Forehead Protector

The forehead protector, or hitai-ite, is the headband that is worn by every ninja, composed of a metal plate engraved with the symbol of the ninja's Hidden Village, and normally a band of blue cloth (although red, green, and black have also been seen). The forehead protector is received once you graduate from the Ninja Academy, so only Genin-level or higher ranked ninja possess them.

Despite the name "forehead protector," hitai-ite can be worn in many different styles. For example, while the majority do wear theirs in the traditional manner, Sakura uses hers as a hairband, and both Temari and Hinata wear theirs around their necks. Shikamaru wears his around his arm, and several ninja, including Genma and Ibiki, wear theirs as bandannas which fully cover the top parts of their heads. The band part of the forehead protector, however, is evidently optional; Kankuro's is sewn onto his hat. Rock Lee and Ino both wear theirs as belts, and Gaara keeps his tied onto the strap of his sand gourd, almost completely out of sight.

The forehead protector is meant to symbolize pride in one's village, as well a symbol of fealty. Ninja consider it an honorable, important part of their tradition and make a point of wearing it at all times, especially when sparring a comrade from the same village. For example, after the Chunin Exam arc, Naruto was angered by Sauske's refusal to wear his forehead protector during their fight.

A missing-nin does not stop wearing their forehead protector; however, Akatsuki members carve long, horizontal scratches across the symbol to show they have rescinded their allegiances and rejected their villages.