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 other colors have been seen). The forehead protector is received once a ninja graduates 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 while Rock Lee wear his as a belt.

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 Sasuke'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forehead protector; however, Akatsuki members carve long, horizontal scratches across the symbol to show they have rescinded their allegiances and rejected their villages.