24 Zig Zag Headband Hairstyles for Women: Chic, Easy, Salon-Ready

Hi — I’m Lena, a professional hairstylist with over a decade behind the chair. Zig zag headband hairstyles are a quick way to elevate any look, adding texture, edge, and instant polish without a full blowout. In the salon I use them on clients with short bobs, shoulder-length cuts, long layers, and textured curls — they flatter round, oval, and heart-shaped faces when positioned thoughtfully. This post features 24 carefully chosen styles (with images) ranging from casual, everyday pulls to braided updos and bridal-ready variations. I’ll show simple placement tweaks—low on the forehead for a boho feel, higher for retro drama, or woven into braids for secure styles—plus pro tips on prep: a texturizing spray for grip, a light paste for flyaways, and heat protectant before curling. Follow these step-by-step looks and salon shortcuts to get wearable, camera-ready results at home.

Short Curly Pixie with Bandana Accent

Short, textured pixie accented with a tied bandana that lifts the front waves. This look suits naturally wavy to curly hair and can be created on fine or straight hair with added texture. Start on damp, towel‑blotted hair: apply a lightweight leave‑in conditioner, a volumizing mousse (or curl‑enhancing cream for coils), and a heat protectant. Use a diffuser on low heat while scrunching with fingers to amplify natural texture; for pieces that need shaping, use a ¾–1 curling wand to define a few front waves. Dry with a small round brush only if you need added lift at the roots. Finish by working a pea‑size amount of matte pomade or styling wax through ends to separate and a light salt spray to add grit. Secure a cotton bandana folded into a thin headband and tie at the crown to achieve the retro accent. Difficulty: easy–medium — basic techniques but requires attention to shaping. Maintenance: trims every 4–6 weeks, refresh with water + mousse or dry shampoo between washes, sleep on silk, retie bandana daily to avoid creasing.

Boho Braided Crown with Loose Beach Waves and Fabric Headband

This relaxed bohemian look pairs soft, tousled beach waves with small accent braids across the crown, finished with a wrapped fabric headband for a romantic, lived-in vibe. Suitability: best on medium to thick hair and medium-to-long lengths; fine hair can work with volumizing products or lightweight clip-in extensions, and naturally curly hair can be gently stretched or diffused for a softer wave. Styling technique: prep hair with heat protectant, create 1–1.25 loose waves with a curling wand or flat iron, then take three small sections at the hairline and create loose three-strand or mini rope braids. Backcomb lightly at the crown for lift, place the fabric headband and tuck or pin the braids under or over it for a seamless finish. Tools needed: curling wand or flat iron, rat-tail comb, teasing brush, small elastics, bobby pins, heat protectant. Products required: sea-salt/texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for ends, dry shampoo for added grip. Difficulty: intermediate—requires basic braiding and wave technique. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with misted sea-salt spray, sleep on a silk pillow or loosely wrap with a scarf, re-pin any loose braids, and trim ends every 8–12 weeks to avoid frizz.

Boho Long Wavy Hair with Decorative Headband

A versatile bohemian look for long, naturally wavy or slightly curly hair. This style enhances natural texture by creating soft, uniform waves and securing a decorative headband at the hairline for a romantic, vintage feel. Start on clean, towel-dried hair: apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner and heat protectant. If hair is straight, use a 1–1.25 inch curling wand to wrap 1–2 inch sections away from the face, alternating directions for a lived-in wave. For natural waves, diffuse on low to medium heat to define pattern, then scrunch with a salt or texture spray. Tools needed: curling wand, diffuser (optional), wide-tooth comb, sectioning clips, and a soft decorative headband. Products required: leave-in conditioner, heat protectant, sea salt/texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, and a small amount of serum for ends. Difficulty: easy–medium — basic curling skills helpful. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillow or loosely braid to preserve shape, refresh waves with a spray-on texturizer and light mist of water, and avoid heavy oils at roots. Regular trims every 8–12 weeks will keep ends healthy and the style lively.

