How to Do a Bohemian Head Scarf With Curly Hair for Photos

Wear a colorfully printed scarf only if the rest of your clothing is plain.

The bohemian head scarf is a vintage style accessory, originating in the 1970s but recently resurrected by designers and celebrities like Debra Messing and Mischa Barton. A traditional bohemian head scarf is a 3-foot-long strip of material, similar to a man's tie, that runs around the hairline like a headband before tying at the neck nape. Though a bohemian scarf secures hair of any length or texture, the broad width and flowing ends make it an attractive style with curly hair. The bohemian head scarf makes an elegant accessory for portraits or snapshots.

Things You'll Need

• Bohemian head scarf
• Anti-frizz serum

Instructions

1. Wash your hair as you would normally. Give your curls definition before the photo by scrunching a quarter-size glob of anti-frizz hair gel throughout your locks. Let your hair dry completely before wearing the bohemian head scarf. Otherwise your curls will dry around the scarf, leaving an awkward flat section on top of your hair should the scarf shift at all.

2. Slide the bohemian head scarf around your neck so the two ends hang behind either shoulder and down your back. Fold the scarf to the desired width while it's still around your neck and hold the fold with your hands.

3. Place the center of the scarf 2 to 3 inches behind your forehead hairline. Run the material behind either ear and tie the two ends beneath your hair on the nape of your neck.

4. Pull a few wispy tendrils loose around your ears and temples to soften the appearance. A tight scarf that completely flattens your curls is neither natural nor comfortable and makes for an artificial-looking photograph.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid combing your hair on picture day with anything other than a wide-toothed pick. Brushing curly hair creates frizz that distracts from your face.

• Practice wearing the scarf sometime before picture day to make sure it feels secure and comfortable. You don't want an itchy, irritating scarf during your photo shoot.

References

• Fashion Head: Scarf Headbands
• Ssassy Chic: How to Dress Bohemian Style
• Ann Martin Photography: Tips