Bandanas and headscarves are making a comeback, with search data suggesting the trend is moving beyond the fashion crowd and into the mainstream.
New global Google search analysis by Fresha reveals that interest is growing rapidly. Searches for “bandana” now reach 2 million a month, up 27% year on year, while “kerchief” attracts 2.6 million monthly searches, an increase of 21%.
Interest in the wider “hair accessories” category has risen by an impressive 111%, suggesting consumers are looking for new ways to style their hair rather than simply following one viral accessory.
The trend follows the sleek hair direction seen at Paris Haute Couture Week, with Fresha previously recording 139,000 monthly searches for “slick back hair”.
According to Danielle Louise, Hair and Beauty Expert at Fresha, it is the combination of sleek hair and the scarf that makes the look particularly relevant.
“The biggest hair trend to come out of Copenhagen is not really the scarf on its own. It is the sleek hair underneath it,” she says.
“Paris gave us very polished, slicked-back hair. Copenhagen has taken that same base and made it feel more relaxed and wearable by adding a bandana or patterned headscarf.”
For retailers, the appeal lies in the accessory’s versatility and accessibility. A scarf can be styled in different ways and works across hair lengths and textures, while allowing consumers to refresh an existing look without a major beauty investment.
Danielle recommends keeping the hair smooth around the face and tying the scarf neatly at the nape of the neck for a polished finish. For longer hair, a low bun, braid or ponytail can complement the look, while shorter and textured styles can be left more natural.
With autumn fashion and beauty trends now taking shape, the humble bandana could be set for a revival — offering retailers another opportunity to tap into the growing crossover between fashion, beauty and lifestyle accessories.
