How to Wear a Head Wrap

Co-authored by Jordan Stolch

Last Updated: November 29, 2024 References

Headwraps are worn for religious reasons, modesty, and for purely aesthetic purposes but mostly to protect your head from the heat. A headwrap is a great accessory to go with any outfit, and it's versatile as well. A headwrap can be worn to a variety of occasions, whether it be a wedding, school, or dinner. It is also a quick, simple solution to a bad hair day. With a little practice it easy to tie one without a mirror. There are many different ways to tie a headwrap. Some of those styles are a bow, headband, and twisted crown.^{[1]
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Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Tying the Headwrap in a Bow

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You can use a wrap or a scarf. A long, rectangular scarf is the best kind to use for this style. 55 inches long and ten inches wide is a standard size for a scarf. Some of the best materials to use are jersey, chiffon, and viscose. Silk looks nice, but it may not hold as well.They can be purchased at department stores, vintage shops, and at stores that specialize in headwraps.^{[2]
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This look works best if you tie your hair in a top knot because the wrap needs to be tied tightly and loose hair will not fit well under the wrap. You do not need to do anything if your hair is already short.^{[3]
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Put the center of the wrap at the back of your head. The two ends should be extended past your face. The wrap should cover the entire back of your head. It should not be folded.^{[4]
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Use the two ends to tie a knot. The knot should be tied just above the center of your hairline. Once you have tied the knot, pull the ends to make sure it is secure.^{[5]
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Turn the end into bow flaps. At this point, the ends should be hanging down on either side of the knot. Fold the fabric until you create an oversized bow with a bow flap on each side. Once you are satisfied with the bow, tuck the end into the bow flaps to complete the look.^{[6]
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- Since the headwrap is interesting and brings something unexpected to your outfit, keep the rest of your outfit simple. For instance, you can do a headwrap on top, then wear an oversized sweater, black pants, and white sneakers too.^{[7]
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  Jordan Stolch
  Image Consultant & Style Advisor
  
  Expert Interview. 25 September 2020.}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Wearing the Wrap as a Headband

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1
Put your hair into a high bun or afro puff. This look can be used purely for style, or it can be used to keep your hair out of your face. Either way, it is better to start with your hair in a style that is already pulled back. You can put it in a high bun, ponytail, afro puff, or if it’s short, leave it as is.^{[8]
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- If you're wearing your headwrap with a patterned dress, opt for a solid-colored headwrap so your outfit is visually balanced.^{[9]
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  Jordan Stolch
  Image Consultant & Style Advisor
  
  Expert Interview. 25 September 2020.}
2
Fold the headwrap in half. Start by folding the wrap in half widthwise. Once you have folded it, place it at the back of your head. It should cover the entire back of the head. The ends should be extending out toward your face.^{[10]
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This may not be necessary if you’re starting out with a wrap or scarf that is not wide.}
- Folding may not be necessary if you’re starting out with a wrap or scarf that is not wide.
Pull the ends together by holding the middle of each end together with one hand. Then, tie a double-knot at the center. A double-knot means that you reinforce the first knot with a second tying. This ensures that the knot will stay secure throughout the duration of the time you wear it, and it is for aesthetic purposes as well.^{[11]
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This may not be necessary if you’re starting out with a wrap or scarf that is not wide.}
Once you’ve tied the knot, tuck the ends of the wrap or scarf into the fabric around the nape of your neck. Next, slide the fabric back into a place that you would normally wear a headband. Place it wherever feels most comfortable for you.^{[12]
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This may not be necessary if you’re starting out with a wrap or scarf that is not wide.}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Making a Twisted Crown

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A long rectangular scarf is ideal for this style because you will need plenty of fabric to create the look. If you’re unsure that the scarf is big enough, you can test it by wrapping it around your head and seeing how much fabric is leftover. There should be enough fabric leftover to twist and wrap around your head.^{[13]
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Center the scarf at the nape of your neck so that the ends hang down evenly. The scarf should not be folded. The scarf should be covering most of your head and hair, except part of the very front of your hair.^{[14]
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Take the ends in your hands and hold them out straight in front of you. Begin twisting the ends together as if you were twisting a towel. Start by twisting the ends directly in front of you. Once you have twisted enough, begin bringing the twist around the middle of the crown of your head.
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Continue to twist. Continue twisting until you have very little fabric left to twist. The twisting should end around the front of your head. Then, tuck the ends into the area where you first started to twist.^{[15]
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- Feel free to accessorize with your headwrap too—maybe bringing in something like a statement necklace, hoop earrings, or some other interesting piece to add to an already fun outfit.^{[16]
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  Jordan Stolch
  Image Consultant & Style Advisor
  
  Expert Interview. 25 September 2020.}

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How do accessorize with a head wrap?

Jordan Stolch
Image Consultant & Style Advisor
Jordan Stolch is an Image Strategist, Style Advisor, and the Founder of MiKADO - a concierge personal styling firm. With over a decade of experience, Jordan specializes in helping people eliminate the confusion and insecurities associated with how to dress in order to build a powerful image and use clothing to their strategic advantage. Jordan trains entrepreneurs, business leaders, and corporate executives in the foundations of "power dressing", from some of the country's preeminent companies such as Morgan Stanley, Deloitte, Berkshire Hathaway, Universal Music Group, Starbucks, and Disney. She works with clients both in-person and virtually, teaching them how to take the confusion out of style so they can operate at a higher level. Jordan earned her BA in Psychology from the University of Waterloo and studied Merchandise Marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIDM).

Jordan Stolch

Image Consultant & Style Advisor

Expert Answer

You might bring in something like a statement necklace, hoop earrings, or some other interesting piece to add to an already fun outfit.

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For help with the South African head wrap known as a doek, check out the wikiHow How to Tie a Doek.

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Experiment with a variety of colors and patterns for your scarves or wraps.

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Make sure to use a wrap or scarf that is long enough to achieve your chosen style.

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