When I found this photo of this Indian, with his fabric headband… I couldn’t help but consider the history of headbands.  Headband history goes back along way. Headbands have been around since the Romans… and obviously before.  Then, a headband was functional as well as decorative… and often times served both purposes.

Anciently, the Greeks and Roman wore headbands, mainly in the form of wreaths.  It was a mark of distinction among the rich and famous.  They wore headband for special occasions, which were made from Laural leaves or fashioned in gold.  Jewels and beads often adorned the more expensive head band.  Their headbands were more decorative than utilitarian.

Early on, the Japanese used wide strips of fabric.  They tied a wide fabric strip around their forehead before they dealt with a difficult task.  Guess it kept the sweat out of their eyes. Obviously, their use of fabric headbands was more functional rather than decorative.

In the Roaring ’20′s the flappers donned a headband, usually made from fabric or beads.  Gals just liked them because they were pretty, not necessarily because they were useful, even though they wore them across their foreheads.

Plastic headbands were introduce in the ’50′s just after the plastic industry blossomed.  My girls and I have never been particularly fond of plastic headbands.  We have always found them to be too tight and they produce head aches because they pinch the tender spot behind the ears. Ouch!  They still remain in the stores… but don’t ask me why.

The hippies of the ’60′s donned headbands that generally went across the forehead and was usually tied in the back or side.  (However… I don’t believe true hippies did much work.)  Fabric headbands were the most popular because they could take advantage of tie-dyed fabrics.  Of their own making, I’m sure.  Audrey Hepburn, of the ’60′s sported a headband, but she wasn’t a hippie.  “Happy” but not “Hippie”.

In the ’70′s and ’80′s, headbands became more functional, as the folks became more interested in exercising.  Like the Japanese, fabric headbands would absorb the moisture during a hard workout.

In recent years headbands have blossomed.  They are not only extremely functional… but are used as fashion statement.  Fabric headbands can be made of plain, or printed fabric.  Fabrics can be adorned with sequins, glitter and such for dress up occasions.  Cute headbands are trimmed in ribbon, feathers, sequins, glitter and the list goes on and on.

So… what do you think.  Is our Indian wearing his headband because it’s practical in keeping the hair out out his eyes when he’s chasing buffalo or…. does he wear it to make a fashion statement to attract that cute gal in the next tee pee?  Hmmmm.  Probably a little of both… wouldn’t you say?

Tie A Smile On Your Day

Suze

P.S. I think “Tie-Bands” fabric headbands are more of a fashion statement.  However our cute headbands can be used to keep the hair from falling into your face while you’re cleaning the kitchen, bathrooms and such.  See… decorative and functional… at the same time  We are part of the history of headbands too.  What more can I say?