13 Head Scarf Styles for Bad Hair Days and Beyond
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Some days your hair feels gorgeous, clean and beautiful enough to star in a hair-care campaign. Other days, not so much. It’s dirty, frizzy or simply seems to have developed a new cowlick that you just can’t be bothered to deal with. Whether you’re trying to hide a bad hair day, hoping to protect your strands from wind or rain or you’re just bored and looking to try a new ’do, a head scarf can help.
The head scarf is hardly a new trend, but it is a fun way to shake up your use of the cold-weather accessory (though I suggest sticking to silk or other thin fabrics rather than wrapping a cozy wool number around your scalp). The benefit of this particular hair accessory is how versatile it can be: There are tons of different looks you can achieve with just one scarf, ranging from super-simple to intricately detailed. Whatever look you’re going for, I’ve gathered together the best tips and tricks for achieving the head scarf style you want.
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13 Head Scarf Styles
1. The Pony Tie
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
One of the absolute easiest ways to incorporate a scarf into your look is by simply tying it around a ponytail. This works with pretty much any size or shape, so long as you can secure it in a knot. If you’re really worried about the silk fabric slipping down your pony, loop your scarf through a hair elastic before tying it to give some extra staying power.
Shop similar styles: Rifle Paper Co. Square Silk Scarf ($68; $48); Sandro Tree of Life Silk Scarf ($190; $95)
2. The Twisted Headband
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
If you’re using a square scarf, start by folding it in half diagonally, then begin to roll or fold the scarf starting at the widest side and working your way toward the pointed corners. If you’re using a rectangular scarf, just start folding along the long side. Tie the loose ends under your hair at the nape of your neck and voilà! You can also knot the scarf at the middle after rolling it up to help it stay folded and add a bit more volume up top.
Shop similar styles: Madewell Oversized Silk Bandana ($55); MoMA Artist Scarf ($125)
3. The Bandanna
Edward Berthelot
Hello, Lizzie McGuire called and she’s more than happy to share one of her signature styles with you, once again. If you’re really not feeling your hair or just want to cover up a third-day blowout that probably should’ve retired after being a two-day blowout, this is your easiest option. Simply fold a square scarf in half diagonally, then tie the two opposite ends under your hair and leave the third corner loose.
Shop similar styles: Kate Spade New York Peppers Scarf ($48); Echo Sunkissed Silk Square Scarf ($159)
4. The Bandanna Cap
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Very similar to the above, but rather than giving off an early 2000s or summer camp vibe, the bandanna cap feels much more ’70s and really only requires one small tweak in execution. Instead of knotting your scarf below your hair, tie it on top of your strands and over the loose corner as well. Then tuck the excess fabric under the knot to neaten things up.
Shop similar styles: Tuckernuck Stonewash Cypress Toile Large Scarf ($88); Echo Sunkissed Silk Square Scarf ($159)
5. The Babushka
Matthew Sperzel/Getty Images
Favored by Eastern European grandmothers and fashion-obsessed rappers alike, the babushka covers most of your head, is incredibly easy to do and stays in place even if you’re running around all day. Start by folding a square scarf in half diagonally, then take the two opposing ends and knot them under your chin. And that’s it. Seriously. Now go forth and tend to your grandchildren or record another album (or, you know, whatever your version of an average day looks like).
Shop similar styles: Lauren Ralph Lauren Classic Polka Dot Silk Square Scarf ($52); Tory Burch Colorblock Monogram Silk Square Scarf ($248)
6. The Grace Kelly
Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images
Also known as the Babushka 2.0, this is a style beloved by Old Hollywood starlets, particularly when they were driving through the South of France in chic convertibles. So yes, it’s also an excellent option for combating wind, rain or humidity. It requires a bit of a larger scarf than the babushka and just one additional step. Rather than simply tying the ends of your scarf under your chin, wrap them around your neck and over the back corner of your scarf before fastening into a knot.
