Headbands

Any accessory that can put stress on your hair can damage it. People are into hair accessories such as headbands and ponytails, to name a few, so some wonder if these can damage the hair.

Are headbands bad for your hair? Yes, they can be. This popular fashion accessory is an excellent remedy for a bad hair day and keeps sweat away from your eyes. However, wearing it repeatedly may cause hair breakage around your hairline, resulting in a receding hairline and a dreaded enlarged forehead.

Let us look at how to use headbands without damaging your hair and learn the variety of headbands that can cause damage to your hair.

What Are Headbands?

This hair accessory goes around your forehead to keep hair out of your face. Headbands also work to create certain hairstyles.

You can wear a headband as a horseshoe-shaped accessory that fits over the crown of your head and is set behind your ears or as a solid band that wraps around your head.

If you are looking for a suitable headband, check the right material for you. Headbands are usually made of metal, plastic, wood, leather, elastic, bone, hemp, fabric, and other novelty items.

These materials are designed to be something that can hold your hair down and keep it away from your face.

For those looking more into aesthetics, find headband brands that offer different designs and decorations. You can find headbands that have lights or bows, and some have combs to keep your hair parted in a specific way.

Sweatbands

Sweatbands are one type of headband worn around the head while you engage in physical activities or sports, and they keep the sweat from reaching your eyes.

You can usually see athletes wearing these hair accessories, both men and women. People who love to work out, do yoga, or work outside also wear sweatbands for the same purpose.

Headbands and sweatbands are in the same category, but they are different in how they are worn and the materials they are made of. Usually, sweatbands are made of bandanas or terrycloths.

Meanwhile, headbands are typically for decorative purposes, like boho-chic bands, and have ornaments such as braids, glitter, or jewels.

Why Are Headbands Bad for Your Hair?

Headbands are not harmful to the hair, and they’ll damage your hair only when you wear a hairband or ponytail that is too tight or made of the wrong materials.

Here are a few of the headbands that you may want to avoid:

Elastic Headbands

Wear an accessory that pulls your hair back tight can cause headaches and discomfort, and your scalp can get tender or possibly even have sore spots.

Elastic headbands can usually start hair breakage along the hairline, leading to tiny, painful tugs of hair loss and baby hair. It can also pressure the frontalis muscles located at the forehead, which can cause discomfort and tension.

Who wouldn’t notice the tight tension around your temples when wearing your hair up for a long time?

Textured Headbands

Textured headbands have textured bottoms that work to keep the band secure. They include tiny combs or teeth that can tear your hair from the follicles and damage your roots.

Also, they can result in split ends due to their sharp points if you frequently take off your headband to readjust it.

Metal Headbands

Metal clips, combs, and headbands may cut off some of your hair. Aside from that, your hair can become snagged and pulled out.

With frequent use, you may end up with a receding hairline when your hairline goes far back on your head. When this happens, it can make your forehead look larger than it used to.

Also, you may end up suffering from alopecia, which is a condition in which the hair starts thinning due to excessive stress to the follicle. It might happen along the hairline in the front.

Full Hair Coverings

Full hair coverings that wrap around the forehead, including tight scarves and athletic bands, can cause the hair to develop dents. The hair will experience a slight bend where it is typically pinned down.

Meanwhile, people with curly hair may disrupt their curls due to full hair coverings. Straight-haired people may also have a slight wave that won’t go back to normal.

Headbands That Will Not Cause Damage

Luckily, not all headbands can cause damage to your hair. Here are a few headband materials that you can choose from:

Cloth

Sport bands made of cloth are best for keeping sweat from getting into your eyes during physical activities like exercise and sports.

They don’t cause damage to the hair because of their absorbent material, like microfleece, terry cloth, and polyester. These materials absorb and trap moisture or sweat from your forehead, ensuring clear vision and comfort.

Soft Fabrics

If you love full head coverings, choose those made of satin or silk. Soft fabrics will lay against your hair rather than bind it down, which most tighter options do, such as elastic headbands.

Knitted

Knitting yarns make knitted headbands. These are available in different patterns, colors, and designs that you can make in the comfort of your home.

If you’re a crafty person, try making knitted headbands today. But, make sure that its size is right for you.

Bowknot

Another headband that you can try is the bowknot. If you love the retro look, the appearance and functionality of this headband are ideal for you.

Bowknot headbands are usually made of soft fabric or cloth that is easy to clean and comfortable to wear. Also, you can use it on different occasions.

If you want to go for a retro look, you’ll love the functionality and appearance of bowknot headbands. They’re versatile enough to wear at the top of your head or tilted at an angle.

Conclusion

To summarize, not all headbands are bad for your hair. If you love wearing this kind of hair accessory, choose one made of soft fabric or cloth.

Also, get the right size for your head to reduce friction and ensure that it is not too tight. Wearing a tight headband can cause hair breakage and headaches, and also, it can cause a tender scalp.