Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, and Kate Moss wear hairline-hugging headbands on runways in the 1990s. Art Streiber/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images; Photo by Giovanni Giannoni/Fairchild Archive/Penske Media; Fairchild Archive/Penske Media

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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.

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Brigette Bardot in Paris, France, in January 1962; Kate Moss backstage in an elastic headband during the Calvin Klein fall 1995 ready to wear collection. Photo by REPORTERS ASSOCIES/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images; Fairchild Archive/Penske Media

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.

Linda Evangelista cut stockings to wear as a headband for this April, 1990, look. Ron Galella Collection via Getty

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.

Kim Basinger, Nicole Kidman, and Drew Barrymore wear elastic headbands in 1990, 1996, and 1992, respectively. SGranitz/WireImage; Patrick Riviere/Getty Images; ; Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

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.

Sydney Sweeney wears a 90s-inspired headband on October 3, 2023 in Paris, France; Bella Hadid teams her elastic headband with low-rise leggings on December 18, 2023. Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images for Miu Miu; Ignat/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

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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Styla Elastic Headbands

Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

Buy Now at amazon $13.99

This bestselling Amazon beauty product supplies you with 10 non-slip wide elastic headbands. Over 7,000 five-star reviewers give the headbands high marks for their comfortable fit that doesn’t slip during wear.

Price upon publish date of this article: $13.99

Motique Satin Headband

Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

$6.99

Buy Now at Amazon

If a traditional headband is more your speed, go with Motique’s Satin Headband. It lays flat on the hair for the ’90s headband effect.

Price upon publish date of this article: $6.99

Terse Stretchy Headbands

Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars

$13.99

Buy Now at amazon

These medium-width fabric headbands fit snugly on the head for a polished, budge-proof hair look. The six-piece pack is available in 11 colorways.

Price upon publish date of this article: $6.99

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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.

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

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