Words Sarah Tarca
Nicola Peltz Beckham isn’t shy of a hair trend. In the last year alone we’ve seen a dramatic color change from Nordic blonde to deep chocolate, and a Birkin-inspired fringe — which is more than most of us would do in a decade. But it was her red carpet look from the Women in Entertainment Gala that has had us all talking — and not just for the Tom Ford short suit moment (though that definitely needs discussing) — it was for what she was wearing on her head. Specifically, the soft, black, elastic headband straight from the 2000 archives to 2023’s door.
Yep, just when we thought Y2K beauty trends were taking their last breaths, the actress and model has gone and revived it via a budget hair accessory that we’ve probably all used to keep our hair back while cleansing. If the last two years were all about padded headbands and claw clips (RIP), 2023 will be the sports headband era.
This is not Nicola’s first rodeo with this style of headband either. Since August her Instagram grid has been peppered with pics of her wearing both white and black versions in various widths, which is something her mother-in-law, Victoria Beckham was famous for doing, in the err, actual Y2K era. But, while most of her looks have been off-duty, usually paired with jeans, or, you know, a bikini while lounging on a super yacht with Selena Gomez, the Women in Entertainment Gala was the first time she brought it to the red carpet.
At the event, she paired the headband with a satin Tom Ford knee-length short suit, sheer tights (because, Y2K) and peep toe platforms, but kept her beauty look pared back and clean with subtle eye definition, brushed brows and a sheer pink wash on the cheeks and lips. It was clean, minimalist and modern, but with a Y2K edge.
So, what’s the secret to taking cleansing chic into the new era? Candice Johnson from Rogue Beauty’s education team offers these tips:
- Customize it to your style: “I love seeing Y2K headbands with shiny straight hair for a polished look, but you can definitely rock a beachy texture look for a casual vibe too.”
- Wear it over the ears: “I tend to position it slightly over the ear because you cover less root area which gives you more volume towards the back.”
- Add a modern twist: “Adding some volume at the crown is a must. I love using either Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray or R+Co Zig Zag Root Teasing + Texture Spray, which both give that great touchable volume. Pulling a couple of piecey bits around the face also gives it a fresh look.
Oh and did we mention you can get one of your own for less than $15? You could try this version for only $12. What’s not to love?
