Headband (Earth-2213)

A headband is a piece of fabric composed of a metal plane and worn by shinobi with the symbol of their hidden village engraved on it. They have been used for thousands of years, ever since the time of Chin the Great, and underwent numerous aesthetic changes.

Overview
Headbands are worn by shinobi as a sign of identification and pride for their village. Ninja consider it to be an honor and an important part of their tradition and cultural identity, wearing it in most occasions, particularly during bending sparring with friends and comrades from the same village. While a taboo, some ninja prefer to not wear headbands, and yet still be loyal to their villages.

Headbands are commonly wore in one's forehead, although they can also be used on necks, waists, and head.

The Missing-nin of the Akatsuki still wore their headbands even after abandoning their home villages; however, the members of the organization carve a long, horizontal scratch across the village's symbol to show they have ended their allegiance to the village. Some inhabitants of Amegakure that allied with Pain also marked the same scratch on their headbands, though they still remained loyal to their village, symbolizing their victory against Hanzo the Salamander.