13 Bandana Hairstyle Ideas Inspired by Every Decade, From the 1940s to Today
My grandmother kept a drawer full of bandanas. Red paisley, navy polka dots, faded yellow ones softened by years of washing. As a kid, I’d sneak in and tie them around my head, trying to copy the photos of her in the 1950s with her bangs pinned up and a bandana knotted on top.
Decades later, I still reach for a bandana whenever my hair needs a little personality. The amazing thing about the humble bandana is that it has been reinvented by almost every generation, from factory workers in the 1940s to boho girls in the ’70s, ’90s icons and today’s claw-clip crowd.
So these 13 bandana hairstyles are organized by decade. But first, you’ll learn the four basic folds that every style is built on. For each look, I’ll share the fold, what hair it works on and how to secure it.
First, Master the Four Basic Folds
Almost every bandana hairstyle starts with one of these four folds. Practice them once, and you’ll be able to create any look in this post.
1. The Triangle Fold
Fold your square bandana in half diagonally to make a triangle. This is used for kerchief styles tied at the nape or under the chin.
2. The Band Fold
Start with the triangle fold, then fold the long edge toward the point in 2-inch strips until you have a flat band. This is used for headbands.
3. The Rolled Cord
Start with the triangle fold, then roll it tightly from the long edge to the point, creating a thin rope. This is used for skinny headbands and wrapping ponytails.
4. The Square Wrap
Use the bandana flat and open, without folding. This is used for full head wraps and covering buns.
The 1940s: Strong, Practical and Iconic
During the Second World War, many women working in factories tied their hair up in bandanas to keep it safe and out of the way. The style became a symbol of strength.
1. The Knotted-Front Head Wrap
This is the look made famous by the wartime “Rosie the Riveter” poster: a bandana wrapped around the head and tied in a knot at the top front, with the ends tucked or sticking up.
Fold: band fold (wide)
Works on: all hair lengths and textures
Secure it with: two bobby pins crossed in an X at each side
Tip: Wear it with a red lip for the full 1940s effect.
2. Victory Rolls With a Bandana
Victory rolls are rolled sections of hair pinned at the front or sides, a hugely popular 1940s style. Add a bandana tied around the back of your head, with the knot at the top.
Fold: band fold
Works on: medium to long hair
Secure it with: bobby pins and a strong-hold hairspray
The 1950s: Sweet, Playful and Retro
Bandanas became playful accessories, often worn with pinned bangs and full skirts.
3. Pin-Up Bangs and a Bandana Headband
Curl your bangs into a smooth roll and pin them in place, then tie a bandana headband behind them, with the knot on top. It’s the classic rockabilly look.
Fold: band fold
Works on: hair with bangs, medium to long length
Secure it with: bobby pins under the bandana at each side
4. The Sock-Hop Ponytail
Make a high ponytail, then tie a bandana around the base in a bow, letting the ends hang down. It’s sweet, retro and very easy.
Fold: rolled cord or thin band fold
Works on: medium to long hair
Secure it with: an elastic under the bandana
The 1970s: Boho and Free-Spirited
Bandanas became part of the relaxed, natural, music-festival look.
5. The Boho Forehead Band
Tie a rolled bandana across your forehead, with the knot at the back, and wear your hair loose in soft waves. It’s carefree and bohemian.
Fold: rolled cord
Works on: medium to long, wavy or curly hair
Secure it with: a few bobby pins hidden under your hair at the back
6. Braids With a Bandana Woven In
Braid a rolled bandana into a single braid or two side braids, weaving it in as one of the three strands. The color pops through your hair.
Fold: rolled cord
Works on: long hair
Secure it with: an elastic at the end of each braid
The 1980s: Big, Bold and Fun
Big hair, bright colors and rock ‘n’ roll attitude.
7. The Rolled Headband With Big Hair
Tease your hair at the crown for volume, then tie a rolled bandana around your head like a headband, with the knot at the top or side. It’s bold, playful and loud in the best way.
Fold: rolled cord
Works on: all hair lengths, especially voluminous or curly hair
Secure it with: bobby pins at each side
8. The Side Ponytail Bandana
Make a side ponytail, then wrap a bandana around the base like a giant scrunchie, tied in a bow. It’s fun, nostalgic and perfect for a themed party.
Fold: thin band fold
Works on: medium to long hair
Secure it with: an elastic under the bandana
The 1990s: Cool and Effortless
Bandanas became part of ’90s hip-hop, R&B and grunge style.
9. The Nape-Tied Bandana
Fold a bandana into a thick band and tie it around your head so the knot sits at the back of your neck, underneath your hair. Wear your hair loose, sleek or slightly wavy.
