When heat waves are coming and the hair is already sticking to the back of your neck, a simple square of fabric becomes precious. On Instagram as on TikTok, Kendall Jenner, Zendaya and Elle Fanning appear with knotted heads. What if this accessory discreetly marked summer?
Behind the scenes, the need is very concrete: keep locks out of the face, protect the scalp from the sun and save one day from bad hair. The bandana ticks all these boxes and the hashtag #bandana already exceeds 413,000 publications on TikTok.
Why the hair bandana trend is exploding for summer 2026
Symbol of the Paisley pattern, seen in hip-hop videos of the 2000s and on Renaud’s shoulders, the bandana had never really disappeared. It slept in drawers, came out for festivals, before coming back everywhere with the big return of the Y2K aesthetic.
In recent years, Gucci has even slipped it into formal silhouettes, confirming its status as a chic accessory. And then there remains this beloved side: placed all over the head or folded into a headband, it tames frizz and gives a slightly frothy volume, hides an oily root and immediately gives a perfectly natural, very clean girl look.
Kendall Jenner, Zendaya, Elle Fanning: three bandana inspirations
During a trip to Tokyo, Kendall Jenner posted a photo in a collarbone-length bob, black and white scarf tied kerchief-style at the back of her head. In one image, she proves that the bandana also works in the city, with raw jeans and a minimalist tank top.
Zendaya, the actress, opted for a small navy blue polka dot scarf during a visit to a Californian bookstore, leaving a single strand trailing in the front. Elle Fanning prefers beach style: red Paisley bandana, hair pulled up with a clip, mermaid spirit and hairstyle saved after swimming.
Adopt the hair bandana in real life this summer
On TikTok, two gestures dominate: folded into a headband style by beauty enthusiasts, or worn the old-fashioned way all over the head, with a knot at the back, like Hailey Bieber or Gigi Hadid. For short, bixie hair, Zendaya’s look proves that a few centimeters are enough to follow this summer 2026 bandana trend.
In town, Katie Holmes has already set the tone for spring with a sky blue bandana tied in her hair, bohemian skirt and ballerina flats. For summer, choose a cotton model, which holds better on wet hair, and keep the silk versions for evenings or colored lengths to protect.
How to tie a bandana like Kendall Jenner?
Fold it into a triangle, place it on your head and tie it behind, leaving your hair down.
Is the bandana suitable for short hair?
Yes, choose a medium scarf, center it on the head, tie at the back and leave a strand to frame the face.
Which bandana to choose for the beach?
A cotton model, large enough to cover wet hair, protect the scalp from the sun and dry quickly.
