By Krystyna Virkler

As I sprinted down North Street away from a ferocious seagull after my almond croissant from Taste that I was attempting to protect, it dawned on me that not many people wear headbands anymore. Around town, one can observe an influx of hair clips, scrunchies, miniature sunglasses, and bucket hats on rare occasions. However, headbands are few and far between. At this moment, I, much like our elders, started to question what was going on with this generation, and just like Carrie Bradshaw, I could not help but wonder, “Are headbands no longer worthy of our love?”

The increasingly combative seagull interrupted my train of thought, so I hissed at it to reestablish my dominance, crossed the street, and made my way towards the library. On my walk over, I began surveying every student, searching for a sign of a headband. However, much to my dismay, I failed to locate one. Thus, further accelerating my curiosity about the status of headbands. As I began to unpack my bag at the library, I asked myself if headbands were indeed a relic of the past? Puzzled by this and unable to concentrate on my dissertation, I decided that there was only one way to find out how St Andrews students truly feel towards this iconic hair accessory. Considering that the library is now heavily surveilled and the antithesis of the social hub it once was, I needed to hit the three streets and speak directly to the people.

North Street

I paced up and down North Street, preparing myself to ask a question of such gravity. To my delight, the hostile seagull in question lost track of me at this point. I eventually built up the courage and approached an intimidating group of first years donning what the cool kids might refer to as “streetwear.”

“Hi, may I ask you all a question?”

“Fine” they grunted collectively.

“Do you all consider wearing headbands to be quite dated or still in style?

One of the first years from Edinburgh replied

“Umm, I don’t but know my mother used to wear them all the time, but I don’t think that they are the move anymore...you feel me?”

I thanked the group of freshers born in 2004 for their time and made my way towards the cradle of St. Andrews culture, Market Street.

Market Street

Standing outside of Pret, I was longing to hear some more reassuring opinions from students. Surely, there are still headband devotees out there, I told myself. After about five minutes of inspecting the premises, I noticed someone wearing a tortoiseshell headband. I quickly walked up to her and inquired about her opinion on the matter.

Helen Jorgensen, a third-year studying Art History hailing from New York State, told me

“I have worn headbands all my life and always feel so put together when I wear one!”

Swiftly and whilst sipping her oat latte Katy Fitzgerald, a third-year from California studying Medieval History, chimed in by saying

“In high school, I was the only person who wore headbands, and no one knew why, so everyone said it was because I was trying to be like Blair Waldorf! But no, I wear them because headbands frame my face so well!”

After hearing these ladies’ amusing personal stories about headbands, it was now time to investigate what opinions I might encounter on South Street.

South Street

Outside of CombiniCo, I pulled aside Lexi Salem, a third-year from London studying Art History, and she wasted no time offering her opinion, looked me straight in the eyes, and declared.

“To all the people still wearing headbands, stop trying to be Cher Horowitz it’s not Clueless anymore.”

Her candor was refreshing, and we laughed about how the Clueless reference might be too antiquated for most first-years to recollect.

Statistically speaking, there is a higher probability of a St Andrews student wearing a hair clip rather than a headband. Additionally, the rise of streetwear beloved by youngsters and the decline of traditionally preppy accessories is another explanation. Despite the evident decline of headbands and the mixed responses from people around town, headbands are not a relic of the past because if you look close enough, you will always find a headband.