Zendaya pulls out the retro accessory that hides dirty hair and saves all our summer looks
Summer puts our hair through the wringer. Between the heat, sweat, and sunscreen, roots get oily faster than usual—and dirty hair becomes a daily problem long before it’s time to shampoo. Zendaya, however, has found a solution that’s as simple as it is effective for getting through the season without sacrificing her style.
Why Does Hair Get Oily Faster in the Summer?
When exposed to heat, the scalp produces more sebum. As a result, the roots become weighed down more quickly than in winter. Sweat and sunscreen residue further accelerate this process.
The result: we end up washing our hair over and over, sometimes every other day. Yet washing your hair too often stimulates sebum production. It’s a cycle we’d really like to break.
Plus, last-minute hairstyles are a must when you’re short on time. Some days, you just don’t feel like facing the mirror with dirty hair showing at your forehead.
The areas where oily hair shows up first
The roots start to get oily first at the forehead and the top of the head. It is these specific areas that give the impression of neglect. In contrast, the rest of the hair often stays presentable for much longer.
Hiding these key areas radically changes the look of a hairstyle. This is the principle behind the trick we spotted on Zendaya.
The bandana: Zendaya’s solution for dirty hair
Spotted during a trip to a bookstore, Zendaya has brought back an accessory we thought was reserved for the 2000s: the bandana. Worn tightly around the head, it instantly conceals oily areas on the forehead and the top of the head.
This accessory creates the illusion of a carefully styled hairstyle. In reality, it’s a quick fix for busy mornings when dirty hair would otherwise be very noticeable.
Compared to a cap or hat, the bandana offers a more stylish alternative. Its retro aesthetic—inspired by 1950s icons as well as Y2K trends—explains its recurring popularity as soon as the warm weather arrives.
“In addition to adding a stylish touch to any outfit, it instantly conceals the areas where hair tends to get oily first.”
An accessory that checks all the boxes
Bandanas are popular because they’re both practical and stylish. They work with all hair lengths, from short cuts to long hair. That way, no one is left out when it comes to dealing with dirty hair.
What’s more, its versatile style makes it a perfect fit for both casual and more polished looks. It’s this dual advantage that makes the bandana the go-to hair accessory for summer 2026.
How to Wear a Bandana Like Zendaya
The technique is simple. Just fold the bandana into a triangle before tying it on top of or at the back of your head. Leaving a few strands loose around your face adds a casual touch to the final look.
Hair can be worn down, tied up in a low bun, or pulled back into a ponytail. Each option creates a different look depending on the occasion. As a result, a single accessory allows for several variations of the same hairstyle.
For people with dirty hair who want to save time, tying the bandana at the back of the head is the most discreet way to hide greasy roots. When worn on top of the head, it takes on a bolder, more fashionable look.
- Fold the bandana into a triangle before tying it.
- Place it on top of or at the back of the head, depending on the desired effect.
- Leave a few strands loose around your face for a natural look.
- Pair the bandana with a low bun, a ponytail, or loose hair.
- Choose a polka-dot, floral, plaid, or solid-color design to mix up your looks.
Adèle Exarchopoulos, Bella Hadid, Kim Kardashian, and Narah Baptista have all embraced this accessory in their own way. Each of them proves that it suits every style, from the most classic to the most daring.
So, the bandana isn’t just for hiding greasy hair —it’s become a real hair statement. That’s exactly what sets it apart from other quick fixes, like a cap or a quick bun.
Which bandana should I choose for this summer?
There are many options to choose from: polka-dot, floral, plaid, beaded, mesh, or solid-color bandanas. Each pattern has its own unique look. Plus, lightweight fabrics are better suited for hot days.
A brightly colored bandana draws attention and distracts the eye from greasy roots. A bandana in neutral tones, on the other hand, blends discreetly with any hairstyle without overpowering the outfit.