Braided Halo Fishtail Headband with Textured Low Updo

A romantic, salon-ready look combining a fishtail-style braid worn as a headband with a loosely pinned, textured low updo and soft face-framing tendrils. Suits medium to long hair and works well on fine, medium or thick textures — best on hair with natural wave or pre-textured with a curling iron; very short hair will need extensions. Technique: create light texture with a 1

Boho Headband Waves — Long Voluminous Textured Waves

Suitability: Ideal for medium to thick long hair and natural waves; fine hair can achieve volume with product; very curly hair should be smoothed slightly. Styling technique: Start with towel-dried hair, apply heat protectant and volumizing mousse at roots. Blow-dry with a round brush lifting at the crown, or allow to air-dry for texture. Create 1–1.25 barrel waves with a curling wand, alternating direction and leaving the ends out for a natural finish. Tease the crown lightly for height, position a patterned headband across the forehead and secure any excess with bobby pins, sweeping top sections back to form a soft half-up effect. Tools needed: 1–1.25 curling wand or iron, blow-dryer with round brush, sectioning clips, teasing comb, bobby pins, headband. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root-lift spray, sea salt or texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, small amount of serum for ends. Difficulty level: Intermediate — 25–40 minutes depending on length. Maintenance tips: Sleep in a loose braid or silk scarf, refresh with dry shampoo and texturizer, and retouch loose pieces with the wand. Trim ends every 8–12 weeks.

Textured Wavy Lob with Boho Headband

This salon-friendly textured wavy lob finished with a wide boho headband works beautifully on straight-to-wavy hair and adapts well to fine, medium and slightly thick textures when layered. Keep the cut at collarbone to shoulder length with subtle face-framing layers to encourage movement. Styling technique: work on towel-dried hair—apply heat protectant and a light volumizing mousse at the roots, then rough-dry with a diffuser or blow-dryer and round brush for lift. Create waves with a 1 curling wand or iron on mid-lengths to ends, alternating direction and leaving ends slightly straighter for a relaxed finish. Loosen curls with fingers and mist with texturizing spray. Place a wide fabric headband across the crown and gently backcomb the roots if extra lift is needed. Tools needed: blow-dryer (diffuser optional), 1 curling wand, sectioning clips, wide headband, fine-tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse/root lift, sea-salt/texturizing spray, light flexible hairspray, smoothing serum for ends, dry shampoo for refreshes. Difficulty: easy–medium, 20–30 minutes. Maintenance: refresh waves with dry shampoo or texturizer, touch up a few pieces with the wand, sleep on a silk pillowcase, and trim every 8–10 weeks to maintain shape.

Textured Messy Updo with Wavy Headband and Soft Side Fringe

Suitable for fine to medium hair with natural waves or soft curls, this textured messy updo with a decorative wavy headband flatters shoulder-length to shorter cuts. Begin by applying a heat protectant and a light texturizing spray to damp hair. Blow-dry with a round brush to boost volume, then use a one-inch curling wand to create loose waves, keeping ends relaxed. Lightly backcomb the crown for lift, then gather sections into a low, loose twisted bun or multiple pinned twists and secure with bobby pins, leaving face-framing tendrils soft. Slip the decorative headband over the crown and adjust strands for an effortless, slightly undone silhouette. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, one-inch curling wand, tail comb, bobby pins, small elastic. Products: heat protectant, salt or texturizing spray, lightweight hairspray, dry shampoo, smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: easy–moderate; ideal for stylists and confident beginners. Maintenance: refresh texture with dry shampoo, re-pin flattened areas, touch up waves with the wand, and sleep with a silk scarf to preserve the shape.

Boho Headband with Loose Beach Waves and Micro Braid

Soft beachy waves paired with a braided crown and fabric headband—ideal for long layers and shoulder-to-waist lengths. Best suited to naturally wavy or straight hair; fine hair benefits from root lift and texturizer, while thick hair may require thinner sections. Technique: work on dry hair sprayed with heat protectant; take 1–1½ sections and wrap around a 1 curling wand, alternating directions and leaving the ends out for a relaxed finish. Create a small rope braid or three-strand micro braid from the temple and tuck it behind the ear; place a wide fabric headband over the crown and slip the braid beneath the band, securing discreetly with a bobby pin. Tools: curling wand, wide-tooth comb, tail comb, paddle brush, bobby pins and a small elastic. Products: heat protectant, sea-salt or texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray and a smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: easy–moderate — approachable for home styling with a little practice. Maintenance: refresh texture with dry shampoo or misted salt spray, re-curl a few pieces as needed, and sleep with a silk scarf or loose braid to preserve waves.

