The mystery you can get around your head, instead of trying to get your head around it!

Headbands have been around for thousands of years. In Ancient Greece they were often made from laurel or olive leaves and formed into wreaths, much like those seen in films about Ancient Greece and Rome. These early headbands were awarded to athletes, poets and other notable people.

The Romans adopted similar styles, sometimes adding gold, jewels and other decorative elements. In Ancient Egypt, pharaohs and officials wore cloth headpieces decorated with symbols such as cobras and lotus flowers.

During the Middle Ages, women commonly wore simple bands of cloth, leather or metal to support veils and keep hair in place. By the Renaissance period, wealthier ladies decorated their headwear with jewels, beads and other adornments.

Fast forward to the 1920s and the flapper era made decorative headwear fashionable once again. Beads, feathers, sequins and jewels became popular accessories.

More recently, athletes and sports stars popularised practical sweat-absorbing headbands for activities such as tennis, running and aerobics.

This barely scratches the surface. Headbands have appeared throughout history in countless cultures and traditions around the world.

So what's the difference between a headband and a hairband?

Headband

A headband is usually a complete circle that goes all the way around the head.

Many are stretchy so they fit a range of head sizes, while others fasten at the back using buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners or other adjustable methods.

Headbands can be made from almost any material, including:

• Knitted yarn
• Crochet
• Fleece
• Cotton fabric
• Velvet
• Leather
• Metal

Headbands are often worn for warmth, comfort, sport or simply as a fashion accessory.

Hairband

A hairband is normally worn across the front of the head and remains open at the back.

Most are slightly flexible and made using a plastic or metal frame covered with fabric, satin, velvet or other materials.

Their main purpose is to keep hair away from the face while adding a decorative touch.

Hairbands are often described as "one size fits most", although anyone with thick hair will know that's not always true!

Alice Band

An Alice band is simply a type of hairband.

The name comes from Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Although the original illustrations by Sir John Tenniel show Alice wearing a ribbon rather than a modern hairband, the name became associated with the style and has remained in use ever since.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose a Headband if:

• You want to keep ears warm.
• You need something comfortable for sport.
• You like knitted, crocheted or fabric styles.
• You want a full-circle accessory.

Choose a Hairband or Alice Band if:

• You want to keep hair off your face.
• You prefer a neat, structured look.
• You need something quick and easy for everyday wear.
• You enjoy decorative styles with bows, pearls, gingham or other embellishments.

Handmade Headbands or commercially made Hairbands at That's-Charming

At That's-Charming you'll find a mixture of knitted headbands, fleece headbands, adjustable styles and traditional Alice bands in a variety of colours and designs. We also sell commercially made headbands and hair bands in a wide range of colours and styles, just take your pick.

Whether you're looking for a practical winter ear warmer or a stylish accessory to complete an outfit, there's a headband to suit every head.