Headscarf Tutorial

Headscarves are often fashioned from colorful, delicate fabrics, such as silk.

The headscarf serves a variety of purposes. Islamic women use them as a sign of modesty and religious observance. Other women use headscarves to hide rollers or baldness, while some use delicate silk scarves as a fashion accessory. Each headscarf function can be tied in a unique way that holds the hair away from the neck or completely covers it.

Vintage Style

A colorful, patterned scarf can make a fashion statement.

This method of tying keeps hair off the neck and is ideal for scarves made from thin fabric. To accomplish this style, fold one scarf corner into the opposite side to create a triangle. Bring the same corner back toward you, a little less than halfway. Fold and smooth the seam. Fold it over again, stopping halfway. The middle part is meant to be thicker. Hold the two ends and bring the scarf around your lower half of your head, with the folded parts touching your hair. The ends should be in front of you. Tie the ends together about an inch away from your forehead, as tight as you desire. Tuck the ends backwards, underneath the scarf.

Bun Style

This style keeps hair away from the face and neck, which is ideal for hot temperatures.

This headscarf style covers hair completely, and makes a standard hair bun more pronounced. To accomplish this look, gather your hair into a bun at the back of your head, either in the middle or at the nape. Fold a cotton bandana into a triangle shape, and place over the top of your forehead, behind your ears. Tie the ends at the nape of the neck. Place the scarf over the forehead with one side significantly longer than the other. Cover the bandana with the scarf slightly over the ears. Smooth the scarf around your forehead and tighten. Hold the tension with a safety pin at the nape of the neck. Twist the fabric at the nape and wrap around the bun until you reach the end. Pin the ends underneath one layer of the scarf.

Shayla

The hijab must completely cover the hair.

This hijab style is ideal for Muslim women seeking to maintain modesty. Cover your hair entirely with an cap or cotton bandana. Tuck one corner underneath the cap or bandana and secure with a pin or hair clip. Wrap the scarf under your chin, and over your head until its ends meet the starting point. Smooth the scarf all over, and place the ends over your shoulder. Secure with a safety pin or brooch.

Babushka Style

Handkerchiefs can keep hair away from facial masks.

This simple style is effective for protecting your hair against the elements; it used to be popular as a way to keep hair in place while riding in convertibles. Fold a square handkerchief into a triangle. Drape the center over your forehead. Tie the ends tightly under your chin to secure. This look can be modified for at-home use by tying the ends at the nape of your neck to protect hair during housekeeping and beauty treatments. This style is often used by cancer patients to hide thinning hair.

References

• Keiko Lynn: Headscarf Tutorial; 2011
• The Hijablog: How to Wrap a Gravity-Defying Hijab; September 2008
• Cornrows: Easy Middle Eastern/North African Head Covering Instructions
• Chemo Saavy: Babushkas; June 2010