Washing Your Face Without a Spa Headband? Rookie Move, Bb
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It all began back in fall 2022, when beauty brand Versed sent out PR packages that included—among other fun goodies—a puffy lil terrycloth headband. Soon enough, tons of influencers were rocking these beauts while filming their makeup and skincare routines, and the spa headband trend was born. Ofc, spa headbands aren't just for aesthetics...and they aren't limited to the bubbled silhouette, either. From bandeau-style options to adjustable ones with velcro closures to the almost-always-sold-out Versed Good Hair Day Headband, I've found all the best beauty headbands for stepping up your morning regimen.
What's the point of a spa headband, you ask? Other than looking cute as heck, a spa headband is great for keeping your hairline dry and protected as you wash your face, apply your makeup, or do a face mask. I mean, no one has time for pesky wet hair strands sticking to their face, agreed?? And if that headband just happens to be IG-worthy, that's just an added bonus. The best makeup and face-washing headbands tend to be ultra-stretchy and made with absorbent material, like microfiber or terrycloth, but I've got lots of cute options for you to peruse.
Ahead, all the best skincare headbands for keeping your hair dry, undented, and out of the way as you beautify.
Spa Headband
Oprah has been raving about Grace & Company's shower caps for a while now...but IMO, these headbands deserve some love, too. Made with moisture-wicking micro-cotton (which gets softer and fluffier with each wash), this option narrows at the base of your neck to ensure a comfy fit—plus, it's got a velcro closure, so no need to worry about a too-tight band.
Material: Micro-cotton
Colors: Black or pink
Adjustable? Yes
Machine washable? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: "This headband is it. Keeps my hair out the way and protected while I wash my face. The velcro is round, not a strip like others, and I like that. I think it's a better design, and even if you have a smaller head, the fabric itself will stick to the velcro to keep it secure."
Spa Headband
Made with VOLO's propriety Nanoweave fabric (which is the same material used for the internet-famous Hero Hair Towel, fyi), this super-plush, cloud-like headband is srsly next-level. The reason: It's incredibly soft and absorbent AF and—best of all—has a stretchy back panel, allowing it to fit on a range of head sizes.
Material: Microfiber
Colors: Luna gray, cloud pink, or salt white
Adjustable? No (but has elasticized panel)
Machine washable? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: "I struggle finding headbands that fit my head and are comfortable. I have a big head, and these fit great. They stretch enough where they aren’t super tight, causing me a headache. They stay put, and the fabric is so soft and fluffy just like their hair towels! These are absolutely perfect for washing your face or doing face masks!"
Make-Up Headband
Okay, but how precious is this fuzzy bow headband?? Available in tons of girly patterns, this wildly soft polyester bb has an elasticated band that gives it tons of stretch—like, way more stretch than you'd think by looking at it—as well as a big ol' bow on top. And it def doesn't hurt that it's cute as hell.
Material: Polyester
Colors: 9 options
Adjustable? No
Machine washable? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: "I've been shopping around for a makeup/mask headband for a while. After reading reviews on this one, I felt confident in purchasing it! It's super soft and adorable as well! It holds all my hair back well and doesn't leave me with a headache after just a few minutes! I'd recommend this for anyone worried about the sizing being too small. It's perfect for all sizes!"
Everyday Clean Routine Skincare Essentials Set
So chances are you've seen the mega-viral Good Hair Day Headband from Versed...which legit sells out instantly every time it's restocked. But I've got some good news for ya: You can get it now as part of the Everyday Clean Routine set, which includes cleansing balm, moisturizer, and the internet's fave terrycloth bubble headband.
Material: Terrycloth
Color: Black
Adjustable? No
Machine washable? No
Glowing Customer Review: "It's the best headband to wash your face with or put your hair back with while doing makeup. It's so cushiony and cute."
Spa Headband
Can't get your hands on the Versed bubble headband? Get this (honestly very convincing) alternative instead. Complete with spongey filling and a velvety-soft finish, this under-$10 option holds your hair back without leaving any annoying dents (IYKYK), and the impressive elasticity means it can fit a range of head sizes.
Material: Terrycloth
Colors: Green, blue, pink, hot pink, purple, white, or black
Adjustable? No
Machine washable? No
Glowing Customer Review: "It’s exactly what I needed for my daily facial routines! Sits nice & snug on head. Feels like I have nothing on. Keep my hair all push backed & there is no interference when I am working on my face, whether I am applying makeup or giving it a nice cleaning."
