Colorful hair ties, chunky headbands, scrunchies, butterfly clips, claw clips, and barrettes all have had their time in the spotlight, but it’s time to make way for the beloved zigzag headband’s return. Gen Z loves bringing nostalgic trends to the mainstream and zigzag headbands are no exception. This Y2K fashion staple has been on the screens of Euphoria, worn by Hollywood it girls like Bella Hadid, and is now the newest hair accessory trend for summer 2022.
Zigzag headbands have been on red carpets, in movies, and in streetwear.
In the late ’90s and early 2000s, zigzag headbands, or comb headbands, were seen on nearly everyone. They were worn by your favorite 2000s actresses on screen, such as Keira Knightley in Bend It Like Beckham, and whether you were going to work or school it was an effortless hair accessory. The allure? They are cheap, easy, and create unique patterns that add character to your hair.
As all trends eventually are, the zigzag headband has been recycled and reused on runways and in street style before this year. In 2014, the trend was seen on the models of the Helmut Lang’s Winter fashion show. Four years later, in 2018, the headband made another comeback on the runway of Prabal Gurung where popular models, such as Gigi Hadid and Ashley Graham, wore a sleek back ponytail look accessorized by the trend. Now, Gen Z is bringing it back for summer 2022 through hauls and styling videos on TikTok.
You can accessorize your summer hairstyles with this inexpensive trend.
Zigzag headbands can be bought for $10 or less, such as this one from Amazon. Luckily, modern zigzag headbands don’t go all the way around your head, so you don’t have to worry about the nostalgic pain of the tight grip on your hair. All you have to do to put them on is brush your hair back and slide it on! Whether you want to channel your inner Britney Spears or simply just want to get the hair out of your face in the heat of summer, here are seven ways to style the iconic zigzag headband.
- pulled back ’90s blowout
-
’90s chic meets Y2K glam! Everyone loves a good ’90s blowout, but whether you have curtain bangs that get in your face or want to add a unique twist to the sophisticated look, the zigzag headband can pull back the front pieces of your hair to amp it up.
- slicked-back pony
-
From slicked-back ponies to sleek, low buns, the pulled-back hair look is in, thanks to it girls like Kendall Jenner, but adding a zigzag headband elevates the style. The sleek moment with the added pattern in your hair creates a look that is chic yet fun.
- crimped beach waves
-
Whether you’re heading to the beach or running errands, crimped beach waves with the zigzag accent make for an adorable look for all the summer vibes. You can make the waves loose for a casual look or make tighter waves to channel your inner ’80s girl.
- messy bun
-
This summer, minimal effort is in. Throw your hair up in a messy bun and add the zigzag headband to pull back those annoying flyaways. You can wear this look on a picnic with the girls, running errands, at the beach, or shopping — the options are endless!
- mini braids
-
Mini braids throughout the hair have filled Pinterest boards and festival looks, but adding a zigzag headband takes the look one step further. Put in the headband and with the remaining strands, add mini braids throughout to frame your face and create varying textures with your hair.
- half-up, half-down
-
This classic look is perfect for any occasion. Going out with your friends? Put your hair in a half-up, half-down pony. Going to pilates? Pull back your hair in a half-up, half-down look. The zigzag headband does the slick back work for you — you won’t need hairspray or bobby pins. It also adds unique patterns to such a versatile style.
- Tinsel accents
-
Okay, hear me out on this one. Tinsel is also coming in strong as a resurrected trend of the 2000s. Celebs from Katy Perry to Megan Thee Stallion have been seen wearing tinsel to add vibrancy to their hair. Now, add the zigzag headband and you’re channeling your inner festival goddess, fairy, Y2K queen, all of the above. Both tinsel and comb headbands are beloved hair trends that add character to styles and looks without being high-maintenance.