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 search for Tsunade, Naruto was angered by Sasuke's refusal to wear his forehead protector during their fight. There are also some ninjas who do not wear their headbands, despite still being loyal to the village (such as the Sannin, Nagato, and Konan).

Several missing-nins (such as Zabuza Momochi) do not stop wearing their forehead protector, while others (such as Orochimaru) may discard them. Akatsuki members who do retain their headbands carve long, horizontal scratches across the symbol to show they have rescinded their allegiances and rejected their villages. Also, while the current Amegakure citizens bare the same scratches across their headbands, it does not mean they are missing-nins. Rather, it symbolizes their victory over the civil war and their loyalty to Pain.