How to Tie a Hachimaki: Handpicked Cute & Cool Styles Perfect for Sports Festivals
Many schools use hachimaki headbands at sports festivals to boost team spirit! The most common way is to wrap it around your forehead or slightly above, then tie it at the back of your neck.
But maybe you’ve wanted to take it up a notch with a cuter or cooler style than the simple wrap.
In this article, we’ll introduce different ways to style a hachimaki.
We’ve gathered a variety of patterns—from cute arrangements combined with hairstyles to cool looks that radiate fierce determination.
Stand out from other teams with a hachimaki style that’s a cut above the rest!
How to Tie a Hachimaki: Top Cute & Cool Styles for Sports Day (1–10)
High half-up × headband
How about pairing a classic high half-up hairstyle with a hachimaki headband? Gather just the top section of your hair and tie it high on your head, then let the hair fall to the left and right.
Tie the hachimaki in front of where you secured the hair, like a headband.
If simply tying it feels too plain, adding a braid or two can make it cute.
A half-up is an easy way to create a sweet look, so it’s recommended for those who don’t have much time but still want to look adorable.
There are plenty of variations, so try finding your favorite style.
cat ear headband
For those who want to enjoy a uniquely cute look, we recommend the cat-ear headband style! You can shape the hachimaki into cat-like ears, making the hachimaki style super cute.
First, fold the hachimaki in half.
The fold marks the center of your head.
Next, decide where you want the ears to be.
Once decided, tie a knot on each side.
Instead of tying them all at once, shape them as you go so they form triangular ears.
Do this on both sides and you’re done! Wrap the hachimaki around your head as is, and you’ll have an adorable headband with cat ears.
side ribbon
https://www.instagram.com/p/DGk6i-5zH1S/Side ribbons are a versatile style that go well with any hairstyle and can be enjoyed regardless of hair length.
Place the headband to the side and tie it into a bow.
You can easily change the overall vibe by adjusting the headband’s size and color.
A wider ribbon becomes a standout accent, while a narrower ribbon gives a subtle, stylish look.
Both are super cute, so it’s great to choose based on your mood or the atmosphere you want.
You can also switch up where you tie it to match your hairstyle for an equally chic finish.
Necktie-style
https://www.tiktok.com/@sapporoshinyo/video/7278628689821060354If you want to enjoy a style different from the standard, we recommend tying your hachimaki like a necktie.
Prepare a slightly longer strip of cloth than a typical hachimaki, wrap it around your head, and then tie a knot at your neckline like a tie.
By tidying it up neatly, you’ll create an impression that blends formality with sport.
It adds a playful touch and a strong presence to your look.
If your overall outfit has a uniform-like feel, it will create even more cohesion and make for an eye-catching presentation.
In the energetic setting of a sports festival, this unexpected way of tying can also help boost team morale.
It’s an arrangement that lets you present a different side of yourself while also conveying your desire to value unity with your teammates.
bow (ribbon bow)
For those who want an easy and cute style, we recommend the ribbon bow! It’s an adorable way to tie a big bow like Minnie or Hello Kitty.
Wrap the hachimaki around the back of your neck so the lengths are even on both sides, then bring the ends up over your head.
From there, simply tie a standard bow, and you’ll quickly have a big ribbon made from the hachimaki! After tying, look in the mirror and adjust the loops and tails so they’re even.
It’s a simple arrangement you can do by yourself!
Twisted headband × Loosened odango (messy double buns)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWxNnUIBFBr/The twisted headband × messy bun is a popular style that’s a hit with everyone, regardless of gender! The vibe of a twisted headband changes with its width, but using a narrower band creates a more mature look.
Twist the headband tightly and wrap it snugly around your head for a sharp, clean impression.
Pair it with a messy bun and pin the headband diagonally with hairpins to finish a lively, stylish hairstyle.
We recommend setting the messy bun slightly higher.
Bunny ears × bun with braids
https://www.tiktok.com/@kamiwotaku_chan/video/7418510952577912080The bunny-ears × bun-and-braid style that shines at sports festivals is a cute yet active look.
It creates a lively hairstyle by combining buns and braids.
Make a loop with the headband, place it over your head from front to back, tie it once in a bow above your forehead, then tie it once more underneath; the two knots will stand up like rabbit ears.
The impression changes a lot depending on the color, so choosing your team color is a key point.
It stays securely in place even during events, so it won’t shift easily when you run, and it looks great in photos.
It’s a versatile arrangement that helps you stand out while keeping you mobile, making it useful in many situations.