Textured Wavy Lob with Braided Headband and Wispy Bangs

This relaxed, textured wavy lob with a thin braided headband and soft, wispy bangs suits straight to naturally wavy hair (fine to medium density). For very curly hair, smooth the bang area first; for very fine hair, add volume with mousse. Start on towel-damp hair: apply a heat protectant and a light mousse or sea-salt spray, then rough-dry with a diffuser or blow-dryer on low while scrunching to enhance texture. Create loose, undone waves with a 1 curling wand or a flat iron, alternating direction and leaving the ends slightly straighter for a lived-in look. Place a thin braided headband across the crown and secure discreetly with bobby pins; pull a few face-framing pieces out for softness. Tools: blow-dryer with diffuser, 1 curling wand or flat iron, clips, tail comb, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, sea-salt/texturizing spray, light mousse, flexible-hold hairspray, small amount of shine serum. Difficulty: easy–intermediate. Maintenance: refresh waves with water + texturizer, use dry shampoo at roots between washes, trim bangs every 4–6 weeks, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.

Braided Halo Updo with Textured Face‑Framing Pieces (Platinum Blonde)

This braided halo updo works best on medium to thick hair from shoulder length to long; fine hair benefits from light backcombing or clip‑in braid extensions for added volume. Start on dry, textured hair: apply heat protectant, then a light texturizing spray or sea salt mist. Create two small Dutch or three‑strand braids along the hairline or crown, incorporating a thin accent cord if desired, and pin them across the head to form a halo. Loosely gather remaining hair into a low twisted bun or pinned chignon, pulling out soft face‑framing pieces for a relaxed finish. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, curling iron (optional), and a teasing brush. Products: heat protectant, texturizing/sea salt spray, light styling cream for flyaways, and a flexible‑hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic braiding and pinning skills and about 25–40 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap with a scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo and re‑tuck loose pieces, and avoid heavy conditioners at the roots so the style holds longer. For color‑treated platinum hair, use purple shampoo weekly to maintain tone.

Textured Messy Updo with Fabric Headband

A relaxed, textured messy updo finished with a wide fabric headband — ideal for adding instant polish to everyday or event looks. Suitability: Works best on fine to medium hair for added lift; thicker hair also adapts well when softened by texturizing products. Shoulder-length to long hair is easiest to work with; short layers can be incorporated with extra pins. Styling technique: Rough-dry hair with a volumizing product, then apply sea-salt or texturizing spray. Add root lift with a round brush or blow-dry upside down. Create soft bends with a 1 curling wand or large-barrel iron, gently tease the crown for height, and loosely twist or tuck sections into a low, messy bun, securing with bobby pins. Place the fabric headband over the crown and loosen pieces with your fingers for a lived-in finish. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush, 1 curling wand, teasing comb, bobby pins, small elastic, fabric headband. Products required: heat protectant, texturizing spray, light volumizing mousse, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum and dry shampoo. Difficulty: Easy–medium, 15–25 minutes. Maintenance tips: Refresh with dry shampoo and a mist of texturizer, re-pin any fallen pieces, sleep with a loose silk scarf or remove the band to preserve shape, and avoid heavy oils that weigh texture down.

Bohemian Textured Half‑Up Waves with Lace Headband

This relaxed boho half‑up style suits wavy to medium‑curly hair best; fine hair will benefit from root lift and light teasing, while very straight hair will need heat‑texturing first. Start on damp, towel‑dried hair: apply a root‑lift mousse and an even mist of sea‑salt/texturizing spray, then diffuse or air‑dry while scrunching to enhance natural wave. Create soft crown volume by backcombing the top section with a teasing brush and smoothing the surface lightly. Position a narrow lace or fabric headband across the hairline, then take two loose front sections, twist or lightly braid them and tuck/pin them under the band at the nape to anchor the look. Tools: wide‑tooth comb, teasing brush, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, diffuser and a 1–1.25 curling wand for touchups. Products: root mousse, salt spray, light cream serum for ends, flexible hold hairspray and dry shampoo for second‑day texture. Difficulty: easy–medium — salon teachers this to clients for quick wearable texture. Maintenance: sleep on silk or wrap hair, refresh with salt spray and scrunch, and re‑pin loose pieces as needed to keep the gentle, undone shape.

