Answer Angel: Headband headaches

Ellen Warren, Tribune News Service on Jul 8, 2025

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Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I started growing out my very short hair during COVID and now my hair is long and my summer is HOT.

I have tried multiple styles of headbands to keep my hair in some semblance of order and out of my face, but every one has given me a headache. Yes, of course, I can use various devices -- clips and claws -- to do the same job. Also, a ponytail and bun are options. But I would love to use headbands — both neutral and colors -- which are a more flattering style for me.

Do you or you or your readers have some suggestions for me?

--Claire W.

Dear Claire: I do!

What you should look for is all-fabric headbands that have plenty of stretch and are shaped like a full circle — not the plastic or padded fabric semi-circle design. I have found that these full-circle headbands, also sometimes called “headwraps,” squeeze less than the more popular semi-circle bands that are easier to find online and in stores.

One specific option is the Target house brand Universal Thread “Ribbed Top Knot Headwrap” currently available online in black or beige, though I have bought them in the past in-store at Target in blue and multi-colored stripe too. These specific ones are the full-circle design and very stretchy — in part because they’re made of ribbed fabric (target.com, $10). You can also find the Universal Thread ones in resale shops like poshmark.com, etsy.com and mercari.com.

Another style is the full circle fabric headband with a strip of elastic in back. But I find most of those I’ve tried to be too tight and they don’t stay put. One other option: Inexpensive plastic “no headache” headbands usually marketed for those who wear glasses. I have just started testing them although I don’t wear glasses and will report back (amazon.com, 6 for $9.99 and up).

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I am planning a hiking trip this summer with friends. I've been exploring tech-fabric T-shirts, which claim to be moisture-wicking and lightweight. But so far I've found them to get stinky after one day, much more than plain cotton T's. These T's are super expensive so I can't buy and test them all. Which should I try?

--Babs B.

Dear Babs: I’m so frugal that I haven’t tried any of these much-advertised tech-fabric sportswear products so I welcome reader suggestions. However, I can tell you how to launder stinky, sweaty garments to eliminate odor no matter what brand or fabric blend:

*Hand wash by hand in cold water with 2-4 ounces of white vinegar. Swish around for a couple minutes. Rinse thoroughly then hang or dry flat or in a dryer when available.

*When available, then wash again as normal with detergent (by hand or machine) and dry as normal.

You didn’t ask, but if you have problems with stinky socks in cooler weather you can’t beat merino wool. Brands to try: Smartwool (smartwool.com), Darn Tough, “unconditionally guaranteed for life” (darntough.com) and Bombas (bombas.com), which advertises a policy of donating a Bombas item for those in need for every item sold.

Angelic Readers 1

Mary D. writes: “For your reader Pei P. who had pilling on only one side of her tops – which side does she carry her purse? I always have pilling on my left because that’s where my purse rests. Switch sides and see if that helps.” Barbara B. had the same problem and the same advice (switch carrying side for purses and totes); also O.M.V., Gael H., Martha M., Liz. P., Barbara K. and Susan S.A.

Angelic Readers 2

More reader tips on eliminating cat litter box odors…

Linda L. writes: “Arm & Hammer Pet Fresh Carpet Odor Eliminator is perfect for litter boxes. Either let it sit on top of the litter or mix it in—depending upon your mood of the moment! (chewy.com, amazon.com, $2.48 and up).” Katey O. and Janice C. suggest Pooph spray ( chewy.com, amazon.com, $6.99 and up). Marty B. writes, “nok-out spray does the trick" ( chewy.com, amazon.com, $26 and up). Sara G. says, “Stay away from scented litter. Many cats don’t like it and the scent of the litter just adds to the unpleasant smell.”

Debbie K. says grains (corn, wheat or rice filler) in much commercial cat food can cause strong litter box odor. Deborah B. lines the litter box with two sheets of newspaper, then adds a scoop of litter. Each time the cat uses it, she takes the paper out to the trash bin and starts the process over. Paula R. says the number of litter boxes in your home should be the number of cats plus one. For example: Two cats? Three litter boxes.