Shop similar styles: Nordstrom Print Silk Square Scarf ($59); Jessie Zhao Pink Blossom Jungle Silk Scarf ($69)
7. The Updated Rosie The Riveter
Caven Images/ Getty Images
I love how this reverse bandanna looks with a topknot, high pony or tight curls. If you’re working with a square scarf, fold it in half diagonally, then fold the bottom third up and the top third down to form a long trapezoid. Then, place the center of the scarf at the back of your head, wrap up and around and tie at the top of your forehead. If you’re using a rectangular scarf, use your best judgement before folding it lengthwise. It might be wide enough as is or with just one fold. It might also leave you with some extra fabric at the ends to tie a fun bow, tuck under or even leave hanging loose, if you prefer.
Watch this video from Cece’s Closet to see exactly how it’s done.
Shop similar styles: Madewell Medium Silk Bandana ($36; $30); Liberty London Daisy Lawn Floral Silk Scarf ($235; $95)
8. The Scarf Braid
@viola_pyak / Instagram
There are multiple ways to incorporate a scarf into a braid and the easiest is simply to pull your hair back into a ponytail, tie one end to the elastic and then use it as one third of your braid, tying the other end off with a second elastic or by wrapping and knotting the scarf itself. But you can also weave your accessory through a more complicated ’do, like a French or fishtail braid.
To begin, fold your scarf in half (this is one of those times when an oblong version might work best). Pull together a section of hair as you would normally, however, before you divide it into three parts, pin the folded scarf under the section of hair. Treat each of the two sides of the scarf as a section of hair and continue to braid, adding hair to each section as you go. End with an elastic and loop the rest of the scarf around the bottom of the braid.
Want some additional help? Check out this YouTube tutorial by Cute Girl Hairstyles to see exactly how it’s done.
Shop similar styles: ASOS Skinny Head Scarf ($12); Lost Pattern Checkerboard Twilly Scarf ($38)
9. The Low Bun
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Either a square or long scarf will work here, but a long scarf will give you more fabric to wrap around your bun, so if you have a lot of hair or want a voluminous bun, I suggest using a rectangular style. Start by folding the top quarter of the scarf down before placing it on top of your head. Make sure the two ends are equal in length, then secure them in a knot at the base of your neck, just like you would for a bandanna look. Cross each loose end up and around the bun and tie once more underneath the bun. Tuck in any loose ends or extra hanging fabric and there you have it.
Check out this video from Chinutay A. to see how it’s done. Note: She uses both a head scarf liner and oversize scrunchie to protect her hair and add extra volume. Skip to the two-minute mark to see just the scarf tutorial.
Shop similar styles: Kachanaa Stretch Jersey Wrap ($8); Nordstrom Print Silk Square Scarf ($59; $39)
10. The Rosette Turban
Gotham/GC Images
You’re going to want an oblong scarf to achieve this look. Start by placing the center of the scarf at the back of your head and pulling the two ends up and around to your forehead. Tie the two ends into a double knot, ensuring that the entire back of your head is covered by the scarf. Twist one end of the scarf before wrapping it around the double knot and tucking the loose end under. Repeat with the second side. If you want extra volume, gather your hair into a bun at the top of your head and use that as the base around which you wrap the two twisted ends of your scarf.
Watch this video from Modelesque Nic, starting at the four-minute mark, to see how it’s done (then watch the rest for more ideas on how to get a full-coverage look).
Shop similar styles: Nubian Grace Abstract Painting Stretch Head Wrap (from $27); Fanm Djanm Sunset Wrap ($40)
11. The Sky-High Wrap
Tara Ziemba / Contributor/Getty Images
For the naturalistas who keep their hair in box braids or locs, this style will be perfect for those in-between days when you’re not quite ready to go to the salon, but your protective style isn’t looking so fresh anymore. Start by tying your hair into a loose top bun, grab your wrap and line it with the back of your head. Next, simply start wrapping around your bun, making sure your hair is stable inside. Tuck any lose ends within the folds and you’re all set. Those who keep their tresses short don’t have to miss out on this fabulous style; you can create a makeshift bun inside your wrap as YouTuber Akilah did here.