Boho Textured Waves with Curtain Bangs and Headband — Long Layered Style

This boho-inspired look suits straight to naturally wavy hair and works especially well on fine-to-medium and medium-thick textures. The style uses long layers to create movement, soft curtain bangs to frame the face, and a decorative headband for a finished, festival-ready vibe. Styling technique: prep hair with a lightweight mousse at the roots, blow-dry with a round brush to add volume, then create loose, alternating-direction waves with a 1–1.25 curling wand or a flat iron. Finger-comb waves and mist with texturizing spray, then position a woven or fabric headband just behind the bangs. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush, 1–1.25 curling wand or flat iron, sectioning clips, paddle brush and wide-tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, lightweight volumizing mousse or root lift, sea-salt/texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray and a small amount of smoothing oil for ends. Difficulty level: easy–medium; allow 20–35 minutes depending on length. Maintenance tips: refresh waves with a dampening spray and scrunch, trim bangs every 6–8 weeks, use color-safe products for red tones, and deep-condition weekly to prevent dryness.

Boho Braided Headband with Loose Beachy Waves — Long Curly/Wavy Hair

Perfect for long wavy or curly hair, this boho braided headband frames the face while keeping texture loose and natural. Start on second-day hair or apply a light texturizer to damp hair. Section a 1–2 inch strand from one temple (or use a matching clip-in braid for extra volume) and create a three- or four-strand braid across the hairline. Secure the ends under the hair with bobby pins and gently pancake the braid for added width. Leave the remaining hair in its natural waves or enhance with a 1-inch curling wand on random sections for uniformity. Tools: wide-tooth comb, fine tail comb, diffuser, 1-inch curling wand (optional), bobby pins and sectioning clips. Products: salt or texture spray, lightweight curl cream or leave-in conditioner, a small amount of smoothing oil, and flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: easy–intermediate — basic braiding skills required for neat results. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or in a loose braid to preserve waves, refresh next-day texture with a water + curl cream mist, re-pancake/re-pin the braid each morning, and deep-condition weekly to prevent frizz.

Scarf-Integrated Double Dutch Braids — Boho Headband Braid for Medium-Long Hair

This scarf-integrated double Dutch braid is ideal for medium to long hair and suits fine to medium density. Textured, slightly layered hair works best — the scarf adds volume and grip for finer strands while thicker hair may require narrower scarf panels. Start with detangled, towel-dried or second-day hair; apply a light texturizing spray or sea-salt mist for hold. Create a clean center part and position a long narrow scarf across the hairline, anchoring it at the nape. Work on each side: pick three sections (one can be the scarf), Dutch-braid close to the scalp and incorporate hair as you move toward the nape. Secure with a small elastic and wrap the remaining scarf around the braid or tie under the nape. Tools: fine-tooth tail comb, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and a detangling brush. Products: texturizing spray, lightweight smoothing serum for flyaways, and medium-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 20–35 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo and re-tighten elastics after 1–2 days, and launder the scarf regularly to avoid oil transfer.

Boho Headband Beach Waves for Long, Wavy or Thick Hair

This relaxed boho style pairs a soft headband with loose, piecey beach waves—ideal for naturally wavy or thick long hair. It also works on straight or fine hair with added texture (mousse or clip-in extensions). Start on towel-dried hair: apply a heat protectant, then a volumizing mousse or sea-salt spray from mid-lengths to ends. Rough-dry with a diffuser or blow-dryer while scrunching to enhance natural wave. Use a 25–32 mm curling wand to create alternating S-shaped bends through random sections, leaving the very ends slightly straighter for a lived-in finish. Pull fingers through waves to separate and finish with a lightweight texturizing spray and a light-hold hairspray for control. Tools: blow-dryer with diffuser, curling wand, round brush, sectioning clips, tail comb, bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, mousse or salt spray, texturizer, light-hold spray, shine serum. Difficulty: easy–intermediate (15–30 minutes). Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and a spritz of sea-salt spray, sleep loosely braided or in a silk scarf to preserve shape, and trim every 8–12 weeks to avoid split ends.

