20 Bandana Hairstyles: Playful Looks to Refresh Your Everyday Style
Ready to give your look a fun twist without much effort? Bandanas are back—and they’re bringing serious style. From messy buns to sleek ponytails, these trendy bandana hairstyles are all about adding color, flair, and attitude to your everyday routine.
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Whether you’re heading to brunch, hitting the beach, or just running errands, there’s a bandana style that fits the vibe.
This list rounds up 20 playful ways to rock this timeless accessory and keep your hair game strong. Scroll on for fresh inspo that’s easy to try and even easier to love.
1. Retro Curls with a Classic Red Bandana Twist
Channeling timeless charm, this hairstyle pairs soft, voluminous curls with a crisp red paisley bandana knotted at the top for a playful 1950s vibe. The bold red accessory instantly adds attitude and brings out the vintage appeal, while the softly tucked curls frame the face with natural bounce.
Paired with blunt bangs and a swipe of red lipstick, the entire look leans into rockabilly nostalgia with a fresh and youthful twist. Whether you’re heading to a summer festival or styling up for a themed party, this bandana hairstyle makes a strong yet simple style statement.
2. Boho Braids with a Bandana Headwrap
Soft blonde braids meet relaxed bohemian flair in this laid-back hairstyle that blends practicality with effortless charm. A bold red-and-white bandana is tied snugly around the crown, adding a splash of color while keeping hair off the face.
The twin braids fall loose and full, giving off beachy texture and volume, while face-framing tendrils bring a touch of softness. This style feels right at home for music festivals, summer adventures, or any day you want your hair to feel fun and fuss-free. It’s a carefree twist on classic braids with just the right edge of cool.
3. Braided Crown Updo with Printed Bandana Accent
Elegance meets storybook romance in this woven crown hairstyle, where thick blonde braids wrap around the head like a halo. A richly patterned bandana in deep green, orange, and cream hues is tucked through the braid, adding both texture and a hint of folklore charm.
Loose tendrils around the face soften the look and bring a fresh, modern touch to the intricate updo. This style feels dressy yet effortless, ideal for garden parties, weddings, or any moment that calls for something a little more polished. It’s a dreamy way to blend femininity with folk-inspired flair.
Looking to add color to your hairstyle before tying on a bandana? These strawberry blonde balayage ideas bring warmth and brightness that pop under any head wrap.
4. Sleek Ponytail with Flowing Silk Bandana
Polished and poised, this high ponytail brings together timeless elegance and a whisper of drama. The hair is pulled back with ultra-smooth precision, creating a glossy finish that highlights every curve of the face.
A printed silk bandana wraps around the base of the ponytail, draping gracefully over cascading waves. The contrast between the sleek crown and voluminous ends gives the look balance and flair.
Styled with a satin blouse and bold earrings, this hairstyle suits evening events, fashion-forward offices, or any moment where you want to turn heads with subtle confidence.
5. Textured Waves with a Knotted Bandana Halo
Sun-kissed and effortlessly cool, this hairstyle pairs loose natural waves with a wide knotted bandana that sits like a crown across the forehead. The bandana’s earthy tones and rugged texture bring warmth and a free-spirited edge to the soft, flowing hair.
Wisps of face-framing strands fall freely, adding movement and a touch of romance. The style feels like summer afternoons and slow weekends, great for beach days, casual brunches, or just soaking up golden hour light. It’s low-maintenance and expressive, with plenty of personality packed into one simple look.
6. Turban-Style Wrap with Bold Floral Silk Scarf
Sophistication takes center stage in this turban-inspired look that wraps a vivid floral silk scarf around a sleek bob. The scarf’s rich palette of black, crimson, and golden tones makes a strong visual impact, while its draped folds add texture and depth. This full-coverage style keeps the hair tucked away with clean, sculpted lines that emphasize the cheekbones and neckline.
It pairs well with gold hoops and minimal makeup, allowing the headwrap to speak for itself. Whether you’re embracing cultural flair or dressing up a casual outfit, this look radiates power, grace, and intention.
