Hi, I’m Lena — a professional hairstylist with over a decade of salon experience. In this post I showcase 20 bandana hairstyles for women, each photographed and explained so you can recreate salon-fresh looks at home. Bandanas are a versatile accessory that work on straight, wavy, curly, coily, long, medium and short hair — they can add polish to an updo, soften a messy bun, frame a bob, or protect natural hair. I’ll share quick styling tips, product recommendations and simple step-by-step cues I use on clients: how to prep hair for hold, choosing the right bandana fabric and size, fastening techniques to avoid dents, and variations for formal, casual and protective styles. Whether you’re after boho flair, retro vibes, or a practical protective look, these 20 images and pro tips will help you choose the best bandana hairstyle for your texture and daily routine.
Retro Bandana Updo with Soft Side-Swept Bangs
This retro bandana updo with a soft side-swept fringe suits straight to wavy hair and short-to-medium lengths; fine hair benefits from texturizing for grip, while thick hair should be smoothed and lightly thinned where necessary. To create it: blow-dry or air-dry hair, add texturizing spray or dry shampoo, sweep the front section into a soft side fringe, gather the rest into a low loose bun or rolled French twist at the nape, secure with elastic and bobby pins, then fold a square scarf into a 2–3 inch band and tie it over the crown with a small knot or bow. Tools: tail comb, round or paddle brush, hair elastic, bobby pins, sectioning clips, and a hairdryer or curling iron for shaping bangs. Products: dry shampoo or texturizing spray, lightweight smoothing serum, medium-hold hairspray, and heat protectant. Difficulty: easy–intermediate — basic pinning and scarf-tying skills required. Maintenance: refresh grip with dry shampoo, re-tie the bandana after sleeping or removing, tuck stray hairs with pins, and avoid heavy oils that make the scarf slip.
Short Natural Curly Taper with Bandana Headwrap
This look suits type 3–4 textured hair at short to medium crop lengths, especially tapered cuts or short afro styles. Start on damp, detangled hair: apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner, then a curl-defining cream or custard. Use finger-coiling or a curl sponge to enhance and define the tight coils, and smooth edges with a small amount of edge control if desired. Fold a cotton bandana into a wide strip and position it at the hairline, tying a secure but non-tight knot on top for the signature lifted look. Tools you’ll need: wide-tooth comb, detangling brush, curl sponge or fingers, rat-tail comb for parting, microfiber towel/t-shirt, and an optional diffuser for quick drying. Recommended products: hydrating leave-in, curl cream or mousse, light gel/edge control, and a few drops of nourishing oil for shine. Difficulty: easy–moderate — accessible for at-home styling with basic practice. Maintenance: refresh with a water-based spray or curl refresher, sleep on a satin bonnet or pillowcase, retie bandana loosely to protect edges, and trim every 6–8 weeks to keep the taper crisp.
Textured Curly Half-Up Pony with Bandana
Suitable for naturally wavy to curly and medium-to-thick hair, this textured half-up with a bandana creates effortless volume while keeping hair off the face. To style: start on damp hair and work a lightweight leave-in conditioner or curl cream through with a wide-tooth comb. Rough-dry with a diffuser to enhance waves or air-dry for a softer finish. Section off the top third from temple to temple, lightly tease the crown for lift, then gather into a loose high ponytail or messy topknot and secure with an elastic. Fold and place a bandana around the hairline, tie at the top or side and tuck ends for a clean look. Finish by scrunching in a sea-salt or texturizing spray and misting with light-hold hairspray for hold. Tools: diffuser, wide-tooth comb, elastic, bobby pins, small clip and a bandana. Products: leave-in or curl cream, sea-salt/texturizing spray, anti-frizz serum, light-hold hairspray. Difficulty: easy–medium. Maintenance: sleep in a silk scarf or pineapple, refresh with water + leave-in mist and scrunch, re-tie bandana daily and trim ends every 8–12 weeks.
