25 Gorgeous Thick Headband Hairstyles

Thick headbands have made a triumphant comeback in the fashion world, offering both style and functionality.

These versatile accessories instantly elevate any hairstyle while keeping your locks out of your face.

Whether you’re rushing out the door or preparing for a special event, a thick headband can transform your look in seconds.

They work beautifully with all hair lengths and textures.

Ready to refresh your style arsenal? Explore these 25 thick headband hairstyles that combine effortless chic with practical elegance.

1: Sleek Straight with Padded Headband

Create a polished look by straightening your hair and adding a padded velvet headband positioned about an inch back from your hairline.

The contrast between the sleek strands and voluminous accessory creates stunning dimension.

This style works particularly well for medium to long hair. The headband adds height at the crown while controlling flyaways for a refined, put-together appearance.

2: Messy Bun with Wide Knotted Headband

Pair a casual messy bun with a wide knotted headband for the perfect balance of effortless and intentional.

Position the knot off-center for an asymmetrical touch that adds visual interest.

This combination elevates a standard everyday style into something special.

Allow a few face-framing tendrils to escape for a soft, romantic effect that keeps the look from feeling too perfect.

3: Half-Up Twist with Braided Headband

Create a half-up twisted style, then add a thick braided headband to define the separation between the upper and lower sections.

This adds texture and interest to an otherwise simple hairstyle.

The braided texture of the headband complements the twisted hair beautifully. This style works wonderfully for special occasions while remaining comfortable for all-day wear.

4: Voluminous Waves with Jeweled Headband

Enhance loose, voluminous waves with a thick jeweled headband positioned at the crown.

The sparkle adds glamour while the thick band provides structure to balance the softness of the waves.

This combination creates a luxurious, special-occasion look.

The contrast between the structured headband and free-flowing waves creates a beautiful textural interplay.

5: Slicked Back with Athletic Headband

Create an edgy, modern look by slicking your hair back with gel and adding a thick athletic headband.

This creates a sporty-chic vibe that works surprisingly well for evening events when paired with statement earrings.

The clean lines of this style create a dramatic profile.

This approach works beautifully for shorter hair as well as longer styles, giving you a sleek, fashion-forward appearance.

6: Natural Curls with Printed Headband

Showcase your natural curly texture with a bold printed headband.

Position it slightly further back on your crown to allow your curls to frame your face while keeping volume at the top.

This styling approach celebrates your natural texture.

The headband serves as both a practical tool for managing curls and a statement accessory that enhances your overall look.

7: Low Ponytail with Wide Leather Headband

Pair a sleek low ponytail with a wide leather headband for an effortlessly chic look.

Position the headband about two inches back from your hairline, and ensure your ponytail sits at the nape of your neck.

This combination creates a sophisticated silhouette with minimal effort.

The contrast between the smooth ponytail and textured leather adds visual interest to this simple style.

8: Brushed Out Curls with Turban Headband

Create soft, brushed-out curls and top them with a thick turban-style headband.

This retro-inspired combination adds vintage charm while maintaining a modern sensibility.

The full coverage of the turban headband creates a dramatic silhouette.

This style works beautifully on both long and short hair, adding volume and structure to your overall look.

9: French Braid with Embellished Headband

Create a French braid starting at your crown and running down the back of your head, then add a thick embellished headband positioned at your hairline.

This combination balances structure with embellishment.

The contrast between the neat braid and decorative headband creates visual interest. This style works beautifully for formal events while keeping your hair secure and comfortable.

10: Bob with Bold Contrast Headband

For shorter bob hairstyles, add a thick headband in a color that contrasts with your hair.

Position it slightly back from your hairline to create height at the crown while showcasing your bob’s sleek lines.

This combination adds dimension to shorter cuts.

The visual contrast draws attention to both your cut and your face, creating a framing effect that’s both flattering and stylish.

11: Side-Swept Pixie with Textured Headband

Add edge to a side-swept pixie cut with a thick textured headband.

Position it asymmetrically to complement the side-swept direction of your hair for a cohesive, intentional look.

This styling approach adds dimension to shorter cuts.

The textured headband introduces an element of contrast against the smoothness of a pixie, creating visual interest and dimension.

12: Beachy Waves with Scarf Headband

Enhance casual beachy waves with a thick scarf-style headband tied at the nape of your neck.

The softness of the fabric complements the relaxed texture of the waves.

This bohemian combination creates an effortlessly stylish look.

