From the Pitch to the Catwalk: How Pre-Wrap is Revolutionizing Women’s Hair

In the world of women’s football, style and substance often go hand-in-hand. England’s Lionesses are no exception, with their pre-game hair hacks making headlines in the sports and fashion worlds alike. At the heart of this trend is pre-wrap, a tape designed to protect skin and secure athletic bandages, repurposed as a stylish headband.

Chloe Kelly, a key player for England, has been spotted wearing pre-wrap headbands, along with her teammates Lucy Bronze and others from Germany, Spain, and Italy. The tape’s versatility is undeniable, with players able to mold it to their heads and secure their hair in place without the need for pins or adhesives.

According to Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director at Refinery29, the trend was popularized by American footballers at the 2023 World Cup. “Thanks to its shiny finish, the foam material resembles silk or satin when worn as a headband,” she explains. “This, combined with its ability to stay in place without tugging on the hair, has made it a game-changer for women’s footballers.”

Amy Drucquer, founder of This Fan Girl, a platform for female football supporters, believes that the pre-wrap headband’s appeal lies in its subtlety. “Unlike traditional material headbands that move around unless pinned, pre-wrap can mould to the players’ heads and grip the hair,” she says. “This allows them to focus on their game without worrying about their hair getting in the way.”

The use of pre-wrap as a hair hack has also sparked debate about the scrutiny women’s appearance faces in the sports world. “There is already increased levels of scrutiny [on women’s appearance],” Drucquer notes. “With the women’s game, they are the ones setting the precedent. They’re showing that you can be stylish and functional at the same time.”

As the Lionesses continue to make waves in the world of football, it’s clear that their pre-wrap headbands are here to stay. With prices starting from £2.40 for a roll, this affordable and resourceful hair hack is set to become the next big trend in women’s fashion.

But the impact of pre-wrap goes beyond the pitch. Kilikita notes that the trend has also been adopted by fans, who are using the tape to keep their own hair out of their faces during games. “It’s not just about the players,” she says. “It’s about the fans who are inspired by their style and want to replicate it.”

The pre-wrap trend has also sparked a wider conversation about the role of fashion in sports. “Fashion and sports are not mutually exclusive,” Drucquer notes. “They can complement each other beautifully. And with the Lionesses leading the way, it’s exciting to see where this trend will go next.”

In the meantime, fans and fashion enthusiasts alike are eagerly watching to see if the pre-wrap trend will extend beyond the world of sports. Will it become the next big thing in fashion? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Lionesses have already made their mark on the world of style.