Textured Topknot with Red Bandana and Side‑Swept Bangs
A wearable, salon-tested textured topknot finished with a tied bandana and soft face‑framing bangs. Suitability: works best on medium to thick hair and naturally wavy or relaxed curly textures; fine hair benefits from light teasing or a volumizing powder and clip‑in padding, while very tight curls can be smoothed slightly for the bandana placement. Styling technique: rough‑dry with a salt spray to create grip, gather hair into a loose high bun, leave a side fringe and a few tendrils, then wrap and tie the bandana into a knot at the crown. Tools needed: vent brush, wide‑tooth comb, tail comb for parting, hair elastic, bobby pins, small curling wand (optional) and blow dryer. Products required: sea salt or texturizing spray, lightweight hairspray, dry shampoo, heat protectant and a smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty level: Easy–Intermediate (10–20 minutes) — forgiving to mistakes and quick to adjust. Maintenance tips: refresh volume with dry shampoo, re‑shape loose tendrils with a 1‑inch wand, keep bangs trimmed every 6–8 weeks, and remove the bandana gently to avoid breakage.
Textured High Bun with Bandana — Messy Curly Updo for Wavy to Coily Hair
This relaxed high bun with a tied bandana is ideal for medium‑to‑long wavy, curly, or coily hair and works with thick or textured fine hair with a few adjustments. Start on damp hair: apply a lightweight leave‑in conditioner and a curl‑defining cream or mousse from mid‑length to ends, then diffuse or air‑dry to enhance natural texture. Gather hair into a high pony, twist loosely and secure with a snag‑free elastic, allowing loops and ends to remain soft for a messy silhouette. Wrap a square bandana or scarf around the hairline and tie it at the top or slightly off‑center; pull out a few face‑framing curls and loosen the crown for lift. Tools: wide‑tooth comb, rat‑tail for parting/tension, elastic, bobby pins, diffuser (optional) and small curling wand for touchups. Products: leave‑in, curl cream or sea‑salt texturizer, light flexible hairspray and dry shampoo. Difficulty: easy–medium — minimal technique but practice on tension and pinning. Maintenance: refresh with a water/leave‑in spray, sleep on a silk scarf or pillowcase, and use dry shampoo between washes to preserve shape and volume.
Boho Bandana Waves — Textured Layered Medium-Long Hair with Volume
A versatile boho look that pairs a folded bandana with loose, textured waves. Best suited to wavy and curly hair or straight hair that can hold a curl; medium to thick hair with layers gives the most natural volume. To style: start on towel-dried hair with a lightweight mousse at roots for lift, blow-dry loosely with a diffuser or round brush to encourage body, then create 1–1.25 alternating-direction waves with a curling wand or flat iron, leaving the ends slightly undone. Backcomb gently at the crown for extra lift, then fold and tie a medium-width scarf or bandana across the hairline, tucking ends under or knotting at the back. Tools needed: curling wand/flat iron, diffuser or blow dryer, wide-tooth comb, tail comb, bobby pins. Products required: heat protectant, sea-salt or texturizing spray, light mousse, flexible-hold hairspray, small smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: easy–moderate — approachable for home styling with basic heat tools. Maintenance tips: refresh waves with water + salt spray or reheat a few pieces, dry shampoo at roots between washes, sleep with a silk scarf to protect texture, and trim layers every 8–12 weeks to maintain shape.
Bandana Headband with Tousled Double Braids — Boho Braided Hairstyle
Suitable for medium to long hair in straight, wavy, or loose-curly textures, this bandana-with-double-braids style works well on fine hair with added texture and on thick hair when sectioned carefully. Start with towel-dried or second-day hair for grip: mist salt or texturizing spray, rough-dry, and create a soft center part. Position a folded bandana across the hairline and tie it at the crown. Take two high side sections and braid each into a loose three-strand (or Dutch) braid, securing with small elastics; gently pancake the braids for width and a lived-in look. Pull a few face-framing tendrils loose and backcomb lightly at the crown if you want extra lift. Tools: tail comb, small clear elastics, hair pins, blow dryer (or diffuser) and optional curling iron. Products: sea-salt spray or texturizer, light cream for frizz control, flexible hairspray, dry shampoo for refreshes. Difficulty: easy–moderate, 10–20 minutes. Maintenance: sleep with a silk scarf, refresh with dry shampoo and a quick re-pancake or re-tie; avoid heavy oils near the bandana to preserve texture.