Boho Fishtail Headband Braid for Wavy & Textured Hair

This bohemian headband braid works best on wavy, textured, or lightly layered hair but can be adapted for straight hair with added texturizer. Create a narrow fishtail (or tight three‑strand) braid from a small front section, sweep it across the hairline and pin it behind the ear to form a natural crown. Technique: part hair slightly off center, take a 1–2 in (2–5 cm) section above one ear, fishtail-braid tightly to the end, secure with a tiny elastic, flatten gently with fingers and tack discreetly with bobby pins under the hair. Salon tools: fine-tooth comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, matched bobby pins, and a light paddle brush. Recommended products: sea-salt or texturizing spray for grip, light styling cream or anti-frizz serum on ends, and a flexible-hold hairspray to set. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic braiding skill and practice to keep tension even (10–20 minutes). Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo or sea-salt spray, re-secure pins after sleep, and avoid heavy oils on the crown to preserve grip.

Textured Short Hair with Woven Crown Braid Headband

Suited for short to short‑medium lengths (chin to collarbone) with fine to medium density and natural texture; can be adapted for thicker hair by taking smaller sections. Start on clean, towel‑dried hair: apply a lightweight volumizing mousse at the roots and a sea‑salt texturizing spray through the lengths. Blow‑dry with a round brush to lift the roots or diffuse for natural wave. Create a narrow Dutch or three‑strand braid along the hairline, feeding hair across the top to form a woven headband; for very short hair substitute a pre‑braided accessory or halo extension. Secure ends discreetly with small elastics and anchor with U‑pins or bobby pins behind the ear. Use a 1

Textured Low Bun with Braided Fabric Headband

This polished-yet-relaxed look pairs a braided fabric headband with a textured low bun — ideal for medium to long hair and adaptable for fine, wavy, or thick textures. Begin on second-day or dry hair: apply a heat protectant and a volumizing mousse or texturizing spray from roots to ends. Create loose waves with a 1–1.25 inch curling iron or use a diffuser on naturally curly hair to add body. Lightly backcomb the crown for lift, position the braided headband just behind the hairline, then gather hair into a low, slightly off-center bun, securing with an elastic and bobby pins; pull out a few face-framing pieces and loosen the bun for softness. Tools needed: comb/rat-tail, sectioning clips, curling iron or diffuser, elastic bands, bobby pins. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or texturizing spray, dry shampoo or texturizing powder, flexible-hold hairspray, light serum for flyaways. Difficulty: easy–medium — good for at-home styling or quick salon finishes. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo or spray, re-pin loosened sections, avoid sleeping with the headband on to preserve shape.

Loose Boho Waves with Printed Headband — Long Hair, Natural Texture

Suitability: Ideal for medium to long hair with natural wave or straight textures; fine hair can benefit from texturizing products, while thick hair may need sectioning and more heat. Styling technique: Start on clean, towel-dried hair. Apply a heat protectant and a light volumizing mousse at roots. Rough-dry hair until slightly damp, then create loose, uneven waves by wrapping 1–2 inch sections around a 1-inch curling wand or by twisting sections with a flat iron. Alternate curl directions for an undone look. Finger-comb the waves and place a wide fabric headband across the forehead, tucking front pieces behind the band and slightly backcombing the crown for lift. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush (optional), 1-inch curling wand or flat iron, sectioning clips, wide fabric headband, wide-tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, sea-salt or texturizing spray, lightweight smoothing oil or cream for ends, flexible-hold hairspray, dry shampoo for refresh. Difficulty level: Easy–Moderate — approachable for home styling with basic heat tool experience. Maintenance tips: Sleep with a loose braid or silk scarf, refresh with dry shampoo and a few wand-touchups, avoid heavy oils at roots to preserve volume.

