It all started in the fall of 2022, when beauty brand Versed sent out PR kits that included a little fluffy terry cloth headband, among other fun goodies. Soon, countless influencers were wearing these pretty headbands while filming their makeup and skincare routines, and the spa headband trend was born. Of course, spa headbands aren’t just for beauty… and they’re not limited to bubble-shaped silhouettes. From bandeau headbands to adjustable velcro headbands to the almost always sold-out Versed Good Hair Day headbands, I’ve found all the best beauty headbands to help you spice up your morning routine.
What’s the use of a spa headband, you might ask? Besides looking super cute, this spa headband keeps your hairline dry and protected while you wash your face, apply makeup, or put on a mask. After all, no one has time for wet hair stuck to their face, right? If this headband turns out to be Instagram-worthy, that’s just a bonus. The best headbands for makeup and face washing are usually very stretchy and made from absorbent materials like microfiber or terry cloth, but I have plenty of cute options for you to consider.
Below, we’ll look at the best hair bands that will help keep your hair dry, tangle-free, and out of the way while you style it.
Oprah has been raving about Grace & Company shower caps lately… but I think these headbands deserve a little attention, too. Made from moisture-wicking microcotton (which gets softer and fluffier with every wash), this shower cap tapers at the base of the neck for a snug fit. Plus, it has a hook-and-loop closure, so you don’t have to worry about the headband being too tight.
Rave customer review: “This headband is the real deal. It keeps my hair protected while I wash my face. I like that the Velcro is round and not striped like other Velcro. I think it’s a better design and even if you have a small head, the fabric sticks to the Velcro itself and keeps it in place.”
This super-soft, cloud-like headband, made from VOLO’s signature Nanoweave fabric (the same material used in the internet-famous Hero hair towel, by the way), is definitely next-level. Why: It’s super soft, super absorbent, and best of all, it has an elastic back so it can fit a variety of head shapes.
Rave customer review: “I have a hard time finding headbands that fit me and are comfortable. I have a large head and these fit me perfectly. They are stretchy enough that they are not too tight and give me a headache. They are not loose and the fabric is super soft and fluffy, just like their towels! These headbands are perfect for washing your face or putting on a mask!”
Okay, but how valuable is that fuzzy bow? ? This super soft polyester headband, which comes in a ton of girly patterns, has an elastic band that makes it super stretchy—much more stretchy than you might think—and a big bow on top. And it’s absolutely, incredibly cute.
Rave customer review: “I was looking for a headband for makeup/mask. After reading the reviews on this one, I was confident in purchasing it! It is so soft and cute! It holds all my hair in place without giving me a headache after a few minutes! I would recommend this to anyone worried about the size being too small. It fits all sizes!”
So, you’ve probably seen Versed’s super-popular Good Hair Day headband… which instantly sells out every time it goes on sale. But I’ve got good news: You can now buy it as part of a daily cleansing kit that includes a cleansing balm, moisturizer, and the internet’s favorite bubble terry headband.
Rave customer review: “This is the best headband for brushing your hair while washing your face or putting on makeup. It feels so soft and nice to the touch.”
Can’t get your hands on the Versed Bubble Headband? Then grab this (really compelling) alternative. With a sponge lining and velvety-soft finish, this under-$10 headband pulls your hair back without leaving any annoying dents (IYKYK), and its impressive stretch means it’ll fit a variety of head shapes.
Rave customer review: “This is exactly what I needed for my facial! It sits comfortably and snugly on my head. It feels like I’m not wearing anything. It keeps all my hair back and doesn’t get in the way when I’m doing anything with my face, whether it’s applying makeup or cleansing.”
“Obsessed” doesn’t even begin to describe my feelings about this adorable little accessory. This influencer-favorite product from Korean beauty brand I Dew Care is made from smooth, flexible microfibers that keep hair out of your face… and are super cute, too. You can choose from a few different designs, too (though my favorite is the black cat one).
Rave customer review: “This headband is so comfortable and soft! I can put it on after washing my face and it won’t feel too tight on my head. Great quality, not cheap or flimsy at all. Best of all, it looks so cute!”
Kitsch really thought of everything when creating this bad boy. Made from recycled polyester, this versatile headband completely covers your hairline while you wash and style your hair. And because it’s so wide and stretchy, you can tuck your hair completely under it and use it as a shower cap. Genius!
Rave customer review: “I have hip-length locks, so products usually just push my hair back. The width of this headband allows my hair to lie flat at the back of my head, eliminating the possibility of my hair falling into the sink. Plus, the stitching on this headband actually allows me to tuck all my hair into the headband, preventing it from falling out.”
It gives people a luxurious feel. This fluffy headband (which Hailey Bieber has been spotted wearing on her Instagram Stories) feels as cloudy as it looks, thanks to its super-soft microfiber material. And, according to reviewers, it’s not just cosmetic—the elastic in the middle actually (gently!) keeps hair out of your face without creating an obvious headband bulge.
Rave customer review: “This little headband is comfortable and has a good amount of stretch, but not too tight that it bunches up. It keeps water out of my hair when I wash my face and keeps my mask comfortable.”
Alicia Keys’ beauty brand has a ton of top-notch skincare and makeup products… but this comfy stretchy headband is just as worthy of attention. It’s made from a polyamide-spandex blend (giving it a satiny feel), and testers say it stays in place at the hairline without slipping, tugging, or squeezing the scalp.
Rave customer review: “My hair is slippery and constantly slips out of headbands. I have to put a shower cap on to wash my face, and I even have to fiddle with the cap because it keeps dangling off me. This headband fits snugly, stays stretchy, and is wide enough to hold all my hair back – and best of all, it stays in place!”
I love this pastel headband from Ceremonia that looks like a waffle towel and can be worn as a headband. The waffle cotton material makes it perfect for protecting your hairline from water, oil, and other liquids, and the wide velcro closure allows you to adjust it to fit your head as needed.
Rave customer review: “I’ve been looking for something like this for years but they’re either too thin to cover my hair or not absorbent enough and I end up soaking wet with product and water. I love this, it’s so cute and comfortable, I wear it all over my body and all over the house!”
No, it’s not cheap, but Sidia’s popular Cloud 9 headband is worth the money, trust me. Made from bamboo velvet, this headband is pillow-soft, and while it’s not adjustable, the tie is stretchy enough to keep your hair in place (without covering your face). 10/10 would wear this all day.
Radiant Customer Review: “I never write reviews, but since I bought this headband, I can’t wash my face or do my skincare without it. It has changed my life. I bought the gray one. The material is so soft, doesn’t dent or pull my hair. I love it!”
Corinne Sullivan is the editor of Cosmopolitan magazine and has five years of experience writing about beauty, style, and lifestyle news, including the best-smelling shampoos and the best blonde hair dyes. She picks spa headbands based on reviews and product testing.
Corinne Sullivan is the editor of Cosmopolitan magazine, where she covers a variety of topics including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about celebrity love lives, the most comfortable sheets, and the sex toys that are actually worth your money. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecency. Follow her on Instagram to see adorable photos of her puppies and babies.