure an updo at the front.
Collection White and Gold Beaded Headband, Myer, $29.95
The bridal version of the Gossip Girl headband, this is perfect for the modern bride, and a fantastic way to elevate a simple wedding dress if you’re feeling like a slip is missing a bit of drama. Wear your hair out, or sleek in a low bun.
Morgan & Taylor Melissa Headpiece, THE ICONIC, $49.95
Gold is a lovely colour for headwear at a wedding. This piece features chain-link style metal wrapping across the top of a solid band, and looks wonderful in blonde hair, especially to secure a loose updo.
Flower Headband, Colette by Colette Hayman, $49.99
This is a true statement headpiece. We would suggest forgoing a veil with this one, as the delicate material petals add bridal elevation all on their own.
Gold Pearl and Crystal Headband, Colette by Colette Hayman, $16.99
The double layer to this headband is truly something else. One strand features gold leaves with pearls, the other, coloured jewels. A beautiful pick for the bohemian bride or alternative bridal style.
HOW TO I WEAR A HEADBAND?
Headbands can feel daunting if you’re only venturing into the style now. As a general rule, all headbands look good with long, flowing waves. For statement headbands, try a sleek low bun or wet-look hairstyle to let the statement piece shine.
Turban style headbands look amazing with beach waves, or a low, sleek ponytail.
Interested in more effortless style? These are our favourite work backpacks, plus we have this list of Australian footwear brands to peruse if you need some new footwear as the seasons change.
To get the best price on every purchase, be sure to stop by news.com.au Coupons, where you’ll be able to score savings on top brands and Aussie favourites from Country Road to Bed Threads.
Lastly, sign up to our newsletter here for all the latest shopping news.
‘Incredible’ hair brush for pain-free detangling
From detangling to scalp massaging, a great hair brush can do more than just keep hair silky and soft.
‘Miracle worker’: Hairbrush 273m swear by
The TikTok viral brush has thousands of five-star reviews calling it a “game-changer” for “soft hair”.
‘Beautiful’ hair towel that dry hair fast
Buying a towel just for your hair might seem ludicrous at first, but trust us, once you’ve used one you’ll never go back to normal towels.
Overnight hair hack shoppers are ‘obsessed’ with
Costing a fraction of expensive hair styling tools, this curling trick works while you sleep, with users swearing they are “never using heat again”.