Boho Braided Crown with Loose Beach Waves

Suitable for long to mid-back lengths and medium to thick hair, this boho braided crown with loose beach waves also works on fine hair when pre-textured. Begin on dry, towel-dried, or roughly blown-out hair: apply a heat protectant, then a sea-salt or texturizing spray and diffuse for body. Create a loose three-strand braid from each temple or a single thin braid across the front; secure ends with small elastics. Wrap the braid(s) along the hairline to form a crown and anchor with bobby pins, tucking ends underneath. For the waves, use a 1

Textured Messy High Bun with Turban Headband and Face‑Framing Tendrils

Suitability: This relaxed, textured high bun works best on medium to long hair and suits straight, wavy, or loosely curly textures; fine hair can achieve the look with volumizing products or padding. Technique: Rough-dry hair, apply dry shampoo and texturizing spray at the roots. Gather hair into a high pony and secure with an elastic; twist or loosely wrap the pony into a messy top knot, securing sections with bobby pins while pulling pieces out for volume and softness. Position a wide turban-style headband over the hairline and tuck excess fabric under the bun. Leave a few face-framing pieces and softly curl their ends with a 1 curling iron for polish. Tools needed: blow-dryer, tail comb, elastic, bobby pins, 1 curling iron, teasing brush (optional). Products required: dry shampoo, sea-salt or texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum or shine mist. Difficulty level: Easy–moderate — quick to create once you master the messy tuck and pinning. Maintenance tips: Refresh with dry shampoo and a bit of texturizer between washes, re-pin loose sections as needed, sleep with a silk scarf to preserve shape, and use minimal serum to tame flyaways.

Textured Blonde Updo with Twisted Silk Scarf Headband

This soft, romantic updo pairs loose, face‑framing tendrils with a twisted silk scarf headband for an elevated everyday or event look. Suitable for fine to medium hair with natural wave; thick hair also adapts well with additional layering or light thinning. Technique: work on dry hair, apply heat protectant and a volumizing mousse, then create 1–1.25 barrel curls away from the face. Lightly backcomb the crown for lift, gather hair into a low textured bun or loose chignon and pin sections with bobby pins, leaving a few pieces out to soften the shape. Twist a narrow silk scarf and place it over the crown, tucking the ends into the bun or securing them with pins. Tools needed: 1–1.25 curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, bobby pins, small elastics and a paddle brush. Products required: heat protectant, texturizing spray or dry shampoo, light‑hold hairspray and a smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty level: intermediate — requires curling and strategic pinning. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose satin wrap, refresh with dry shampoo and a quick mist of spray, and fingertip‑reshape curls between wears.

Textured High Curly Bun with Fabric Headband

This relaxed, textured high bun with a fabric headband is ideal for naturally curly or wavy hair and works well on medium to thick textures; fine hair can achieve the look with added texture spray or light volumizing backcombing. Start on dry or almost-dry hair: apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner and curl cream to enhance definition, then use a sea-salt or texture spray at the roots for grip. Gather hair into a high pony, tease slightly at the base for lift, and loosely twist into a messy bun, securing with an elastic and a few bobby pins. Place a wide fabric headband over the hairline to control flyaways and frame the face; pull out a few face-framing tendrils for softness. Tools: wide-tooth comb, rat-tail comb, elastic, bobby pins, diffuser (optional). Products: leave-in, curl cream or mousse, texture spray, light flexible hairspray, dry shampoo for refresh. Difficulty: easy–intermediate — minimal technique but needs tweaking for balance. Maintenance: sleep on a silk scarf, refresh with water + curl cream or dry shampoo, re-pin loose pieces and deep-condition hair weekly to maintain curl health.

As a stylist I recommend experimenting with these 24 zig zag headband looks to find what complements your face shape and hair texture best. For long-lasting results, prep with a lightweight texturizer or mousse to give the headband something to grip, and always use a heat protectant if you’re curling or straightening first. Choose soft-lined or fabric headbands for fine hair to prevent breakage, and switch placement regularly so you’re not putting constant tension on the same hairline. Keep a dry shampoo on hand to refresh styles between washes, and schedule regular trims to avoid split ends that make styling harder. If you’re creating an updo for a special event, practice once before the day and secure loose pieces with discreet pins. These little professional habits will help your zig zag headband hairstyles look effortless, last longer, and keep your hair healthy.