Retro Bandana Headwrap with Tousled Top Knot — Messy Bun Updo for Medium Hair
This effortless retro bandana headwrap paired with a tousled top knot suits straight to wavy hair in fine-to-medium density. Begin on second-day hair or refresh freshly washed strands with a light texturizing spray or dry shampoo to add grip. Section a 1–2 inch front fringe if you want face-framing piece; gather the rest into a high ponytail, tease the crown lightly for lift, then wrap hair into a loose, messy bun and secure with an elastic and a few bobby pins. Fold a cotton bandana into a long strip, place it at the nape, bring ends forward and tie just above the bun, tucking tails or knot under for a clean finish. Tools: tail comb, elastic, bobby pins, sectioning clips, optional curling iron for soft waves. Products: sea-salt/texturizing spray, dry shampoo, light-hold hairspray and smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: easy–moderate — salon-friendly and quick once practiced. Maintenance tips: retouch texture with dry shampoo, avoid tight tying to prevent tension, remove nightly or sleep on a satin pillowcase to preserve shape and color.
Curly High Puff with Boho Turban Headscarf
Suitable for 3A–4C natural curls and coils (works on fine curls with added volume), this look creates a polished high puff framed by a patterned turban. Start on damp, detangled hair: apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner and curl-defining cream, then gather hair to the crown using a non-metal snag-free elastic. Smooth edges with a small brush and edge control or lightweight gel. Wrap a medium-width scarf or silky turban around the head, crossing and tucking the ends for a secure knot without flattening the puff. Tools: wide-tooth comb, Denman or curl fluffer, edge brush, snag-free elastic, bobby pins, microfiber towel. Products: leave-in conditioner, curl cream, light hold gel or edge wax, lightweight oil or serum, dry shampoo for refresh. Difficulty: easy–medium; 10–25 minutes depending on prep and curl definition. Salon tips: secure the elastic just below the crown to protect edges, tuck scarf under the elastic for extra hold, and avoid overtightening. Maintenance: sleep with a silk bonnet or scarf, refresh with water mist + small amount of cream, and clarify weekly to prevent product buildup. Re-tie gently to preserve curl shape and scalp health.
Bandana-Wrapped Textured Low Bun with Face-Framing Waves
This relaxed, bandana-wrapped low bun suits medium-to-long hair of fine, medium, and thick textures; natural waves and loose curls work best, while straight hair benefits from pre-texturizing. Start by applying a heat protectant and sea-salt or texturizing spray on towel-dried hair. Blow-dry with a diffuser or rough-dry with fingers for volume, then loosely curl 1–2-inch sections with a 1–1.25 inch curling wand to create soft face-framing pieces. Backcomb lightly at the crown for lift, gather hair into a low, slightly off-center pony, twist into a loose bun and secure with an elastic and bobby pins, leaving two tendrils out at the front. Fold and tie a square bandana around the hairline, tucking ends under or knotting at the nape. Tools: tail comb, curling wand, elastic, bobby pins, clips. Products: heat protectant, sea-salt or texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, small dab of smoothing cream or pomade for flyaways. Difficulty: easy–medium—quick for stylists, manageable at home. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo or mist of salt spray, retwist tendrils with a wand, avoid wrapping bandana too tightly to prevent breakage, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to preserve shape.
Bandana Headband with Tousled Side‑Swept Fringe — Textured Medium/Long Hair
This relaxed bandana headband style suits medium to long hair and works best on straight to wavy textures; fine hair benefits from added texturizing products for grip, while thicker hair should be layered or slightly thinned at the ends for a flattering drape. Start on clean, towel‑dried hair: apply heat protectant and a volumizing mousse (fine hair) or smoothing cream (frizz‑prone hair). Create soft texture with a 1
Textured Short Bob with Bandana Headband and Face‑Framing Wisps
This relaxed, textured short bob paired with a tied bandana is ideal for fine to medium hair and soft to natural waves; thicker hair can wear it too with layered thinning or light weight removal at the ends. Start on towel-dried hair with a heat protectant, then blow-dry using your fingers or a small round brush to create root lift and loose movement. Add a 1/2-inch curling wand or flat iron to flick out the ends and create subtle bends rather than tight curls. Place a lightweight bandana or scarf folded into a 2–3 inch band and tie it at the crown, leaving a few face-framing wisps loose for a casual finish. Tools: blow dryer, round brush or paddle, small curling wand/flat iron, fine-tooth comb, sectioning clips. Products: thermal protectant, texturizing/sea-salt spray, light-hold hairspray, a drop of smoothing serum for ends, dry shampoo for next-day volume. Difficulty: easy–moderate (10–15 minutes). Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo, retie gently to avoid creasing, trim every 6–8 weeks to maintain shape, and sleep on silk to reduce frizz.
