Long relegated to the bottom of toiletry bags, the zigzag headband marks an unexpected return to the forefront of the fashion scene. This iconic accessory from the 1990s and 2000s, recognizable by its wavy shape that holds the locks back, recently resurfaced during Paris Fashion Week.
A notable return to the Parisian catwalks
It was during Miu Miu’s fall-winter 2026-2027 fashion show on March 10 that this lace-up headband made its mark. Worn by models and orchestrated by hairstylist Guido Palau, it is part of a minimalist and retro aesthetic, echoing the return of Y2K trends. Its graphic line structures the hairstyle by freeing the face, transforming a simple central parting into a visual signature.
On the catwalk, the accessory accompanies preppy and refined silhouettes, both feminine and masculine. Straightened or slightly wavy hair, the zigzag headband imposes a clean, almost disciplined look. Actress Gillian Anderson provided a remarkable illustration of this by closing the show with this piece in her blonde lengths. Then photographed in the streets of Paris with the same accessory, she helps to anchor her transition from the catwalk to everyday life.
A cult accessory from the 1990s-2000s
This return is part of a well-known fashion cycle. Very popular at the end of the 20th century, the zigzag headband was omnipresent, from playgrounds to red carpets. Figures like David Beckham, Paris Hilton and Britney Spears had adopted it, before the trend declined. An attempt at a comeback had already been observed at the end of the 2010s, notably carried out by Bella Hadid, without however establishing itself in the long term.
The Y2K revival, driving force of the trend
In 2026, the context seems more favorable. Carried by the nostalgic Y2K wave, the accessory responds to a search for simplicity and efficiency. Easy to use, it allows you to structure a hairstyle in one gesture, without the need for styling tools or products. Its unisex dimension also contributes to its success, with models adapted to different hair lengths and textures.
How to adopt it on a daily basis
In the street, the zigzag headband comes in sober versions, often black, in plastic or metal. Combined with contemporary outfits – loose blazer, raw jeans, sneakers – it moves away from its adolescent image to integrate into more adult silhouettes. On straight, wavy or curly hair, it stands out as a practical and stylish accessory, set to become one of the hair essentials for spring 2026.