7. Textured High Ponytail with Knotted Cream Bandana
Bold and flirty, this voluminous high ponytail brings energy to your look with soft waves and a knotted cream bandana. The black-and-ivory print adds contrast and frames the crown with vintage appeal. Pulled high for lift and drama, the ponytail cascades in bouncy texture while two tendrils frame the face with ease.
Styled with winged eyeliner and gold studs, this look strikes the balance between glam and laid-back. It’s a fun choice for nights out, summer parties, or whenever you want your hairstyle to match your confidence.
8. Curly Ponytail with Graphic Monochrome Bandana
Full of bounce and bold personality, this high ponytail takes center stage with tight, tousled curls and a striking black-and-white bandana. The wrap is tied at the base, letting the ends trail down for extra movement and visual drama.
Fluffy texture adds volume and playfulness, while face-framing curls soften the overall edge. Large silver hoops and a bright highlighter amplify the look, giving it a glam-meets-streetwear vibe. It’s a statement hairstyle built for everything from summer concerts to casual city strolls—stylish, wild, and full of energy.
If you love braided styles with personality, these knotless braids with beads are a bold way to layer texture and flair under your bandana.
9. Beachy Waves with Vintage-Inspired Wide Bandana
Sunlit and effortlessly chic, this look embraces natural texture with loose beach waves wrapped in a wide, vintage-patterned bandana. The scarf, tied low at the nape, features earthy tones and faded floral accents that feel straight out of a bohemian daydream.
Loose strands fall freely around the face, adding softness and movement. Whether you’re heading to a music festival or lounging by the coast, this hairstyle captures that carefree, salt-kissed vibe. It’s relaxed, romantic, and totally made for golden hour.
10. Front-Knot Bandana Wrap with Straight Layers
Confident and casual, this hairstyle wraps a classic black bandana around the head with a centered knot detail that draws attention upward. The scarf sits snug at the hairline, letting the rest of the hair flow freely in sleek, straight layers.
This look is both functional and stylish—great for keeping hair off your face while showing off bold accessories or makeup. The contrast between the structured wrap and laid-back strands creates a cool balance that works for lazy mornings, creative workdays, or offbeat date nights.
11. Low Messy Bun with Botanical Bandana Wrap
Relaxed and charming, this low messy bun combines soft blonde layers with a creamy botanical bandana tied neatly at the back. The wrap features delicate blue floral sketches, adding a vintage feel without overpowering the look. Loose strands around the face give the style a gentle, lived-in finish.
It’s the kind of hairstyle that feels put together without trying too hard—great for running errands, casual brunches, or just elevating a basic white tee. The added touch of tying the scarf at the nape brings both visual balance and unexpected detail.
12. Messy Top Knot with Champagne Satin Bandana
This look blends tousled charm with a soft satin finish, featuring a high messy bun wrapped with a knotted champagne bandana. The light-reflecting fabric adds polish, while loose tendrils around the face keep it relaxed and romantic. Whispy layers frame the cheeks, enhancing the undone texture of the bun.
It’s an effortless mix of elegance and ease—great for brunch with friends, a casual date, or even lazy Sundays when you still want to feel a little elevated. The satin bow steals the spotlight without overdoing it.
Bandana styles can be flirty too. Check out these hairstyles for date night if you’re planning a romantic evening and want a soft, stylish touch.
13. Pin-Up Victory Rolls with Classic Red Bandana
Bold and unforgettable, this hairstyle throws it back to the glam era of the 1950s with sculpted victory rolls and a fiery red bandana knotted at the top. The precision of the rolls adds structure and drama, while the paisley scarf softens the look with a hint of rockabilly charm.
Paired with retro makeup—think red lips and winged liner—this style is a head-turner for themed events, vintage fairs, or simply celebrating your love for all things old-school cool. It’s a power move wrapped in a scarf.
14. Defined Curls with Navy Paisley Bandana Wrap
Full of texture and vintage charm, this hairstyle features soft, defined curls swept back with a classic navy-and-red paisley bandana. The scarf is tied at the top with a gentle knot, adding structure and a pop of pattern to the bouncy coils.
