7 Stylish Ways to Wear a Bandana

Source: via Kels on Pinterest

Rooted in tradition—and, like, every old cowboy movie ever—the bandana's come to serve as a symbol of confidence, freedom, and, well... just downright cool. That said, though, when it comes to styling one nowadays, there's a very fine (but distinctly definitive) line between boho-chic free-spirited (see: above) and Bret Michaels cruising the country in a love bus free-spirited (see: VH1 circa 2007).

Just in time for the 4th of July, we consulted the hair gods (Pinterest) to show us the way to easy, breezy, All-American locks.

1. Bring out the boho
Source: weheartit.com via Nicole on Pinterest

Pair a flag-printed style with slouchy silhouettes for a totally carefree vibe.

2. Go retro
Source: via Katie on Pinterest

Finish up with a cat eye to really pay homage to old-school Americana.

3. Give it a twist
Source: via Nicky on Pinterest

This loop-around trick is so simple, yet so unexpected. (And it keeps bangs off your face. Win-win.)

4. Dress up short hairstyles
Source: elle.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

What you can't craft in updos, you can make up for in effortlessly edgy accessories a la Agyness Deyn.

5. Add volume to a sock bun
Source: twoheartsforlove.tumblr.com via Crystal on Pinterest

Tuck one end into your hair elastic, then spin, pin, and boom—dunzo.

6. Bow-bedeck a ponytail

Source: jointhemood.blogspot.com via Tori on Pinterest

Sweeten up a basic ponytail with a hint of girlie. (Find out how to DIY the look, here.)
7. Wrap it up
Source: keikolynn.com via Tara on Pinterest

Just in case a full-blown shower isn't in your holiday forecast—here's to looking at you float trips!—a knotted headwrap will make three-day-old, unwashed hair a little more photogenic. Selfie away. (Note: this works great for square silk scarves, as seen in this tutorial, and bandanas, alike.)