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An "alice band" is so named, after the one worn by Alice in Lewis Carroll's stories.

Is there a male equivalent, to describe those worn by men with long hair (e.g. David Beckham)?

David Beckham

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Is alice band a UK thing? I've only ever heard them called hairbands and headbands in the US. – onomatomaniak Oct 18 '11 at 11:28
Oh! Particularly for sports, I also hear them called sweatbands. That might be the most masculine alternative. – onomatomaniak Oct 18 '11 at 11:32
A sweatband is something different. It is for soaking up sweat. An alice band is for keeping your hair in place. – Urbycoz Oct 18 '11 at 11:39
Ah okay. Headband/hairband, then. – onomatomaniak Oct 18 '11 at 11:54

1 Answer

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No; it's still called an alice band, or sometimes the gender-neutral hairband or headband. They might also be referred to as sport(s) bands but that term is slightly misleading as it could equally apply to a wristband or similar.

I wouldn't be surprised to see the tabloid press coin a term like "Beckham-band", but there's not a common male equivalent in widespread use.

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