How to Tie a Baby Headband — 5 Ways for SA Moms (Step-by-Step, 30 Seconds Each)

A step-by-step SA mom's guide to tying a baby headband five different ways — the simple slip-on, the side-knot, the top-bow, the asymmetric drape and the under-bun. Photos and timing per style.

A soft baby headband can do five different things — but most SA moms only ever use one (the slip-on). Here's how to wear the same headband five different ways for five different photos, occasions or outfits, with timing per style. Each version takes under 30 seconds and works on any age from newborn to 18 months.

Before you start — the safety baseline

Two non-negotiables before any styling: the headband must be soft enough to slide two fingers between the band and her head, and you should never leave a baby unattended in any headband while sleeping. We covered the full safety basics in this guide — read it first if you're new to headbands. Everything below assumes a soft, properly-fitted headband; the techniques aren't a substitute for the right fit.

Mira Accessories · Headband

Blossom Lace Bow Headband Set

Soft elastic with a removable lace bow — purpose-built for the five techniques below. Newborn through 9 months.

R399

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Way 1 — The slip-on (10 seconds)

The default. Most-photographed, easiest to undo if she fusses.

1. Hold the headband open with both hands, bow at the front.
2. Slip it over her head from the back, like a crown.
3. Settle the band so it sits about a finger's-width above her eyebrows — not on the forehead, not pulled too far back into the hairline.
4. Adjust the bow so it's centred or sits slightly to one side (your choice).

Best for: first-time headband wearers, the everyday photo, a quick fix when relatives are arriving.

Way 2 — The side-knot (15 seconds)

Same headband, different vibe. Shifts the focal point off-centre — looks more intentional in close-up portraits.

1. Slip on as in Way 1.
2. Gently rotate the band so the bow sits above one ear instead of centred.
3. Lightly tug the band on the opposite side so the elastic forms a soft asymmetric line across her crown.
4. Done.

Best for: three-quarter portrait shots, sibling photos where you want one baby's "look" to differ from another's.

Way 3 — The top-bow forward (20 seconds)

The "first birthday" look without buying a new headband.

1. If the headband has a removable bow, slide it off.
2. Slip the plain band on first, sitting where you'd usually wear it.
3. Re-attach the bow at the very top of the band — directly on the crown, pointing up rather than forward.
4. Settle her hair around the base so the bow sits tall.

Best for: milestone photos, christenings, first birthdays, anything where you want the bow to be the photo subject.

Way 4 — The asymmetric drape (25 seconds)

For longer-haired babies (8 months+) — works the headband as a side-detail rather than a band-across.

1. Brush her hair gently to one side.
2. Slip the headband on so the bow sits at the temple of the side you've brushed her hair toward.
3. Pull a few wisps of hair forward over the band on the same side, so the band peeks through.
4. Leave the other side completely smooth — the contrast is the look.

Best for: babies with hair past the ear, more "styled" family photos, autumn-winter outfits.

Way 5 — The under-bun lift (30 seconds)

For toddlers (12 months+) with enough hair for a tiny top bun. The headband does double duty as both accessory and a way to keep wisps out of her face.

1. Gather the top half of her hair into a small soft bun on the crown — secured with a soft elastic.
2. Slip the headband on, sitting just under the bun line.
3. Settle the bow so it nestles against the bun rather than competing with it.
4. Leave the bottom half loose for movement.

Best for: toddler portraits, garden party photos, any "growing up" milestone where you want her to look slightly older than her age.

Five looks from one R399 set

The whole point of a quality headband set is exactly this — five photos, one purchase. The Mira Blossom Lace set's removable bow is what makes Ways 1, 3 and 5 possible without buying separate accessories. If you're prepping for a newborn or milestone shoot, our newborn photoshoot prep guide for SA moms covers timing, lighting and the wardrobe round-up — and our at-home baby photoshoot guide shows how to do it yourself.

Buying a headband as a gift? Our newborn gift ideas South Africa guide ranks the headband set against four other thoughtful picks under R600.