It’s a facelift that covers those roots, says CAMILLA RIDLEY-DAY

AS the rain bucketed down this week, a date with an elegant friend loomed in the diary. A blow- dry was pointless and a hat too full- on, meaning there was only one solution: my trusty hatband. Chunkier than an Alice band, it’s wide enough to cover any unsightly roots and can deal with all sorts of bad hair days, especially rainy ones. It also pulls the hair back enough to provide what feels like a mini facelift: what’s not to love? It’s the red lipstick for your hair when you’re feeling tired. the beautifully cut jeans when you’re feeling bloated, and my secret weapon for early-morning starts.

Although I remember the Alice band of the eighties, and had a simple velvet one as part of my school uniform, I hadn’t worn one for years when I chanced upon the latest generation at a fashion event earlier this year.

It was Italian designer Miuccia Prada who started the trend in early 2018. her chunky, bold, regal ‘power bands’ were worlds away from their childhood counterparts.

Retailing at around £200, they added extra inches in height without heels and were there to be noticed (and so they should be at that price!).

Soon the high Street was awash with them — from elaborate bejewelled or embellished versions to plainer ones with a top knot or in a pleated satin or velvet fabric.

hair accessories are having a moment, but while pearl slides and scrunchies are best for long hair, the hatband looks just as chic on a bob.

they have taken the place of the dreaded fascinator, that pointless cluster of feathers we used to stick on our heads for a wedding that was more of a sneeze than a statement.

At Ascot this year, there was a move towards the hatband over the more unwieldy hats, where you can’t greet people without poking an eye out.

More practical and comfortable than a hat, yet just as stylish, a hatband will give any outfit some extra oomph.

the biggest vote of confidence has come from my seven- year- old daughter. Now of an age when she’s discovered the girly delights of Claire’s Accessories, she was excited to find something of Mummy’s she could borrow to wear. What better endorsement could there be?