The wreath is considered a hat because it covers a very large portion of the head. Bandanas are slowly being refunded, the ones that are covered up by hair isn't a big enough change to make it considered a hat. Earings are a small item and its not viewed as a hat.
Staff have privileges, although I've seen some illegal heads etc that they use, but they are allowed to use it (not recommended because people start questioning why they can use illegal heads).