While I was on vacation and had the luxury of flipping through more than enough satellite television, I noticed Brett Michaels discussing how he had just survived a brain hemorrhage. Here he was, looking happy in his bandana, which just a few weeks earlier had to be removed so that he could undergo emergency brain surgery. Thank G-d he is okay and on tv to tell his story. I couldn’t help but wonder why certain people choose bandanas as their signature hair accessory. First of all, where does the bandana come from?
Thanks to the power of a very fast internet connection, I was able to Google and discover some not so well known facts about the bandana. The birth of the bandana was not for those running off to the gym to work out or practice karate kicks. In earlier times, the bandana was worn by some of the toughest pirates, rugged railroad engineers, cowboys, and farmers around. Fast forward to modern times and bandanas are used by gangs in order to advertise their specific identity. I’ll never forget all of the bandana wearing dancers in Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” music video.
Today, bandanas are worn by everybody, especially within heatwave afflicted cities across the US. That is no surprise, as the main use of wearing a bandana was to absorb “sweat from balls”around the face and keep dirt and dust particles from getting under the collar. Bandanas also provide a source of protection for many a helmet wearing citizen. The bandana acts as a cushion between the helmet and skin and hair. I even read about a certain type of bandana that has a built in water bladder, which would come in very handy these days.
Bandanas are so practical that even pet owners use them to help differentiate one dog from another dog, especially after a visit to the groomer or during some playtime at the dog park.
Another great thing about a bandana is that it can help put the finishing touches on any costume. A pirate, hippie, cowboy, or even a gang member. Do you have a favorite bandana in your collection?
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I have lots of bandanas, though with my hair as long as it is now, they’re becoming difficult to wear. I have a couple of plaid patterns that are perfect for winter’s darker wardrobe palette.