12 beautiful headbands for short hair and how to use them, according to professional hairdressers

#1 Best Adjustable Headbands for Short Hair: Invisibobble HAIRHALO Headband

This is one of Patrick Wilson’s favorite headbands for short hair. “The Invisibobble offers an adjustable headband that’s comfortable if you want to wear it all day, and you can bend and adjust the style to fit your head shape,” says Wilson.

Thanks to patent-pending technology, these headbands can be bent wherever they feel too tight or too loose, truly living up to the phrase ‘one size fits all’. Basically, sore heads from wearing too tight headbands will be a thing of the past with this adaptable style.

We love that there are lots of different designs to choose from, whether you prefer a thicker satin ribbon like the champagne colored Let’s Get Fizzycal style or a thinner bejeweled ribbon like the Dark Sparkle which we think would look ultra sophisticated with a bob or chic french-girl bob with bangs.

#2 Best Affordable Headbands for Short Hair: Oliver Bona’s Acacia Floral Print Brown Knot Headband

Oliver Bonas is one of the high street retailers that Patrick recommends as a go-to for browsing the best affordable headbands for short hair. With prices at the lower end of the price spectrum, but designs with a luxury feel, all of this brand’s accessories are worth a look.

We love the knotted design that really helps add volume and texture to the hair. If you’re looking for ways to liven up a simple bob or add height where your hair is lacking, a knot style like this is ideal. Use the best hair dryers to create body and throw on this knotted ribbon for a put together and bouncy look. Plus, it saves on volumizing hair products that can be drying.

When styling short hairstyles for women over 50, don’t be afraid to add color and pattern through your accessories. This rust color and subtle floral design will liven up your look without being overbearing. Suitable for all times of the year, but especially the autumn-winter months, this is a great budget option for everyone.

#3 Best minimalist headband for short hair: H&M knitted headband

As the months get colder, practical accessories reign supreme. On short hairstyles, hats and other larger accessories can completely hide your hairstyle, which is not always ideal. To keep some warmth in while allowing your hair to show, knitted headbands have our vote.

This luxurious H&M headband is wonderfully soft against the skin, meaning you don’t have to worry about irritation or itching all day. We love the minimalist style that will suit any taste, making this headband an ideal Christmas gift for friends, even on a budget. Whether you use this headband to push your hair back or place it over your hair as an accessory, it will serve you well. Available in three neutral shades, you don’t have to worry about it clashing with your outfit, hair color or makeup look.

For easy Christmas hairstyles, place the knot detail facing outwards to add some dimension to your ‘do. You can even add some of your own sparkling embellishments for nights out.

#4 Best Patterned Headbands for Short Hair: AllSaints Leopard Print Silk Headband

AllSaints is one of our regular clothing brands, but they also make great accessories. This leopard print headband is delightfully versatile thanks to its muted brown shade, but the pattern will make a statement against shorter hairstyles. We think it will look especially good on red or warm brunette hair, such as the trending pumpkin spice hair color.

If most Christmas hair accessories are a little too on the nose for you, a neutral print works well all year round and will never go out of style. Crafted from 100% silk and with subtle gold shimmer, this headband feels truly premium – even if the price doesn’t.

Thanks to the smooth material, it’s ideal for day-to-night wear as it won’t make you uncomfortable. The slightly padded style adds some edge to short hairstyles, draws the eye and enhances your look. Plus, it’s big enough to still stand out in thicker hair types.

#5 Best Silk Knot Headband for Short Hair: Slip Silk Knot Headband

Slip silk hair accessories are all made from the brand’s own Slipsilk fabric, which was 10 years in the making and helps prevent dirt and friction in your hair. (The brand also makes some of the best silk pillowcases that are good for your skin too). With an elasticated section at the back, this particular headband also promises not to leave a mark on your hair after use, making it a great option for daytime holiday wear.

It’s worth noting that this design is quite wide, so it’s better suited to longer bob hairstyles, and given the luxurious material and the price tag involved, it’s definitely an investment piece. But there’s no doubting that it’s a seriously stylish accessory, and it’s available in black, pink or navy and white stripes, so you’ve got a few different options to choose from.

#6 Best Textured Headbands for Short Hair: Kristin Ess Cozy Headband

You’re probably already aware that Kristin Ess makes incredible hair products, including some of the best shampoo and conditioner buys and best hair masks. But on top of that, the brand also offers some really cute hair accessories, including scrunchies and headbands.