Messy Curly Topknot with Red Bandana — Voluminous Updo for Curly/Wavy Hair
This relaxed, high messy topknot with a tied bandana suits medium-to-long curly, wavy, or textured hair and can be adapted for straighter hair with pre-texturizing. Start on damp or second-day hair: apply a leave-in conditioner followed by a curl cream or light mousse to define and control frizz. Create a high ponytail with a wide-tooth comb (or fingers) and secure with an elastic, then twist the pony into a loose bun, securing sections with bobby pins and pulling pieces out to build volume. Add a lightweight texturizing spray or sea-salt spray for grip and separation. Tools: wide-tooth comb, paddle brush, elastic, bobby pins, optional curling wand for stray piece definition. Products: leave-in conditioner, curl cream or mousse, texturizing spray, flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: easy–moderate — approachable for DIY but benefits from salon tips on balancing volume. Maintenance tips: refresh with a water + curl cream mist between washes, use dry shampoo at the roots to extend wear, and sleep on a satin pillowcase or wrap with a silk scarf to preserve shape. For finer hair, add a small bun donut or backcomb the base for extra lift.
Textured Topknot with Red Bandana — Messy Bun & Face‑Framing Tendrils
This look suits straight to wavy hair and translates well on fine, medium and thick textures — fine hair may need a little backcombing or a small padding piece for lift, while very thick hair benefits from a loose twist to control bulk. Styling technique: create volume at the crown by teasing lightly, gather hair into a mid-to-high pony, twist into a loose bun and secure with elastic and bobby pins. Leave a few face‑framing tendrils out and use a wide bandana folded into a narrow strip to wrap and knot at the top. Tools needed: tail comb, teasing brush, elastic, bobby pins, small curling wand (optional for tendrils) and a blow dryer if you want extra lift. Products required: dry shampoo or texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, heat protectant and a smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: easy–moderate — quick to learn with one or two practice runs. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo, re-tuck loose pieces with pins, re-tie the bandana snugly (not too tight) and sleep with a loose silk scarf to preserve shape.
Short Curly Updo with Boho Headscarf Wrap (Bandana Turban Style)
This look works best on short to mid-length natural curls or textured waves; it also translates well to fine hair when enhanced with texture spray or light backcombing. Start on damp, prepped hair: apply a curl-defining cream or light mousse and diffuse until mostly dry to retain shape. Gather hair loosely toward the crown or slightly forward and secure with a low elastic or a few bobby pins to create a soft puff — leave out a few face-framing curls. Fold a square scarf into a band, position at the nape, bring ends up and tie a secure knot or bow at the top, then tuck ends under or pin discreetly. Tools: wide-tooth comb, diffuser, elastic/bobby pins, small clips. Products: curl cream or mousse, heat protectant, light-hold hairspray, dry shampoo or refresher spray, optional texturizer. Difficulty: Easy–Moderate — minimal skill needed for everyday wear but takes practice for neat tying. Maintenance: sleep with a silk bonnet or re-wrap the scarf, refresh curls with water + curl refresher or light mousse, and schedule trims every 6–8 weeks to keep the silhouette clean.
Bandana Headband with Loose Double Braids — Boho Pigtail Style
A relaxed, wearable look that pairs a folded bandana headband with two loose, low braids. Suitable for straight, wavy and slightly curly lengths that are at least shoulder‑length; fine hair benefits from light teasing at the crown for lift, while thick hair can be divided into smaller sections for manageable braids. Technique: create a clean center or slightly off‑center part, brush hair to remove tangles, then gather hair into two low sections and plait three‑strand braids leaving some face‑framing pieces if desired. Fold a square bandana into a 2–3” strip, position it over the hairline and tie a knot at the top; secure ends and any slipping points with a couple of bobby pins. Tools needed: paddle brush, tail comb, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and optional curling iron for texture. Products: texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip, lightweight smoothing serum for flyaways, and a flexible hold hairspray. Difficulty: easy (2/5) — quick for at‑home styling. Maintenance: sleep with the bandana removed, re-tighten knots and refresh texture with a mist of water or dry shampoo; re-braid nightly if you want crisper shape.
