Wearing a Headband in Passport Photos: Appropriate Usage and Guidelines

Wearing a headband in a passport photo is generally not allowed, except for religious or philosophical reasons that permit headgear.

A headband is a type of headwear that serves the dual purpose of keeping the hair in place and adding a stylish touch to one's appearance.

Typically made of stretchy fabric or plastic, a headband is designed to keep the hair away from the face or eyes, and can be worn on top of the head or underneath long hair or a ponytail.

Types of Headbands

Headbands have been a recurring trend in fashion throughout the years:

1920s/1930s: Headbands were a popular accessory among fashionable women.
Flower power era: Headbands gained popularity as a symbol of the counterculture movement, especially among women.
1980s: Headbands became trendy among men, with celebrities like Sylvester Stallone often seen sporting them.
1990s: Headbands were commonly used as sweatbands in sports and fitness activities.
2000s: Floral wreath headbands gained popularity among young women as a boho-chic accessory.

Rules for Wearing Headbands on a Passport Photo

When it comes to passport photos, there are strict rules regarding the wearing of headbands. In general, wearing a headband in a passport photo is not allowed, unless there are exceptions made for religious or philosophical reasons, such as wearing a headscarf as a part of one's religious practice.

In some cases, headgear that has been allowed in the past for religious or philosophical reasons includes unconventional items like a colander, a wig, or even goat horns.