These ’90s Headbands Are a Supermodel Hair Secret You Can Buy for Under $15 on Amazon 

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There’s a ’90s supermodel hair secret that’s top of mind for 2024: Black headbands, ranging from traditional styles to stretchy, elastic headbands that add definition and girlish edge to any hair texture and length. And unlike other runway-inspired hair accessories — be it a designer bow or diamond-studded barrette — these wide headbands cost you less than $15 and are widely available on Amazon.

While the ’90s saw these elastic headbands in full force, the accessory formally entered the style zeitgeist in the 1960s on the bouffants of starlets like Brigette Bardot. After a few runway appearances in the ’80s, namely Chanel’s fall 1980 show and Thierry Mugler’s spring 1983 collection, these accessories became ubiquitous by the ’90s. Linda Evangelista modeled a hairline-hugging headband at Versace’s fall 1990 show, Kate Moss wore an elastic headband Calvin Klein’s spring 1995 runway, and on Versace’s fall 1997 runway, Naomi Campbell walked with a thick leather headband placed just above her forehead.

Off the runways, the humble headband quickly became a model-off-duty must-have, with Evangelista often seen wearing one while out and about in New York City throughout the ’90s. In a 2022 interview with British Vogue, Evangelista called headbands her “go-to look” during the decade, explaining that she’d often cut stockings and tights to create the elastic — genius.

In short order, the headband made its way onto the crowns of celebrities like Nicole Kidman and Drew Barrymore. The way supermodels and celebrities wore their headbands in the 1990s rarely strayed off course. The standard formula? Hair down, a touch of volume near the roots, and a headband nestled close to the hairline — not far off from how we’re seeing tastemakers wear the accessory in its 2024 renaissance.

With all things ’90s permeating today’s tastes, black headbands are on par with hair bows as the accessory of choice for celebrities like Kaia Gerber, Sydney Sweeney, Bella Hadid, Nicola Peltz Beckham, Alexa Demie, Hari Nef, Zendaya — the list goes on. Most recently, Gerber shared a look via Instagram sporting a headband with a Bardot-inspired bouffant and mini dress. For an event in October 2023, hairstylist Glen Coco Oropeza styled Sweeney’s hair with a thick headband placed at the hairline with soft waves pulled forward for a girlish, flirty effect. Hadid highlighted the accessory’s versatility with casual looks in December 2023, wearing a jersey headband with workout clothing.

Few celebrity- and supermodel-inspired hair accessories are as attainable — and flattering — as a wide headband. Situating one close to your hairline with hair pulled back behind the shoulders creates the effect of a slicked-back hair look (sans pomade and wax), drawing attention to the face. This look is also a way to give your hair an extra day between washes, particularly if your face-framing pieces are the first to get greasy — put a headband on, and no one will know you’re due for a spritz of dry shampoo.

Another win? ’90s-inspired headbands are abundant on Amazon, where stretchy fabric and traditional black headbands retail for under $15. Below, top-rated Amazon headbands for women to try the ’90s hair look at home.

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Meet the Author

Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion and lifestyle stories. She has over six years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She keeps her finger on the pulse of all things related to beauty and wellness, as well as the latest shopping trends and clothing brands. Sullivan has reported on hair trends, like the resurgence of ’90s headbands, since 2018.