Today’s review features the Loungefly x Star Wars Princess Leia bun headband. As not everyone has the same length hair as Princess Leia, fans have long used accessories to achieve a Leia inspired hairstyle. This fun cosplay style headband features synthetic hair buns, so you can add the finishing touch to your Princess Leia themed outfit.
Complete your mission to become Princess Leia in this officially licensed headband from Star Wars. Features a realistic look and feel that’s perfect for cosplay!
The headband is priced at US$10.90 each – Hot Topic can ship internationally, which is great!
Princess Leia bun headband – US$10.90 each
The headband came with a black cardboard tag wrapped around the band. The tag notes the standard Disney/Lucasfilm copyright information, and manufacturer – I was surprised to see this is made by Loungefly! Well known for their fantastic range of Star Wars bags, I sometimes forget they also make a range of Star Wars accessories like hair bows and even necklaces.
This was originally released back in late 2015, when I grabbed it during a sale. It has been re-released, which is great if you missed out back then. Comparing the two listings on the Hot Topic website (older version – newer version), they appear to be the same. Please note the original had a retail price of US$12.50 each, compared US$10.90 for the new version, so there may be a subtle difference in materials between the two.
The Princess Leia bun headband features a brown headband with two hair buns attached. The buns are made from dark brown synthetic hair wrapped in Leia’s classic hair bun style. As these aren’t the same size/scale as the original hair style, the hair isn’t coiled as many times around – but the effect is very convincing and instantly recognisable.
While wearing this headband myself, the hair buns sit just on my ears, with only the lower ear lobes still visible. This looks perfect for achieving the right Leia hair style look, and I can still wear earrings as well – like some Rebel Alliance symbol dangle earrings. The headband fits against my head well but isn’t tight or uncomfortable, and the buns are lighter than I expected. The size/fit will vary depending on your own head/hair, but I find them easy to wear.
There have been several takes on a Leia bun headband over the years, but this is my favourite version. These buns are wound around just like Leia’s, not braided like other versions. Braids tend to be used because, well, some people don’t notice the difference, and it holds the hair tightly in place. The hair on these buns is tightly wound around a base structure – it is so tidy, that I can’t see the under-structure anywhere! I am really impressed with how neat and tidy these are in person!
The back of each hair bun is lined with a small circle of brown felt. This keeps the back of the buns tidy and secure, as well as being soft against your ears when wearing.
There is a small white tag attached on in the inner edge of the felt backing of one hair bun. The tag features the Star Wars and Loungefly logos and copyright information, noting this is a licensed item. The tag isn’t visible when wearing the headband, but it is easily removed if you don’t want it moving around or possibly peaking out.
The headband itself is plastic, covered with a brown satin-like fabric. Inside, the band is lined with a strip of soft black fabric that has a suede-like feel to the touch.
As with any item that incorporates synthetic hair, there is a risk of loose/stray hairs after a period of use. In saying that, these aren’t exactly an ‘everyday’ item, so careful use should see them last well – I have handled mine a fair bit and they still look great.
While the buns may be a bit much for everyday wear, this headband is perfect for any everyday cosplay style Princess Leia outfit. With a casual item like this, I am often worried the hair buns might arrive looking rather messy – I was happy to see how tidy and secure they are. Of course I have come to expect quality in Loungefly products, but I am impressed with this fun and playful accessory 🙂