Fold: band fold
Works on: all hair lengths
Secure it with: bobby pins at the sides
10. Space Buns With a Bandana Headband
Make two small buns on top of your head, then tie a bandana headband in front of them. It’s playful, a little bit rebellious and very ’90s.
Fold: band fold
Works on: medium to long hair
Secure it with: elastics and bobby pins for the buns
The 2000s: Y2K Fun
The kerchief came back in a big way.
11. The Triangle Kerchief
Fold a bandana into a triangle, place the long edge across the top of your head, and tie the two ends at the nape of your neck, under your hair. The point hangs down at the back.
Fold: triangle fold
Works on: all hair lengths
Secure it with: bobby pins at each side
Tip: Pull a few face-framing pieces out at the front.
Today: Modern and Practical
Bandanas mix with modern trends like claw clips, sleek buns and protective styles.
12. The Bandana Bun Wrap
Twist your hair into a bun or claw clip, then wrap a rolled or band-folded bandana around the base of the bun and tie it in a small knot or bow. It’s polished and perfect for work.
Fold: rolled cord or thin band fold
Works on: medium to long hair
Secure it with: pins or a claw clip underneath
13. The Protective Style Wrap
Use a large bandana or square scarf to wrap braids, locs or twists, either covering them completely or tying it around the base of a high bun. It’s stylish, practical and protects your hair.
Fold: square wrap or band fold
Works on: braids, locs, twists and textured hair
Secure it with: a knot at the top or back, plus a few pins if needed
Choosing the Right Bandana
Size: The classic bandana is about 22 inches square, perfect for most styles. Smaller bandanas suit headbands and ponytails; larger ones suit full wraps.
Fabric:
- Cotton: grips your hair well and doesn’t slip, perfect for beginners
- Silk and satin: smooth and gentle on hair, but they can slip more easily
- Polyester: often cheaper and brighter, but can feel slippery
Prints: Paisley is the classic bandana print, but polka dots, solid colors and florals all look great.
How to Keep a Bandana From Slipping
Slipping is the most common bandana problem. Here’s how to fix it:
- Use bobby pins in an X shape at each side of your head.
- Wear a thin velvet or grip headband underneath, which holds the bandana in place.
- Spray your hair with a little texturizing spray before tying.
- Choose cotton over silk if your hair is very smooth or slippery.
- Tie the knot tightly, but not so tightly it gives you a headache.
Bandanas on Curly and Textured Hair
Bandanas are a great choice for curly, coily and textured hair:
- Use them as headbands to show off curls while keeping hair off your face.
- Wrap them around puffs and buns for a pop of color.
- Choose satin-lined scarves to reduce friction and frizz.
- Secure with soft pins that won’t snag your curls.
A Little History of the Bandana
The word “bandana” is thought to come from a Hindi word linked to tying and dyeing cloth. The famous swirling paisley pattern is based on an ancient teardrop motif found in Persian and South Asian textiles, especially Kashmiri shawls. It became known as “paisley” after the town of Paisley in Scotland, where many of these patterned textiles were produced in the 1800s.
Since then, bandanas have been worn by farmers, cowboys, factory workers, musicians and fashion icons. Few accessories have traveled through so many cultures and decades.
Other Ways to Wear a Bandana
Not just for your hair:
- Tie it around your neck as a neckerchief.
- Knot it onto your handbag strap.
- Wear it around your wrist like a bracelet.
- Tie it on your dog’s collar for matching photos.
Caring for Your Bandanas
- Wash cotton bandanas in cold water to keep colors bright.
- Hand-wash silk and satin with a gentle detergent.
- Iron or steam them flat, so folds look neat.
- Store them rolled or folded in a drawer or box.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you tie a bandana in your hair?
Start with the triangle, band or rolled fold, then tie it as a headband, kerchief, ponytail wrap or bun wrap, depending on the style.
How do I keep my bandana from slipping off?
Use bobby pins in an X shape at the sides, choose cotton bandanas, and add a little texturizing spray or a grip headband underneath.
What hair length works best with bandanas?
Bandanas work on every length, from pixie cuts with a rolled headband to long hair with braids and ponytails.
Can I wear a bandana on a bad hair day?
Absolutely. Bandanas are perfect for hiding frizz, flat roots or second-day hair.
Pick a Decade, Tie a Bandana
From wartime factories to music festivals and modern claw-clip buns, the bandana has never truly gone out of style. All you need is one square of fabric, a few folds and a little confidence.
Start by practicing the four basic folds, then try a style from your favorite decade this week.
Which decade’s bandana style are you trying first? Tell me in the comments, and share your favorite bandana color or print.