Black Cat Headband
Obsessed doesn't begin to describe how I feel about this cute lil accessory. Made with smooth, stretchy microfiber, this influencer fave from K-beauty brand I Dew Care will keep your hair out of your face...and look so, so cute while doing so. You can also choose between several different designs (though the black cat is my top pick).
Material: Microfiber
Colors: Black cat, white cat, pink caticorn, giraffe, panda, tiger, brown bear, or pink tiara
Adjustable? No (but has elasticized panel)
Machine washable? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: "The headband is nice and soft! It doesn't feel too tight on my head after doing my usual face wash routine. The quality is great and doesn't feel cheap or fragile at all. Best of all: it looks super cute!"
Extra Wide Spa Headband
Kitsch really thought of everything when making this bad boy. Made with recycled polyester material, this multitasking headband provides full hairline coverage as you wash and beautify your face—and because it's extra-wide and stretchy, you can fully tuck your hair inside and use it as a shower cap. Genius!
Material: Recycled polyester
Colors: Dusty rose or misty blue
Adjustable? No
Machine washable? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: "I have butt-length locs, so products usually only push my hair back. The width of this band allows my hair to rest at the nape of my neck, eliminating the possibility of my hair falling in the sink. Additionally, the stitching on this headband actually allows me to tuck all of my hair inside of the band without any of it coming out."
Cloud Headband
It's giving ~luxury.~ This puffy headband (which Haley Bieber has been spotted wearing in her IG Stories) feels just as cloud-like as it looks, thanks to the ultra-soft microfiber material. And according to reviewers, it's not all about aesthetics, either—the elasticized middle actually works to (gently!) hold hair back from your face without that telltale headband bump.
Material: Microfiber
Colors: Peace, sugar blossom, cream puff, cappuccino, or daydream
Adjustable? No
Machine washable? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: "This little headband is comfy and has good snap-back in the elastic but isn't so tight that it creases. It keeps water out of my hair when I'm washing my face and makes my mask time feel very luxurious."
Spa Headband
Alicia Keys' beauty brand offers TONS of A+ skincare and makeup products...but this bandeau-style comfort-stretch headband is just as worthy of your attention. It's made with a blend of polyamide and spandex (which gives it a satiny feel), and testers say it'll stay put on your hairline without any slipping, hair tugging, or head squeezing.
Material: Polyamide and spandex
Color: Black
Adjustable? No
Machine washable? No
Glowing Customer Review: "I have slippery hair that's constantly slipping out of headbands. I have to wear a shower cap to wash my face, and even that I have to fidget with because it's always shifting around on me. This headband is very snug, keeps its stretch, and is wide enough to hold all my hair back—and most importantly, it stays put!"
Spa Headband
This pastel-colored option from Ceremonia is like a waffle towel you can wear as a headband, and I am HERE for it. Thanks to the waffle cotton material, it's ideal for protecting your hairline from water, oil, and any other liquids you throw its way—and thanks to the wide velcro fastening, you can adjust it to your head as needed.
Material: Waffle cotton
Color: Blue, guava pink, or cream
Adjustable? Yes
Machine washable? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: "I've been looking for something like this for years, but they are always either too thin and don't cover your hair, or not absorbent so they end up getting soaked with product and water. Loving this one, and it's so cute and comfy I'll leave it on and wear it around the house, too!"
Cloud 9 Headband
No, she's not cheap—but Sidia's popular Cloud 9 Headband is a splurge well worth making, trust. This one's made with bamboo velour for a pillow-soft feel, and though it's not adjustable, the bandeau-style design gives it plenty of stretch so you can keep hair in place (and off your face). 10/10 would wear this all damn day.
Material: Bamboo rayon, cotton, and polyester
Color: Charcoal, ivory, or nimbus grey
Adjustable? No
Machine washable? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: "I never write reviews, but since buying this headband, I actually can't wash my face or do my skincare routine without it. It's life-changing. I got the nimbus grey. The material is SO soft and doesn't leave a dent or pull on my hair. I absolutely love it!"
Why trust 'Cosmo'?
Corinne Sullivan is an editor at Cosmopolitan and has five years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news, including the best-smelling shampoos and the best blonde hair dyes. Her spa headband picks were based off of reviews and product testing.
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