Headband vs. Hairband — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 19, 2023
A headband is worn around the head, often for fashion or to keep hair or sweat away from the face. A hairband is primarily used to hold hair back and is usually worn closer to the scalp. Both serve similar purposes but differ in style and placement.
Difference Between Headband and Hairband
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A headband is an accessory commonly made from fabric, plastic, or metal that circles the head. It is worn for various purposes, including fashion, to keep hair out of the face, or to absorb sweat during physical activity. Hairbands, on the other hand, are typically narrower bands designed specifically for holding hair in place. While both headbands and hairbands share the goal of controlling hair, their designs and functionalities often differ.
Headbands come in various styles, from casual to luxurious, and may feature embellishments like jewels, bows, or patterns. Hairbands are usually simpler and may be made of elastic or soft fabric. Though both can be decorative, headbands are more often used as fashion accessories that can be coordinated with outfits. Hairbands are usually more functional, focusing on holding hair in place.
The term "headband" may also refer to bands worn for specific activities, such as sports headbands that are made from moisture-wicking materials. Hairbands are less likely to be specialized for activities other than general hair control. While headbands may be more versatile, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes, hairbands are mainly geared towards utility.
One common point of confusion is that the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but purists argue that they should be distinguished based on their primary purpose and the way they are worn. Headbands usually encircle the head and can rest on the forehead, whereas hairbands are placed closer to the crown of the head and do not usually cover the forehead.
Comparison Chart
Primary Purpose
Fashion or function
Mainly function
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Position on Head
Around the head, on forehead
Closer to scalp
Material
Fabric, plastic, metal
Elastic, soft fabric
Versatility
Sporty to luxurious styles
Mainly utilitarian
Specific Activities
Sports, casual, formal events
General hair control
Compare with Definitions
Headband
A band encircling the head
She wore a headband to keep her bangs out of her eyes.
Hairband
A band for holding hair
She used a hairband to make a ponytail.
Headband
A fashion accessory
Her bejeweled headband matched her dress perfectly.
Hairband
A utilitarian item
She wore a hairband to keep her hair from falling into her eyes during yoga.
Headband
An ornamental piece
She chose a floral headband for the wedding.
Hairband
A hair-control tool
The chef wore a hairband to keep his hair away from the food.
Headband
A hairstyle enhancer
He wore a headband to complement his long hair.
Hairband
An elastic accessory
Her hairband was made of soft, stretchy fabric.
Headband
A functional item for sports
The athlete wore a sweat-absorbent headband.
Hairband
A simple design
Her hairband was plain but effective.
Headband
A headband is a clothing accessory worn in the hair or around the forehead, usually to hold hair away from the face or eyes. Headbands generally consist of a loop of elastic material or a horseshoe-shaped piece of flexible plastic or metal.
Hairband
A band worn around the head.
Headband
A band of fabric worn around the head as a decoration or to keep the hair or perspiration off the face.
Hairband
An elastic band used to secure hair in a ponytail or other hairstyle.
Headband
An ornamental strip of coloured silk fastened to the top of the spine of a book.
Hairband
A band that plays hard rock or heavy metal, whose performers typically have long, teased-out hair.
Headband
A band worn around the head.
Hairband
A headband
Headband
An ornamental strip at the top of a page or beginning of a chapter or paragraph.
Hairband
A hair tie
Headband
A cloth band attached to the top of the spine of a book.
Headband
A strip of fabric worn around the head.
Headband
A hair-accessory, made of a flexible material and curved like a horseshoe, for holding one's hair back.
Headband
A strip of fabric attached to the top of the spine of a book; used as decoration and reinforcement.
Headband
(printing) A thin slip of iron on the tympan of a printing-press.
Headband
A fillet; a band for the head.
Headband
The band at each end of the back of a book.
Headband
A band worn around or over the head;
The earphones were held in place by a headband
Common Curiosities
Can a Hairband be a fashion accessory?
While it can have decorative elements, a hairband is primarily utilitarian.
What is a Hairband?
A hairband is a narrow band, typically elastic or fabric, used specifically for holding hair in place.
Can a Headband be used as a Hairband?
Sometimes, though a headband is generally more versatile and may not be as effective for purely holding hair back.
Can Headbands absorb sweat?
Yes, some sports headbands are designed to wick away moisture.
Do Headbands come in different materials?
Yes, they can be made of fabric, metal, or plastic, among other materials.
Can I wear a Headband for sports?
Yes, there are sports-specific headbands designed for athletic activities.
Can Hairbands absorb sweat?
Generally, no; they're designed for hair control rather than sweat absorption.
How tight should a Hairband be?
It should be tight enough to hold hair in place but not so tight as to cause discomfort.
What is a Headband?
A headband is a band worn around the head for fashion or functional purposes like holding back hair or sweat.
How do I choose between a Headband and a Hairband?
Choose a headband for style or versatility, and a hairband for effective hair control.
Can I wear a Hairband for sports?
While not specialized for sports, hairbands can be used for athletic hair control.
Are Hairbands gender-specific?
No, hairbands are also for all genders, but styles may vary.
Are Headbands gender-specific?
No, headbands can be worn by all genders.
Do Hairbands come in different materials?
Typically, they are made from elastic or soft fabric.
How tight should a Headband be?
It should be snug but not uncomfortably tight, allowing it to stay in place without causing headaches.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