Shop similar styles: HOMELEX Head Wrap ($10); Harewom Black Hair Wrap ($9)
12. The Front Bun
Roy Rochlin / Stringer/Getty Images
Take us back to 2014, when all the natural hair ladies were absolutely taken by this head scarf style. (And with good reason.) Those of us who aren’t dexterous enough to pull off the more intricate wrap styles can definitely tackle this front bun style and still look stylish. And you can make it as small or as big as you’d like. Here’s a super quick, super simple tutorial.
Shop similar styles: Olivia Sylx Jersey Scarf ($14); ACRABROS Stretch Jersey Turban Head Wrap ($22)
13. The Messy Bun
Edward Berthelot / Contributor/Getty Images
Sometimes your chic ‘fit calls for an updo, but you don’t have the time (or skill) to execute any of the aforementioned styles. Why stress when you can opt for a messy bun? All you have to do is grab a cool scarf and use it to tie your hair. No need to be super precise either, because the goal is to look effortless anyways. If you need that extra pop to your ensemble, pick a patterned or bold-colored scarf.
Shop similar styles: Coach Signature Print Silk Square Scarf ($55); Banana Republic Signature Silk Scarf ($140; $110)
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How to Choose the Best Head Scarf Style
The type of head scarf you choose will depend on your needs, of course, but there are several key factors in selecting a head scarf:
Then all that’s left to do is decide which style works best with your outfit. Headed to a park picnic date? I highly recommend the Pony Tie or Bandana. Headed into the office to get some serious work done? The Front Bun will keep everything securely in place and out of your way so you can focus on more important things.
Head Scarf Styles You Can Wear to Work
I’d argue you can get away with any of the above head scarf styles for a day at the office, especially if you work in a more creative field. But if you want to play if safe, opt for a more muted design in neutral hues like simple stripes, an elegant two-tone floral or even a single solid color.
How Do I Style My Hair with a Head Scarf?
It really depends on which head scarf style you plan to wear. The Bandana works well with just about any hair style—long and loose, in a French braid, low pigtails or buns, etc. Whereas the Updated Rosie the Riveter is really best worn with an updo.
Head Scarf Styles for Short Hair
Any head scarf style that wraps your whole head in the material, like the Low Bun, Rosette Turban, Sky-High Wrap and High Bun will be very easy to do with short hair. But the Bandana is another universally flattering option that works with every hair length from buzz cut to pixie cut to box bob.
Head Scarf Styles for Long Hair
Any of the above head scarf styles would work well with long hair, but the Bandana, Scarf Baird, Low Bun and Rosette Turban are particularly great for taming longer locks in style.
How Do I Keep My Head Scarf from Slipping?
TikTok and YouTube are chock-a-block full of hot tips for how to prevent your head scarf from slipping and needing constant readjustments. Some solutions include using a hair cap or headband underneath, pinning it with bobby pins or hair clips or using a hair tie to secure the scarf before weaving it around your pony tail or braid.
How to Prevent Hair Damage from Wearing a Head Scarf
Though silk and satin scarves can be a pain to deal with when it comes to getting them to sit nice and secure on your head, the major upside is that they don’t actually cause a lot of wreckage to your hair. Non-silk scarves, on the other hand, tend to suck the moisture out of your hair, leaving your tresses dry and fragile. If you don’t want to compromise your locs, you can simply braid your hair before accessorizing with a head scarf. You can also try to wear head scarves sparingly. A cute cotton scarf on your way to brunch every once in a while is not going to cause any major damage.
Can You Wear a Head Scarf in the Rain?
Short answer: Yes! Wearing a head scarf during inclement weather can help protect your hair from wind and rain, but just know, if that drizzle turns into a true downpour, a silk scarf isn’t going to prevent your hair from getting wet. If it’s really coming down, I recommend adding an umbrella or hooded raincoat over top.
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