Bobs are undeniably the haircut of summer 2026, and while the style speaks for itself, hair scarves and bandanas are an easy, flattering and inexpensive way to elevate and accessorise any 'do. Not to mention they protect your scalp from the sun!
Not convinced? Well, don't just take my word for it, take Pamela Anderson's – or rather, her chic Instagram post demonstrating how exactly to wear them.
Late last week, Pam shared an eight-part carousel post to ring in the last year of her 50s. In the IG posted on 1 July, the Baywatch alum celebrated her 59th birthday by roaming the French Riviera during a Saint-Tropez getaway. "Thank you for the beautiful birthday wishes… May all your dreams come true today too. ✨🤍 Love, P," she wrote in the caption.
And sure, there's lots to admire in said post, what with golden hour swims and bathrobe coffees, but what stood out to us were the two bandanas – one white, one blue – that the actor wore with her dinner outfits.
So, if you've fallen victim to a bad hair day (we've all been there), make like Pam and whack on a bandana to not only conceal unwashed locks but re-up your outfit. The look is equal parts chic and practical!
And Pam is just one celebrity in a long line of succession rocking the bandana trend for summer 2026. Gracie Abrams, Elle Fanning and Kaia Gerber, we're looking @ you.
After roaming the internet for the best hair scarves and bandanas on the market, I stumbled upon M&S's two-pack for just £11. A total bargain, if you ask me!
M&S 2 Pack Pure Cotton Printed Headscarves
M&S 2 Pack Pure Cotton Printed Headscarves
But if those don't fit your aesthetic, see some of our other faves, below.
More hair scarves we love
Free People Chrissy Sheer Hair Scarf
P&Co Paisley Bandana - Ecru & Red
H&M Patterned scarf
Pas Normal Studios Off-Race Bandana
Shoes Lane Cotton Bandana Paisley Mouth Protection Neckwear Head Scarf
Summer 2026: the reign of bandanas. You heard it here first, folks.
Follow Lia on Instagram.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
