how to tie silk head scarf

Head scarves have been worn by women throughout history for a variety of reasons including religious purposes, fashion statements, and practical hair protection. The use of head scarves dates back as far as ancient times and they continue to be an important part of many cultural wardrobes today.

When it comes to tying a head scarf, there are countless ways to style and drape the fabric. Some choose a more voluminous wrap in the traditional African gele style, while others opt for a simpler knot at the nape of the neck. Consider what look you are trying to achieve. Bigger shapes and wrapped turban styles make more of a statement, while tucked and pinned styles create a clean, elegant finish.  

The size of your head scarf can also impact the final look. Large square silks that are about 45” wide offer the most versatility in styling. Longer and wider fabrics provide more fabric to work with and can be wrapped for fuller shapes. However, smaller silks still work wonderfully if you are seeking a subtler tied style.

No matter if you are new to head scarves or have been wearing wraps for years, tying a head covering in silk is an artful way to add a beautiful accessory to your look while also protecting your hair.

Gather Materials

The most common fabrics used for silk head scarves are silk, satin, and chiffon. Look for a lightweight, soft fabric that drapes nicely. Silk and satin tend to hold their shape better than chiffon.

Aim for a large, square scarf that is at least 34 x 34 inches (86 x 86 cm). Larger scarves around 40 x 40 inches (100 x 100 cm) give you more fabric to work with for fuller shapes and styles. Smaller scarves under 30 inches (75 cm) can be trickier for beginners to tie securely.

The weight of the fabric will impact how it drapes. Lightweight chiffon and georgette scarves flow nicely but can be slippery. Medium weight crepe, twill, and habotai silk offer a bit more structure. Heavyweight silk and satin tend to hold their shape best.

Look for scarves with hand-rolled edges that won’t fray. Raw or zigzag edges can catch and snag in knotting. Solid color scarves are versatile, but prints and patterns can also create beautiful, unique looks.

Avoid scarves with any stiffness from sizing or starch, which makes them harder to tie and drape smoothly. If needed, wash the scarf before the first wear to soften the fabric.

The fabric content also affects longevity and care. Natural fibers like silk require gentle hand washing, while polyester blends can go in the washing machine. See the maintenance section for more care tips.

 Fold the Scarf

The first step is to fold your silk scarf into the shape that will work best for the look you want to achieve. The two most common ways to fold a scarf for tying on your head are the square fold and the triangle fold.

Square Fold

– Lay the scarf flat and orient it so the corners are diamond-shaped (pointing up and down).

– Fold the scarf in half diagonally to form a triangle. Fold it in half again so you have a smaller triangle.

– Continue folding the scarf in half until you have a compact square shape. This fold keeps the bulk of the fabric layers together for a voluminous look.

Triangle Fold

– Lay the scarf flat in a diamond orientation.

– Fold the scarf diagonally in half to form a triangle shape.

– Fold the triangle in half again along the longest edge to form a smaller triangle.

– You can fold a few more times for a very slender triangle if desired. This fold spreads the fabric out for a flatter, more streamlined look.

The square and triangle folds create different draping effects, so choose the one that suits your desired style. Make sure the folds are neat and even. Now you’re ready to tie the scarf on your head.

Tie the Knot

There are two main ways to tie a knot when wearing a silk head scarf.

Square Knot

The square knot is a classic, symmetrical way to tie the scarf.

1. Take the two front ends of the scarf in each hand. Hold them evenly.

2. Cross the right end over the left and then under.

3. Take the left end and cross it over the right end and then under.

4. Gently tighten the knot and adjust it to sit at the nape of your neck.

The square knot results in a tidy, centered look. It’s easy to tie and holds the scarf securely in place.

 Bow Knot

For a more playful look, tie the scarf in a bow.

1. Take the two front ends of the scarf in each hand. Hold them evenly.

2. Cross the right end over the left to start forming the bow shape.

3. Wrap the left end around and under the right to complete the bow.

4. Adjust the ends to create even, symmetrical loops.

5. Optional: Make a second pass, reversing the over-under pattern to form a double bow.

The bow knot creates a soft, feminine vibe. It looks great with prints and patterns. Play around with loop sizes for different looks.

Drape Over Head

Once you’ve tied the knot at the nape of your neck, it’s time to drape the scarf over your head. There are a couple different ways you can do this:

Tuck in Ends

Gently pull the scarf forward so it covers your hair. Make sure it’s centered.

Take the loose ends of the scarf and tuck them into the knot at the back of your neck. This will keep the scarf smooth and secure on your head.

Check the placement by looking in a mirror. Adjust the scarf as needed so it frames your face nicely.

Let Ends Hang

After tying the knot, flip the scarf forward over your head.

Allow the loose ends to hang down over your shoulders or back.

This creates a more relaxed, casual look.

For extra volume, gently pull the sides of the scarf outward before flipping over your head.

Experiment with both styles to see which you prefer. Tucking the ends in creates a neater, put-together look. Letting the ends hang is breezier and laid-back. Both options are stylish and beautifully shows off a silk scarf.