How to Tie an African Headscarf

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: October 21, 2021

Wearing an African headscarf is a good way to keep your hair and scalp protected from the sun.^{[1]
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Research source} Scarves are also worn for fashion, since they are an easy and attractive way to cover your hair. A common style of African headscarf is a rectangle about 60 inches long, similar in size to a pashmina scarf.^{[2]
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Research source} Scarves can be tied into various styles of headwraps, headbands, and knots.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Tying a Bow-style Headwrap

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Gather your hair into a topknot.^{[3]
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Research source} To make a topknot, put your hair in a ponytail at the top of your head. Wind the length of the ponytail around the base and secure the ends in place with bobby pins.^{[4]
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2
Position the headscarf at the back of your neck. The bottom edge of the scarf should be at the nape of your neck. Bring the ends to the front of your head, making sure that the ends are an even length.^{[5]
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3
Tie the ends of the scarf into a knot. The knot should be snug and positioned at center of your hairline. Next, tie the scarf into a bow and tuck the ends into the bow loops.^{[6]
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- You can fan out the bow loops for extra volume.^{[7]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Tying a Looped Headband

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Put your hair in a high bun.^{[8]
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Research source}To make a high bun, pull your hair into a high ponytail. Twist the ponytail until it coils around itself and wrap it around the base of the ponytail. Secure the bun in place with bobby pins.^{[9]
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2
Fold the headscarf in half. Place the center of the scarf at the back of your neck and bring the ends to the front center. Tie the scarf into a double knot at the center of your hairline above your forehead.^{[10]
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3
Tuck the ends of the wrap underneath the headband. The ends will be positioned near the back of your neck.^{[11]
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- If you want to make a headband with a spiral at the front, instead of tucking the ends underneath the headband, coil them around the knot. Tuck the ends into the knot to secure in place.^{[12]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Tying a Spiral Headband

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Put your hair into a high ponytail or bun.^{[13]
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Research source} For a high bun, pull your hair into a high ponytail. Then twist your hair into a coil around the base of the ponytail and secure it in place with bobby pins.^{[14]
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2
Fold the headscarf in half. Position it so that the center is at the nape of your neck. Bring the ends to one side of your head and tie into a knot.^{[15]
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3
Twist the ends of the scarf together into a long spiral rope. Bring the spiral across the front of your head, over the headband. Tuck the end of the spiral underneath the scarf at the nape of your neck.^{[16]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Tying a Headscarf into a Knot

1
Arrange your hair in cornrows or a slick-backed style.^{[17]
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Research source} A low ponytail is an easy slick-backed style. Another option is making a low bun by pulling your hair into a low ponytail, wrapping it around the ponytail’s base, and securing it in place with bobby pins.
2
Fold the headscarf in half. Place the center at the base of your neck and bring the ends to the front, making sure the scarf covers your ears. Tie the scarf into a double knot.^{[18]
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3
Pull the each end of the headscarf back over the top of the head. The scarf should completely cover your hair. Tuck the ends under the scarf at the back of the head.^{[19]
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- You may need to pull the headscarf down slightly so that it sits comfortably.^{[20]
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