How to Wrap a Head Covering for Jewish Women

Scarves come in many different colors, patterns and textures.

Jewish law stipulates that married women must cover their hair in public. This is part of the Jewish concept of modesty. Married Jewish women reserve their hair for only their husbands to see, turning it into something special and intimate. Covering her hair in public gives the message that she is taken, not available to other men. Women can cover their hair with hats, scarves or wigs, also called "sheitels." When wrapped correctly, any square scarf can be used as a head covering.

Instructions

1. Arrange your hair in a bun at the nape of your neck.

2. Fold the scarf in half from corner to corner, to form a triangle.

3. Put the scarf on your head with the fold along your forehead. The corner of the scarf that forms a 90-degree angle should cover your bun and rest on your back. The other two corners should hang by your shoulders.

4. Take the left and right corners and tie them at the base of your neck. Pull them tight so the scarf won't slip.

5. Take the third corner, the one resting on your back, and tuck it tightly under the knot you just made. Push in the extra material so it is hidden beneath the scarf.

6. Take the right corner of the scarf and wrap it counterclockwise around your bun. Wrap the left corner around clockwise. After you have wrapped each side around, tie the two ends together or tuck them tightly into your bun.

Tips & Warnings

• Match the color of your scarf to your outfit.

• Put decorative bobby pins at the side of your head covering for added flair.

References

• Ahavat Israel: Jewish Headcovering
• Chabad.org: Mitzvot and Customs
• Tnznius.com: The Classic Tie