How to Wrap Your Hair in a Headscarf Before You Sleep

Using a silk scarf or bandana to protect your hair overnight

Co-authored by Amber Rose and Luke Smith, MFA

Last Updated: March 29, 2023 References

Tying the Scarf into a Turban

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Tying a Simple Wrap

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Covering a Hair Pineapple with a Scarf

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Expert Q&A

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Tips

Tossing and turning at night is a one-way ticket to frizzed-out or knotted hair. Luckily, a simple silk scarf is all you need to keep your locks neat and tidy come sunrise. And since your hair was protected, you’ll save precious minutes of your morning that you would’ve spent brushing or detangling. We’ll show you how to use a scarf to make a turban, a simple wrap, or to preserve curly hair overnight.

Things You Should Know

Fold a scarf into a triangle, then wrap it forward around your head. Tie the ends near your forehead for a quick turban.
Wrap a triangular scarf backward around your head. Then, tie it at the back to preserve parted hairstyles.
Tie a ponytail on top of your head for an easy “pineapple” style. Then wrap your scarf forward and over the pineapple to preserve curls.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Tying the Scarf into a Turban

1
Fold a square scarf into a triangle. Get out a large silk or satin scarf and lay it flat. Take 1 corner of the square and fold it so it meets the opposite corner. The long folded side of the scarf forms the base of a triangle.^{[1]
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- Lay the softer side of the scarf face down before you fold it. This will reduce friction which can cause frizzy hair.
2
Place the folded edge of the triangle against the nape of your neck. Hold both ends of the folded scarf and bring the center of the folded side to the base of your neck. Make sure no hair is between the scarf and your neck.^{[2]
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Tip: If you have long hair, tilt your head forward so your hair falls over your face before you wrap the scarf.

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3
Bring the ends of the scarf up to the top of your head and tie them. Pull both folded corners of the scarf up along your hairline towards the top of your head, covering your ears. Keep the scarf taut so the folded side stays firmly along the nape of your neck. Then, tie the ends into a knot and tighten it until the knot rests securely on your forehead.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Amber Rose
Licensed Cosmetologist
Expert Interview. 13 April 2021.}
- If the knotted ends hang in front of your face, tie them with a bow or knot them at the nap of your neck. Alternatively, tuck the long ends under the scarf to keep them in place.^{[4]
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  Expert Source
  
  Amber Rose
  Licensed Cosmetologist
  Expert Interview. 13 April 2021.}
- If the scarf feels too tight, rewrap it so you don't give yourself a headache.
4
Tuck the pointed corner of the scarf under the knot. Now that the scarf is secure around your hairline, pull the pointed corner of the scarf forward over your hair. Ensure that your hair is contained under the scarf, and then push the pointed corner under the knot that you made near your forehead. Wrap the corner over and under the knot so it's secure.^{[5]
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- Skip this step if you’re wrapping short hair, or just like to leave your hair looser instead of containing all of it under the scarf.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Tying a Simple Wrap

1
Tie your hair back into a loose bun. Gather your hair or dreads and make a loose bun near the back of your head. Position the bun near the nape of your neck or the center of your head depending on which is more comfortable for you.^{[6]
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- Skip this step if you have short hair, or want to preserve a particular style.
- This method is great for preserving parted hairstyles, or styles that lay flat on top of your head.
2
Fold the scarf into a triangle and lay the long side across your forehead. Take a large silk scarf and lay it flat. Then fold 1 corner over to meet the opposite corner to make a triangle. Grab the 2 folded corners and drape the long folded edge over your forehead so that the scarf rests over your hair.^{[7]
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3
Tie the ends of the scarf near the base of your neck. Wrap the folded ends along your hairline and back to the nape of your neck. Hold them firmly so the tension keeps the scarf from slipping. Then tie the ends into a knot at the base of your neck to secure them.^{[8]
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- You'll still have a corner of the scarf pointing down below the ends beneath the knot at this point.
Tip: Tie the scarf as tightly as you can without it becoming uncomfortable. Tying the ends tightly will prevent the scarf from slipping down as you sleep.
4
Fold the loose ends under the scarf or tie them up near your forehead. Use your fingers to tuck the long ends, as well as the loose corner, beneath the edges of the scarf. If the ends are especially long, bring them back around to the front of your head and tie them in a knot near your forehead.^{[9]
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- To secure the scarf even more, wear an elastic headband over the scarf. This will prevent it from slipping as you sleep.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Covering a Hair Pineapple with a Scarf

1
Tie your hair into a loose ponytail on top of your head. Pull your hair together and up onto the top of your head. Then tie it into a loose ponytail with a scrunchie and let your hair fall in front of your face. This is known as a “pineapple.” Avoid tying the hairband too tight or it might be uncomfortable to sleep in.^{[10]
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- Using a scrunchie prevents kinks from forming in your hair overnight.
- Wrapping a scarf over pineappled hair keeps your curls neat and intact.
2
Fold the scarf into a triangle and tie the ends near your forehead. Take a large rectangular scarf and fold one corner over to the opposite corner to create a triangle. Then place the long, folded edge at the nape of your neck, and bring the folded corners forward along your hairline. Cross the ends to form a loose knot, as you would when you begin to tie your shoes.^{[11]
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Tip: If you have curly hair and want to avoid damaging it, it's important to use satin or silk.^{[12]
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Research source} Avoid cotton scarves which can snag your curls and cause them to frizz.
3
Wrap the folded corners to the back of your neck and tie them off. Bring the ends of the scarf back down towards your neck, and tie the scarf into a firm knot. Then, tuck the loose corner of the scarf under the front of the wrap, near your forehead. This covers your hair and keeps it safe during the night.^{[13]
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- For extra hair protection, cover your wrapped hair in a silk pillowcase or cap. This can be especially effective if you're protecting braids.

Expert Q&A

Question

What material is best for head wraps?

Amber Rose
Licensed Cosmetologist
Amber Rose is a Licensed Cosmetologist and the Founder and Owner of Quality Style Weaves and Braids Salon in Orlando, Florida. With over ten years of experience, Amber is experienced in twists, braids, weaves, cutting, styling, and conditioning treatments. She specializes in hair growth for all hair types.

Amber Rose

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Avoid using wraps that have a smooth texture since they could slip off. Go for something made of cotton instead.
Question

How do I keep my head wraps from sliding?

Amber Rose
Licensed Cosmetologist
Amber Rose is a Licensed Cosmetologist and the Founder and Owner of Quality Style Weaves and Braids Salon in Orlando, Florida. With over ten years of experience, Amber is experienced in twists, braids, weaves, cutting, styling, and conditioning treatments. She specializes in hair growth for all hair types.

Amber Rose

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

After you tie the knot in the wrap, tuck it underneath to prevent it from moving around.
Question

What do I do if I have a scarf but it isn’t made out silk/satin?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

You can use a scarf made out of another material, but it may frizz or sap moisture from your hair. Consider using a shower cap or a soft pillowcase, instead.