Quick answer: To wear a zig zag headband, place the ends just behind your ears, set the band at your hairline, then slide it back one to two inches so the teeth comb your hair back as they go. Stop when it feels secure but not tight. For a slicked-back look, push it further back from wet or smoothed hair; for a softer look, pull a few face-framing pieces forward after it is in place.
Zig zag headbands, also sold as wave or comb headbands, hold hair with a flexible band shaped into waves or teeth. Instead of pressing hair flat like a solid band, they comb through it and grip, which leaves a ridged, textured line. They were everywhere in the late 1990s and have come back as an easy way to get hair off your face in seconds.
Key takeaways
- Start at the hairline and slide back; never push the band down from the crown.
- The ends should sit just behind your ears, not on top of them.
- Wave headbands suit straight, wavy and thick hair; very fine, slippery hair may need a little texture spray first.
- If it pinches behind the ears, it is sitting too low or is too tight for your head shape.
What is a zig zag headband?
| Headband type | How it holds | Look | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zig zag or wave headband | Flexible teeth or waves comb into the hair | Textured, combed-back lines | Slicked-back styles, gym, skincare |
| Slim solid headband | Pressure on top of the head | Smooth, polished | Hair down, office looks |
| Wide padded or knotted band | Pressure and fabric grip | Statement | Covering roots, adding volume |
For a full overview of headband styles and placement, read how to wear a headband.
A matte wave headband in black, beige or brown: Matte Wave Headband, Flexible Comb Hair Band
How do you put on a zig zag headband? Step by step
- Brush or finger-comb your hair so it falls naturally.
- Hold the headband by both ends and open it slightly.
- Place the ends just behind your ears, then lower the top of the band to your hairline.
- Slide the band back about one to two inches. The waves will comb your hair back as they move.
- Stop when it feels secure. Pushing it too far back can make it pop off.
- Lift a few strands at the front with your fingers if you want a softer finish.
6 ways to wear a zig zag headband
1. The slicked-back look
Smooth your hair back with a little water, gel or cream, then slide the headband in. The teeth leave even lines through the hair, which is the classic look for this style.
2. Hair down with texture
Wear your hair down and place the band about an inch behind the hairline. It works especially well with waves, since the band holds the top while the lengths stay loose.
3. With a low ponytail
Comb your hair back with the headband first, then tie a low ponytail. The band keeps flyaways at the front under control, so the ponytail looks neat all day.
4. With a claw clip twist
Put the headband in, then twist the lengths and secure them with a medium claw clip at the back. You get a tidy front and a quick updo. See how to use a claw clip for twist styles.
A minimal clip to pair with a headband: Frosted Square Claw Clip Minimalist 10.5cm
5. For skincare and makeup
A wave headband pulls every strand off your face, which makes it practical for washing your face or applying makeup. If you prefer a clip for this, a large side clip is another option.
6. For workouts
Because it grips instead of pressing, a wave headband stays put through low-impact exercise such as yoga or walking. For running, pair it with a ponytail so the lengths are secured too.
Why does my zig zag headband slip or hurt?
| Problem | Likely cause | Try this |
|---|---|---|
| Slides forward | Hair is very smooth or freshly washed | Add a little texture spray or dry shampoo at the roots |
| Pops off the back | Pushed too far back | Stop sliding when it first feels secure |
| Pinches behind the ears | Ends sitting on or below the ears | Raise the band so the ends sit higher, behind the ears |
| Headache after an hour | Band too tight for your head shape | Gently widen it or switch to a softer fabric band |
If any headband gives you a headache, take it off and read why headbands hurt and how to wear one comfortably. Combing hair back gently matters too: the American Academy of Dermatology advises against tugging hair to style it, so slide the band slowly rather than forcing it through tangles. Detangle first if your hair is knotted.
Which hair types suit a zig zag headband?
- Thick hair: very well; the teeth grip easily.
- Wavy and curly hair: well, though the teeth may separate curls at the front. Place it gently and avoid combing through dry curls.
- Fine hair: can slip; add texture at the roots first.
- Short hair and bobs: works well to keep the front back while the sides stay down.
How to care for an acrylic wave headband
Wipe it with a damp cloth and mild soap, then dry it. Avoid bending it far past its natural shape, since repeated over-bending can stress the material. Store it flat or hanging so it keeps its curve. Our guide to organizing hair accessories has storage ideas.
Frequently asked questions
How do you wear a zig zag headband?
Place the ends behind your ears, set the band at your hairline, then slide it back one to two inches so the teeth comb your hair back. Stop when it feels secure.
Do zig zag headbands work on thin hair?
They can slip in very fine, smooth hair. A little texture spray or dry shampoo at the roots helps the teeth grip.
Why does my zig zag headband hurt behind my ears?
The ends are probably sitting on or below your ears, or the band is tight for your head shape. Raise it so the ends sit behind the ears, or choose a softer band.
Are wave headbands and zig zag headbands the same?
They work the same way: a flexible band shaped into waves or teeth that comb into the hair. Names vary by brand.
Can you wear a zig zag headband with a ponytail?
Yes. Put the headband in first to comb the front back, then tie a low ponytail or twist the lengths into a claw clip.
Shop headbands
See every style, from wave bands to padded and knotted designs, in our headband collection.
