The Increasing Headband Trend

With the constant changes in fashion, items are increasing coming back in style. Once a hot item, headbands seemed to have lost their popularity. However, headbands seem to be an item that's "in" these days. Celebrities such as Lindsay Lohan, Cameron Diaz, Paris Hilton, and Drew Barrymore have all been seen sporting their headbands. Allison Hardin, a brand manager for Goody, says that just last year headband sales rose 52 percent in drug stores, grocery stores, and mass retailers. Among the fashion hair accessories, headbands are the strongest growing in popularity. While the popularity of items such as chunky jewelry and huge earrings have dwindled, headbands have risen to the forefront.

Years back, headbands were rather uncomfortable to wear, with the vice like grips and hard plastic material. These days headbands come in a variety of materials, including silk, taffeta, lace, leather, ribbon, and many more. They are often adorned with crystals, bows, ribbons, flowers, feathers, beads, buckles, and other creative pieces. In addition to the many different styles, headbands come in different sizes, ranging from really skinny to several inches.

Another good thing about this rising fashion trend is the fact that there's no age limit on who can wear this accessory. Anyone from small girls, to teens, to women of all ages can find a headband to match their personal style. From the punk rock teen to the middle aged business women, there is something for everyone. There are a few naysayers who believe older women should pass on the trend but for the most part style professionals agree that headbands can add elegance or flair to just about anyone's personal style. Some even say headbands give women "an instant facelift," prompting more women to become fans of this accessory.

You can find headbands in just about any store, from your local grocery or drug store to stores like Kmart, Wal-Mart, and Target. The headbands in these stores are usually pretty affordable, costing no more than a few bucks usually, and coming in a variety of styles and colors. Other stores such as Nordstrom or higher end stores offer more expensively adorned headbands which can cost closer to a hundred dollars or more. There are also several online retailers who offer a broad selection of headbands.

Stylists believe that it's unnecessary to match your headbands to your outfit, purse, or shoes. Many recommend wearing simple solid colored headbands, since they are easiest. Headbands can be worn to tone down or accentuate the rest of your outfit. Some like to think of headbands as jewelry for their head, and like all jewelry you wear, you want to look tasteful not tacky. With that being said, when you wear a headband you should minimize on other accessories such as big glasses and chunky jewelry. Be sure that the headband you wear is proportional to your face. Wide headbands tend to look better on round or oval shaped faces while skinnier headbands look better with more delicate faces. To add to the good news, you can wear a headband regardless of if your hair is long or short. While they may look better on medium to longer hair styles, with a little teasing and hair gel, they can add style to shorter hair dos as well.