Headband
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A headband is an accessory that is designed to fit over the head and hold hair away from the face. It generally consists of a loop of elastic material or a horseshoe-shaped piece of flexible plastic or metal. They come in assorted shapes and sizes and are used for both practical and fashion purposes.
Headbands are sometimes called "Alice bands" after the headbands that Alice is often depicted wearing one in Through the Looking Glass. (Alice did not wear a headband or Alice band in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.)
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[edit] Fashion
Headbands can often project certain associations. During the 1980s, headbands could be associated with rock and roll music, particularly with Bruce Springsteen.
Headbands used to be an almost universally female item of clothing, but recently has gained popularity amongst men in some countries, owing to a fashion for long hair. The use of Alice bands by men was possibly first made popular by David Beckham and Ronnie O'Sullivan[citation needed].
[edit] Practical uses
[edit] Sweat absorbing
Headbands may be worn while engaging in physical activity to absorb sweat and keep it from reaching the eyes. Ones used for this purpose are often made of a continuous loop of terrycloth, as it is a particularly absorbent fabric. Folded bandanas, usually knotted behind the head, also serve this purpose.
[edit] Cold protection
There are also specialized headbands designed to be worn covering the ears, in order to protect them from cold temperatures and snow. These tend to be broader and of heavier fabric.
[edit] Head protection
The car headband is a protective headband concept for car occupants being investigated by the Centre for Automotive Safety Research (CASR), University of Adelaide, Australia.
