Ask the Edit: Are Headbands Work Appropriate?

Jul 11, 2018

Hi Abra, 

Congrats on nearly 10 years of blogging. What a huge accomplishment. 

I’m wondering what you suggest for those summer days when I don’t have time to blow-dry my hair or when the Boston humidity scraps all my plans for a frizz-free day? I don’t want to look like I’m on my way to the gym, but it also doesn’t need to be office appropriate. I’m thinking a wide headband or wrap to distract from the messy bun.

Any suggestions? REM

Thank you.  It’s hard to believe that it has been 10 years.  But the calendar doesn’t lie.

I certainly think there are headbands that could be work appropriate.  For a more professional workplace, I would stick to a simple tortoise headband or a headband in gold with a simple shape.  For a head-wrap, I like this mesh and solid stripe one for simplicity.

If you’re in a more casual work environment, something like this Tory Burch lattice-print silk wrap or this floral Forever21 option might be appropriate.  But, in my view, it would have to be a pretty casual office given how trendy these accessories are.

If it were me and I was looking for a way to beat the humidity, I would just find an easy updo that worked for me.  This knotted updo looks lovely, but also easy.  As does this topsy-tail inspired do (I twist the bottom of mine into a bun).  For short haired girls, this style could work.

Should you decide to try out the head wrap as a humidity solution, I suggest doing it on casual Friday.  That will give you a good idea of whether it’s an appropriate choice for your workplace, but minimize the faux pas.  Since, let’s face it, everyone makes mistakes on casual Friday.

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  1. Caitlin says:

    I have something very similar to this in navy, and got compliments at work… however, I work in a very casual non-profit office. I think you’d have to keep the rest of your outfit professional to counteract it.

    https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/shop/top-knot-headband

  2. Sunnyia says:

    on humid days (or bad hair days), i go for a french milkmaid braid along my crown. i’ve got super curly hair and i’ll often flat iron a few pieces around my forehead to smooth them down and give them some arch. pull it to loosen the braid, dust it with a kabuki brush to gently mess it up, and then spray it to hold! i also don’t usually go all the way around – just continue it a bit past my ear and then twist everything into a messy bun. strategic bobby pins are required, but it holds all day long.

  3. Monica says:

    Great post! I love the look of the knotted updo but where the heck does her ponytail go at the end? Would love any easy updo tutorials for women with very thick hair- thanks!!

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