Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I started growing out my very short hair during COVID, and now my hair is long and my summer is HOT.

I have tried multiple styles of headbands to keep my hair in some semblance of order and out of my face, but every one has given me a headache. Yes, of course, I can use various devices — clips and claws — to do the same job. Also, a ponytail and bun are options. But I would love to use headbands, which are a more flattering style for me.

Do you or you or your readers have some suggestions for me?

— Claire W.

Dear Claire: What you should look for is all-fabric headbands that have plenty of stretch and are shaped like a full circle — not the plastic or padded fabric semicircle design. I have found that these full-circle headbands, also sometimes called “headwraps,” squeeze less than the semi-circle bands.

One specific option is the Target house brand Universal Thread “Ribbed Top Knot Headwrap.” These specific ones are the full-circle design and very stretchy — in part because they’re made of ribbed fabric (target.com, $10). You can also find the Universal Thread ones in resale shops like etsy.com, poshmark.com and mercari.com.

One other option: Inexpensive plastic “no headache” headbands usually marketed for those who wear glasses. I have just started testing them, although I don’t wear glasses, and will report back (amazon.com, 6 for $9.99 and up).

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I am planning a hiking trip this summer with friends. I’ve been exploring tech-fabric T-shirts, which claim to be moisture-wicking and lightweight. But so far I’ve found them to get stinky after one day, much more than plain cotton T’s. These T’s are super expensive, so I can’t buy and test them all. Which should I try?

— Babs B.

Dear Babs: I’m so frugal that I haven’t tried any of these much-advertised tech-fabric sportswear products, so I welcome reader suggestions. However, I can tell you how to launder stinky, sweaty garments to eliminate odor no matter what brand or fabric blend: Hand wash by hand in cold water with 2 to 4 ounces of white vinegar. Swish around for a couple minutes. Rinse thoroughly then hang or dry flat or in a dryer when available. When available, then wash again as normal with detergent (by hand or machine) and dry as normal.

Angelic readers

Mary D. writes: “For your reader Pei P. who had pilling on only one side of her tops — which side does she carry her purse? I always have pilling on my left because that’s where my purse rests. Switch sides and see if that helps.” Barbara B. had the same problem and the same advice; also O.M.V., Gael H., Liz. P. and Susan S.A.

More reader tips on eliminating cat litter box odors:

Linda L. writes: “Arm & Hammer Pet Fresh Carpet Odor Eliminator is perfect for litter boxes. Either let it sit on top of the litter or mix it in (chewy.com, amazon.com, $2.48 and up).” Katey O. and Janice C. suggest Pooph spray (chewy.com, amazon.com, $6.99 and up). Marty B. says “nok-out spray does the trick” (chewy.com, amazon.com, $26 and up). Sara G. advises against scented litter.

Debbie K. says grains (corn, wheat or rice filler) in much commercial cat food can cause strong litter box odor. Deborah B. lines the litter box with two sheets of newspaper, then adds a scoop of litter. Each time the cat uses it, she takes the paper out to the trash bin and starts the process over. Paula R. says the number of litter boxes in your home should be the number of cats plus one. For example: Two cats? Three litter boxes.

Send your questions and rants — on style, shopping, fashion, makeup and beauty — to answerangelellen@gmail.com.