The adjustable nature of a scarf headband allows you to customize the width and tightness for your comfort and style preference.

13: Sleek Chignon with Padded Satin Headband

Create a polished chignon at the nape of your neck and add a thick padded satin headband for a touch of luxury.

Position the headband about an inch back from your hairline for classic proportions.

This elegant combination works beautifully for formal events.

The smooth textures of both the chignon and satin create a sophisticated, refined appearance with minimal effort.

14: High Ponytail with Sporty Headband

Pair a high, sleek ponytail with a thick sporty headband for an athletic-chic vibe.

Position the headband at your hairline to slick back any flyway’s and create a clean silhouette.

This combination offers both style and functionality.

The tension between the sporty headband and elegant ponytail creates an interesting juxtaposition that works for various occasions.

15: Loose Updo with Woven Headband

Create a loose, textured updo with plenty of volume, then add a thick woven headband positioned at the crown.

The structured accessory balances the softness of the updo beautifully.

This romantic style works wonderfully for special occasions.

The contrast between the loose updo and defined headband creates visual interest and ensures your style stays put.

16: Layered Lob with Metallic Headband

Showcase a layered lob haircut with a thick metallic headband.

Position it slightly back from your hairline to create volume at the crown while allowing your layers to frame your face.

This modern combination adds edge to a classic cut.

The shine of the metallic headband draws attention to your face and adds a fashion-forward element to your style.

17: Fishtail Braid with Wide Fabric Headband

Create a side fishtail braid and pair it with a thick fabric headband in a complementary color.

Position the headband at your hairline to keep your style neat and showcase the intricate braid.

This combination creates texture and visual interest.

The contrast between the detailed braid and simple headband creates a balanced look that works for casual and dressier occasions.

18: Piece Pixie with Statement Headband

Add drama to a piece pixie cut with an oversized statement headband.

Choose one with bold embellishments or unusual textures to create a focal point that enhances your short style.

This combination transforms a simple cut into something special.

The contrast between the edgy pixie and statement accessory creates an interesting juxtaposition that draws attention.

19: Bubble Ponytail with Ribbed Headband

Create a playful bubble ponytail by securing elastic bands every few inches down your ponytail, then gently pull each section to create “bubbles.”

Add a thick ribbed headband at your hairline for structure.

This fun combination works especially well for longer hair.

The contrast between the textured ponytail and smooth headband creates visual interest while keeping your style secure.

20: Vintage Rolls with Wide Velvet Headband

Create vintage-inspired rolls around your hairline, then add a thick velvet headband positioned just behind them.

This creates a striking retro silhouette with modern appeal.

This glamorous combination makes a statement. The plush texture of velvet adds luxury while the structured rolls create a defined frame for your face.

21: Twisted Crown with Beaded Headband

Create a twisted crown hairstyle by twisting sections from each side and pinning them at the back, then add a thick beaded headband positioned over the twists.

This combination adds sparkle and security.

This elegant style works beautifully for special occasions.

The beaded details catch the light while the headband ensures your carefully crafted twists stay perfectly in place.

22: Faux Hawk with Structured Headband

Create a softer version of a mohawk by adding volume at the crown, then secure the style with a thick structured headband.

Position it slightly further back to maintain the height of your faux hawk.

This edgy combination creates an unexpected silhouette.

The contrast between the voluminous style and defined headband creates a striking look that makes a statement.

23: Flipped Ends with Retro Printed Headband

Style your hair with flipped ends for a ’60s vibe, then complete the retro look with a thick printed headband.

Position it about an inch back from your hairline for authentic vintage proportions.

This playful combination channels mod style. The pattern on the headband adds visual interest while enhancing the retro feel of the flipped ends.

24: Braided Crown with Wooden Headband

Create a braided crown by wrapping a braid around your head, then add a thick wooden headband for an earthy, bohemian touch.

Position it over the braid to secure the style.

This natural-looking combination creates interesting texture.

The organic material of the headband complements the intricate pattern of the braid for a harmonious overall look.

25: Double Buns with Wide Elastic Headband

Create playful double buns at the top of your head, then add a thick elastic headband positioned at your hairline.

This adds a sporty element that balances the whimsical buns.

This fun combination works for casual outings and festivals.

The practical headband keeps flyways at bay while allowing the buns to take center stage.

Conclusion

Thick headbands offer endless styling possibilities for every hair type and occasion.

Experiment with these 25 ideas to discover your signature look and revolutionize your hair game.