Loose tendrils soften the frame while bold red lips and polished skin give it a timeless edge. It’s a look that works equally well at retro-themed events or casual gatherings—effortless, eye-catching, and packed with personality.
15. Box Braids with Geometric Bandana for Beach Days
Sun, sand, and style come together in this beach-ready look featuring long, flowy box braids paired with a bold black-and-white bandana. The scarf is wrapped securely over the crown, offering both flair and function—keeping braids in place while protecting from the breeze.
The braids fall effortlessly down the front, adding movement and framing the face with laid-back ease. This hairstyle is perfect for vacations, poolside lounging, or any time you’re chasing sunshine and salty air. It’s equal parts cool and carefree, built for beachy adventures.
Want to pair your bandana with protective styling? These creative box braid styles are a great base that works well with head wraps and scarves.
16. Loose Waves with Embroidered Green Bandana and Butterfly Clips
Nature-inspired and ultra-feminine, this look features long, flowing waves accentuated by a forest green embroidered bandana knotted at the crown. The soft texture of the waves complements the earthy tone of the scarf, while delicate gold butterfly clips add a playful and whimsical detail to one side.
Face-framing strands keep the look airy and soft, catching the light just right. Whether you’re lounging outdoors or heading to a cozy garden gathering, this hairstyle radiates peaceful, pretty energy with an elegant twist.
17. Sleek Low Ponytail with Sculptural Pleated Bandana Bow
Minimalist meets modern in this sleek low ponytail adorned with a bold pleated fabric bandana. The oversized bow in two shades of green—sage and forest—adds structured elegance to the smooth, chestnut brown strands.
Every detail feels intentional, from the clean middle part to the crisp folds of the bow that drape like modern art. Styled with chunky gold earrings and a ribbed sleeveless top, this look is perfect for gallery visits, dinner dates, or moments where subtle drama says it all.
18. Braided Updo with Satin Bandana and Retro Flair
This look blends vintage elegance with playful charm, showcasing a braided updo wrapped in a silky blush-pink bandana. The scarf ties softly at the nape, flowing effortlessly with the rest of the outfit’s retro energy.
Paired with oversized sunglasses, a flutter-sleeve blouse, and a high-waisted skirt, the entire look channels timeless café-date glam. It’s a polished yet whimsical style—ideal for summer strolls, brunch with friends, or any day you want to step out with a touch of old-school charm.
19. Messy Top Knot with Classic Red Bandana Twist
This carefree look brings together tousled volume and vintage charm with a casual top knot wrapped in a red paisley bandana. The knot sits high and fluffy, while soft blonde balayage strands fall freely around the face for a breezy, undone effect.
The scarf ties into a bold statement without overpowering the laid-back style. Whether you’re heading to the farmer’s market or chilling on the porch, this easygoing hairstyle delivers style with zero stress.
20. Playful Top Knot with Blue Striped Bandana
This fresh and upbeat style takes the classic “mom bun” to the next level with a bright blue-and-white striped bandana wrapped around a voluminous top knot. The bandana adds color and structure, while loose front pieces frame the face with a soft, relaxed finish.
Whether you’re running errands, grabbing a drink, or just throwing something together that feels cute and comfy—this look nails it. It’s quick, cheerful, and packed with personality in the simplest way.
Thinking beyond hair? These summer business casual outfit ideas offer fresh wardrobe inspo to match your laid-back bandana look.
Aria Winslow
Zara Montoya, a trailblazing hairstylist and innovative beauty expert, is the dynamic Editor-in-Chief of StyleStrands Magazine.
Drawing from her two decades of transformative experience in high-end salons and fashion runways, Zara curates cutting-edge hair trends and timeless techniques.
Her groundbreaking approach to hairstyling has inspired countless individuals to reimagine their personal aesthetic and embrace bold self-expression.
Zara’s guiding principle: Every strand tells a story, and your hair is the most personal canvas of creativity.
