Quick Fix: Repair Your Headphone Headband With Handlebar Tape

My over-ear-headphones were falling apart – the synthetic leather on the headband started peeling and crumbling, leaving annoying little flakes everywhere.

1. Result: Sticky bits on skin and clothes.
2. Quick fix: wrapped it with bicycle handlebar tape.
3. Why handlebar tape?
4. Soft and comfortable
5. Durable material
6. Easy to apply
7. Already had some at home
8. Took less than 5 minutes – now clean, comfortable, and flake-free.

1. Handlebar tape
2. There are many types of handlebar tape, e.g.:
3. Polyurethane tape, introduced in the last few years, provides cushioning.
4. Composite rubber tape -> my choice
5. Cork tape, padded tape, provides cushioning but less durable.
6. Bike ribbon, plastic padded tape with smooth waterproof surface.
7. Adhesive tape, e.g.
8. electrical insulation tape (PVC) - my choice -> fancy colors
9. Gaffa / duck tape
10. Scissors

1. Start with clean, dry headphones – remove any loose flakes or residue.
2. Use one roll of handlebar tape (standard length is more, more, more than enough).
3. Begin at one end of the headband – usually near the hinge.
4. Place the tape at a slight angle and start wrapping it around the headband.
5. Overlap each layer slightly for full coverage and better grip.
6. Pull the tape firmly but not too tight – it should stay in place without bunching.
7. Keep wrapping until you reach the other end of the headband.
8. Cut off excess tape if needed.
9. Press down the final edge

1. Secure final edges with matching tape (electrical insulation tape).
2. Start with the last edge
3. Use one roll of electrical insulation tape
4. Begin at one end handle bar tape
5. Place the tape at a slight angle and start wrapping it around the handle bar tape and connect it with the end of the headband.
6. Cut off excess tape if needed.
7. Reply process with the over end
8. Done! No need for stitching or tools.