Just as the name suggests, this trendy knot headband in fuzzy fabric is a super cozy option that’s perfect when you want to add a fun element to an everyday outfit. We love the comfortable feel of the hair and the stylish knot that would add some height to fine short hairstyles that lack volume. What’s more, you can choose between two wearable colors, rust and white. Lovely!

#7 Best Luxury Headband for Short Hair: Lelet NY Bow Embellished Silk Faille Headband

For a real statement look, you can’t go wrong with an oversized bow, which will suit all shorter lengths from shorter crops to a bob that sits just above the shoulders – and according to Zoë Irwin, luxury brand Lelet NY has the perfect piece.

“This is a really cute accessory and works great. Even if it has this huge bow, if you put your hair back, or even if you had bangs, it would be a little bit like Breakfast at Tiffany’s, I think,” explains Irwin. “Grosgrain ribbon or satin ribbon is great for an evening look or a chic Parisian vibe. It would be about what you wore with it, so no overkill, but paired with a simple black dress would be quite stunning.”

#8 Best Embellished Headbands for Short Hair: BAUBLEBAR Rosa Pearl Headband

When it comes to chic accessory brand Baublebar, there are so many different cute headband options to choose from that it was hard to recommend just it for shorter hairstyles.

But we found this design particularly beautiful with its pearl embellishment that will add a real classy vibe to your look, with one Ulta shopper pointing out that they had worn it as a wedding hair accessory on their big day. The medium-thick and eye-catching band would suit just about any wearer, but will look especially good against dark hair that’s in a chic bob or cheekbone-length cut. You just can’t go wrong with pearls.

#9 Best headband for short and curly hair: OnlyCurls Pineapple Protector

Those with curly hair will know that it often needs some extra TLC compared to straight hair, so finding accessories for your hair type can be difficult. From the best straightening brushes to different creams and oils, there is no end to the number of products on the market that help tame those curls.

If you’re after a more low-maintenance approach and also want to add some flare to your accessory collection, this OnlyCurls headband is ideal. Designed to be used at night, it helps keep hair healthy and reduce frizz while you sleep. But we also love it as a daytime piece!

The soft satin fabric is comfortable enough for everyday wear, and the best part is that you can fall asleep with it on and know you’ll wake up to soft and beautiful curls. The Dalmatian print is ideal for mixing and matching with different color palettes, but it’s also not overpowering thanks to the soft and malleable fabric. Curly girls looking for comfortable and stylish headbands for short hair should look no further.

#10 Best Statement Headband for Short Hair: Sister Jane Polly Woven Headband with Pearl Embellishment

Thicker headbands can feel overwhelming on short hairstyles, but this creamy woven design will add just the right amount of bling without looking OTT. Fully padded and with a velvety texture, you don’t have to worry about discomfort during the day.

This is just one of the amazing statement hair accessories offered by London-based brand Sister Jane. If you’re not sure how to style your shorter hair for formal events, or just want to switch up your everyday look, the pearls’ bold yet easy-to-style sparkles on this ribbon are the ideal solution. The only downside to this chic white colorway is keeping it pristine – trying to prevent passing admirers from touching it is half the battle!

#11 The Best Padded Headband for Short Hair: Free People Mini Molly Headband

This is perfect if a standard black headband just doesn’t do it for you, especially if you have darker hair that moody colors can get lost in. That’s why we love these unique padded designs from Free People that can easily be worn on their own or in layers. .

The comfortable, padded fit makes it adaptable to many hair types and means those who sometimes find headbands uncomfortable should do just fine. It’s great to see trendy chunky headbands made in this thinner style, which are sleek enough for super short cuts, yet statement enough to attract attention. Plus, at this price, this headband is sure to sell out fast.

#12 Best Everyday Headband for Short Hair: Kitsch Thin Non-Slip Headband

Sometimes you want a statement piece adorned with jewels or in an eye-catching color, other times you simply want something elegant that stays in place while blending in with the rest of your look – and these affordable headbands from the hair accessories brand Kitsch ticks exactly that box.

Complete with a built-in grip to keep the band in place even on the shortest pixie cuts, you get three headbands for the price of one here, two in black and one in a timeless torte pattern. Fans of this brand rave about this, and many claim they are the only headbands they can wear without hurting their head or slipping. A great endorsement, with which we wholeheartedly agree.