Textured Low Ponytail with Bandana Headwrap — Boho Messy Style
This relaxed low ponytail paired with a bandana headwrap suits straight to wavy hair and fine-to-medium thickness best; thick hair also works when slightly thinned or smoothed at the ends. Start on second-day or dry hair for grip: apply dry shampoo or salt spray to roots, rough-dry for texture, and lightly tease the crown for lift. Position the bandana across the hairline and knot/tuck it at the top or back, then gather hair into a low, slightly off-center ponytail and secure with a snag-free elastic. Pull a few face-framing strands loose and gently pancake the ponytail for fullness; use bobby pins to secure the bandana and any flyaways. Tools: bandana or scarf, elastic, bobby pins, tail comb, brush, and optional hair dryer or flat iron. Products: dry shampoo or texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for ends, heat protectant if using heat. Difficulty: easy–intermediate — quick to create but requires styling finesse to look intentionally undone. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo or texture spray, retie or reposition the bandana as needed, and avoid heavy oils that will weigh the style down.
Messy Top Knot with Knotted Bandana and Face‑Framing Tendrils
This relaxed top knot with a knotted bandana and loose face‑framing tendrils suits fine to medium hair and works well on straight, wavy, or lightly textured hair. Start on second‑day hair or add dry shampoo at the roots for grip. Gather hair into a high pony using your fingers (don’t smooth down completely), twist loosely into a bun and secure with an elastic and a few bobby pins—pull small sections out at the crown for lift. Tie a square bandana around the head with the knot placed slightly forward; tuck ends under or leave a small bow. Pull out a few thin pieces at the temples and curl softly with a 1–inch wand for a softer finish if desired. Tools: elastic, bobby pins, wide‑tooth comb, 1–inch curling wand (optional). Products: dry shampoo, sea‑salt or texturizing spray, lightweight pomade for flyaways, flexible‑hold hairspray. Difficulty: easy (salon level: 2/5) — quick to do. Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo and texturizer, retie bandana daily to keep shape, avoid heavy oils that flatten texture, and sleep with a loose scarf to preserve the bun.
Bandana Headscarf with Low Messy Bun and Face‑Framing Tendrils
A versatile salon-ready bandana headscarf that suits fine, medium and wavy hair and can be adapted for thick or textured curls. Prep hair on second-day texture or freshly washed with a volumizing mousse; finish with dry shampoo or texturizing spray at the roots for grip. Styling technique: fold a square bandana into a wide strip, place it across the forehead or hairline, and tie at the nape or top depending on preference; gather remaining hair into a low messy bun or low ponytail and tuck or wrap the bandana ends under the knot. Pull out a couple of soft face-framing tendrils and lightly heat-style them if you want a polished curve. Tools needed: fine-tooth comb or tail comb, elastic, bobby pins, small curling iron (optional). Recommended products: texturizing spray/dry shampoo, light hold hairspray, smoothing serum for flyaways, heat protectant. Difficulty: Easy — 2/5 (beginner friendly). Maintenance tips: refresh roots with dry shampoo, tighten knot or re-pin after activity, launder bandana regularly to avoid product buildup, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to preserve tendrils and reduce frizz.
Textured Messy Updo with Bandana Headscarf and Face‑Framing Tendrils
This relaxed, textured updo with a tied bandana works best on fine to medium hair but adapts well to thick or naturally wavy hair. Start on day‑old or dry hair for better grip: apply a texturizing or sea‑salt spray through midlengths and ends, then rough‑blow or air‑dry. Create soft volume at the crown by lightly backcombing or using a 1
Thanks for exploring these 20 bandana hairstyle ideas with me — Lena. Bandanas are a low-cost, high-impact accessory that can refresh your look while protecting strands from friction. Pro tips: choose cotton or silk blends to reduce friction (silk for fragile ends), prep with a light leave-in or texturizing spray for grip, and secure with discreet pins rather than tight knots to avoid breakage. For fine hair, teasing the crown lightly gives volume under the bandana; for thick or textured hair, use a silk-lined bandana or a wider wrap to distribute pressure. Rotate positions (forehead, crown, nape) to prevent constant tension in one spot and remove ties at night unless sleeping with silk protection. Experiment with knot placement, half-up variations, and mixing prints with neutral outfits. If you want, bring a favorite bandana to your next salon visit — I’ll help customize a tied look that flatters your face shape and fits your daily routine.