14 Curly Hairstyles With Headbands, Sorted by Type of Headband
I own an embarrassing number of headbands. Padded ones, knotted ones, silk ones, jeweled ones and a few I’ve made myself from old scarves. My partner once counted them and quietly asked whether I was planning to open a shop.
But here’s the thing: for curly hair, headbands aren’t just accessories. They’re problem solvers. They tame frizz at the hairline, rescue day-three curls, add polish to a wash-and-go and turn a simple puff into something special.
The trick is choosing the right headband for the job. A wide padded headband works very differently from a thin jeweled one or a soft silk band. So I’ve organized these 14 curly hairstyles by headband type. For each style, you’ll see which curl pattern it suits and a comfort check, since nobody wants a headache by lunchtime.
Why Curls and Headbands Are Best Friends
- They control frizz along the hairline, where it often appears first.
- They rescue second- and third-day curls by covering flattened roots.
- They add instant polish to natural styles.
- They keep curls out of your face without disturbing their shape.
Padded Headbands
Thick, puffy and sculptural, padded headbands look bold and chic with curly hair.
1. Defined Curls Down With a Padded Headband
Wear your defined curls loose, and slide a padded headband just behind your hairline. The headband frames your face and keeps curls looking full and polished.
My sister wore this exact look to her first job interview after going natural. She said the headband made her feel polished but still completely herself.
Curl pattern: all curl types
Comfort check: choose a headband with flexible ends that sit behind your ears, not on them.
2. The Curly Puff Behind a Padded Headband
Gather your curls into a high puff, then place a padded headband in front of it. It’s bold, regal and perfect for days when your curls need lifting.
Curl pattern: coily and tight curls
Comfort check: wear the puff loose so it doesn’t pull against the headband.
3. Half-Up Curls With a Padded Headband
Pull the top section of your curls into a loose half-up puff, then add a padded headband just in front. The rest of your curls fall freely.
Curl pattern: loose to medium curls
Comfort check: comfortable all day.
Knotted Top Headbands
These headbands have a knot on top, adding a playful, trendy touch.
4. The Pineapple Updo With a Knotted Headband
Gather your curls loosely on top of your head in a pineapple, then add a knotted headband at the hairline. It’s perfect for lazy days and casual weekends.
Curl pattern: all curl types, especially longer curls
Comfort check: very comfortable.
5. Curly Fringe Pulled Back With a Knotted Headband
If you have curly bangs, push them back with a knotted headband, letting a few curls spring forward. It’s a pretty way to grow out curly bangs.
My best friend grew out her curly bangs over six months, and this was her go-to style through the awkward stage. She said it made the in-between months feel cute instead of frustrating.
Curl pattern: all curl types
Comfort check: comfortable all day.
Satin and Silk Headbands
Soft, smooth and gentle on curls, satin and silk headbands reduce friction and frizz.
6. The Wash-and-Go With a Satin Headband
After a wash-and-go, slip on a satin headband to keep your hairline smooth while your curls dry and set.
Curl pattern: all curl types
Comfort check: gentle and comfortable.
7. Low Curly Bun With a Silk Ribbon Headband
Gather your curls into a low bun at the nape of your neck, then tie a silk ribbon around your head like a headband, with a small bow on one side.
Curl pattern: medium to long curls
Comfort check: tie the ribbon loosely.
Wide and Turban-Style Headbands
Wide headbands cover more of your hair and make a bold statement.
8. The High Curly Puff With a Turban Headband
Wear a high curly puff with a wide, turban-style headband wrapped around your hairline. It’s elegant, bold and perfect for special events.
Curl pattern: coily and tight curls
Comfort check: stretchy fabric headbands are the most comfortable.
9. Day-Four Curls Under a Wide Headband
When your roots are flat and your curls are on their fourth day, a wide headband covers the top of your head while your curls fall loose below.
I rely on this style the week before wash day. A colleague once told me I looked “freshly styled” on a day I hadn’t touched my hair in four days.
Curl pattern: all curl types
Comfort check: comfortable for a full day.
Thin and Jeweled Headbands
Delicate headbands add elegance and sparkle.
10. The Curly Bob With a Thin Pearl Headband
A short curly bob with a thin pearl headband placed just behind the hairline. It’s sweet, feminine and perfect for weddings and dinners.
Curl pattern: all curl types
Comfort check: thin metal headbands can press behind the ears. Choose flexible styles.
11. Formal Curls With a Jeweled Headband
Defined curls worn down, with a sparkling jeweled headband for formal events, weddings or holiday parties.
Curl pattern: all curl types
Comfort check: wear it for a few hours at home first to test comfort.
Braided Headbands
Braids create a headband effect, either with your own hair or with braided fabric.
12. The Braided Front “Headband”
Braid a section of hair at the front, from ear to ear, to create a natural headband. Leave the rest of your curls loose behind it.
Curl pattern: loose to medium curls with enough length
Comfort check: very comfortable, with no pressure.
13. Curly Ponytail With a Fabric Braided Headband
A braided fabric headband paired with a curly ponytail looks sporty, playful and polished at the same time.
Curl pattern: all curl types
Comfort check: comfortable all day.
Scarf Headbands
14. Twist-Out With a Printed Scarf Headband
Fold a printed silk scarf into a band and tie it around your head, with the knot at the top or nape, over a defined twist-out.
Curl pattern: coily and kinky curls
Comfort check: tie it gently to avoid pressure on your edges.
Finding a Headband That Doesn’t Give You a Headache
Headband headaches are real, and they usually come from pressure behind your ears. To find a comfortable fit:
- Choose flexible plastic or fabric headbands instead of rigid metal ones.
- Try stretchy fabric headbands, which spread pressure more evenly.
- Pick headbands with wider ends, which press less.
- Gently stretch new headbands over a large container or ball overnight to loosen them.
- Take it off if you notice red marks or tenderness after half an hour.
Protecting Your Curls From Headband Friction
Headbands can cause frizz or breakage if they rub against your hair:
- Choose satin-lined or silk headbands whenever possible.
- Avoid sliding headbands back and forth through your curls.
- Place headbands gently and adjust them as little as possible.
- Remove headbands before sleeping.
Matching Headband Size to Curl Volume
- Big, voluminous curls: wide or padded headbands balance the volume.
- Medium curls: knotted or medium-width headbands look balanced.
- Short or fine curls: thin or jeweled headbands won’t overwhelm them.
Make Your Own Padded Headband
You don’t need to buy every headband. Here’s how to make a padded one at home:
- Start with a plain plastic headband that fits comfortably.
- Wrap a strip of soft batting or foam around the top of the headband.
- Cover it with a silk scarf or fabric, wrapping tightly.
- Secure the fabric at each end with fabric glue or a few stitches.
It’s an easy way to create a headband in any print or color you like.
Storing Your Headband Collection
- Hang headbands on a paper towel holder or tall container to keep their shape.
- Store fabric headbands flat in a drawer.
- Keep jeweled headbands in a box so stones don’t snag.
- Wash fabric headbands regularly, since they collect product and oils.
Final Thoughts
Headbands are a curly girl’s secret weapon. They can tame frizz, rescue day-four hair, add sparkle to formal curls and turn an everyday puff into a style statement. The key is choosing the right type for your curls and your comfort.
Start with one headband type from this list, try it with your favorite curly style, and see how quickly it becomes your go-to accessory.
What’s your favorite type of headband for curly hair? Let me know in the comments below.
