Can git log --decorate unambiguously tell me whether the HEAD is detached?

Question

I know that, in Git parlance, \"detached HEAD\" corresponds to a state in which the symbolic reference HEAD is not pointing to any branch. I also know that

Answer 1

[Edit: since Git 2.4, well, see VonC's answer. The text below is for versions of Git before 2.4.]

Unfortunately, no. I keep wishing git log's --decorate used my HEAD= syntax. If it did, you would get:

4d860e9 (HEAD, master) Remove trailing whitespace
9a2ef02 Correct typo in header
f0badb5 Add to-do section to README

when you are carrying your head under your arm:

_{(source: shutterstock.com)}

but you would get this instead:

4d860e9 (HEAD=master) Remove trailing whitespace
9a2ef02 Correct typo in header
f0badb5 Add to-do section to README

when you are not in hallowe'en mode.