Have you ever come across a photo on Instagram or a gorgeous stranger in a head wrap and wonder, how did she do that? Well, we’re here to help demystify those fabulous looks. We’ve got 20 head-wrap styles with easy how-to videos to show you that tying a head wrap is easier than you think!
What Is an African Headwrap?
An African headwrap is a protective hairstyle that can be achieved by tying a scarf around the head. By analogy, the very scarves used for wrapping are called headwraps, too. African head wraps have been worn for centuries and are still important for African women as an ultimate cultural statement and celebration of heritage.
It is one of the most fashionable hairstyles that can be used to transition to natural hair, reverse the hair loss, or just give natural hair a stress-free day. Essentially, splendid colors and patterns of African head wraps make women look beautiful and full of life.
How to Tie a Head Wrap
Start with selecting a good head wrap and prepping your hair. A silk scarf will be gentler on your locks than a cotton one, as it won’t steal the moisture, which is precious for natural hair. However, it may be slippery and difficult to tie for beginners. Thankfully, there are hacks to help, no matter what fabrics you choose:
- Silk scarf: Put a wig cap on before tying a wrap to avoid slippage. Making the wrap tights and tucking the ends will help to keep it in place, too.
- Cotton scarf: Use a leave-in conditioner to help hair retain moisture. You may also braid or twist your hair and put a silk or satin cap on to minimize contact of the hair with the wrap.
Thus, follow step-by-step instructions to different styles and get a knack for wearing headwraps. These tutorials will surely teach you how to look like a real beauty.
1. High Headwrap Style for Short Hair
Always wondered how someone with short hair can achieve a gravity-defying look? This tutorial will show you how to add some height to your turban looks without having to grow 10 more inches of hair. The trick is to wear a stocking cap stuffed with some fabric – it will not only allow faking a high bun but will also keep everything in place all day. When your cap is on, start wrapping a scarf: place it at the back, then bring the ends forward and tie them in a knot. Twist the ends together, wrap around the bun, and tuck the ends.
2. Marley Hair and Shortie Wrap
Instagram / @a.dai.sha
Looking for different ways to spice up your next ponytail look? @a.dai.sa has got you covered with these 5 quick ways to style shortie wraps. Feel free to try these looks without the added hair, as well!
3. One-Minute Tall Crown
Have only 5 minutes to get out the door? Try out this quick and easy headwrap over a top bun to get moving quickly and look fabulous while doing it. Just put a headwrap around your head and tie the ends, making the second half knot above the first one. Thus, twist each end, bring it behind the bun, and tuck into the knot at the front. This look can be your go-to when you want effortless glam, as a scarf with African print is a perfect accessory.
4. Simple Turban Wrap
Sometimes, the simplest African head wraps are the most fun. @alexandra_nx’s quick Tinashe wrap tutorial will have you out the door in minutes and looking gorgeous all day long! Pineapple your hair, then bring the folded fabrics or a shortie forward and, again, to the back. Tie the scarf at the back and hide the ends. Now, you can get rid of the hair tie – the wrap will keep your hair perfectly in place.
5. Tall Turban with Bangs
Style your next look with faux bangs with this easy-to-follow tutorial. A twist on a classic turban style, this look is sure to have you turning heads. Pro tip: use a bobby pin to get the preferred length for your bangs before styling your wrap.
6. Three Headwraps for Afro
Twist outs not coming out as planned? @a.dai.sa’s quick tutorial will show you 3 quick ways to take your style from failed to fabulous. All you need is to frame your afro, wrapping one of the splendid colorful scarves around your head. Experiment with the three head wraps to choose your go-to style.
7. Wearing a Silk-Lined Headwrap
Looking for added moisture retention? Go for silk-lined headwraps and full wrapping technique, like the one featured in this unbelievably simple tutorial. Place the headwrap around our head and tie the ends at the front several times. Thus, push the ends inside the turban and tuck the loose fabric into one of the knots. A great headwrap for women to wear, as it makes your hair protected from all the elements.
8. Low Wrap Style
Business in the front, party in the back takes on a new meaning with this cute style, as the image is an effortless mix of demure and chic. Start wrapping by placing the center of your scarf at your hairline and secure the headwrap at the back by twisting and tucking the ends. Styling scarves like this is a simple way to cover your hair in summer.
9. Front Bun Headwrap
This style is as simple as tie, twist and tuck, but the bright accents in fabrics make it full of life and beauty! This flawless bun can be worn for brunches with girls and drinks with friends. Follow the makeup tutorial at the beginning for fabulous natural glam.
10. Headwrap with a Twist Around the Crown
Looking for no-fuss, simple and cute head scarf styles? This tutorial will take you from bad hair day to queen in less than one minute! Center the fabric at your forehead and tie the headwrap at the back of your head; then bring the twisted ends around your crown. This style pairs perfectly with jeans and a tee!
11. Flat Bun
Not quite ready to wear flat twists yet? Give your style time to set while still looking fab with this simple headwrap look. Basically, you use the same technique, wrapping the headwrap towards the front and twisting the ends. However, this time, bo not stack the layers, but lay them flat around each other. You’ll turn heads while getting your curls ready for your next style! P.S. Get tips on makeup as an added bonus.
12. Classic Turban
Ever wondered how Erykah Badu achieves the perfect African headwrap every time? In this tutorial, I’ll show you how. The key is to maintain tension when you tie a headwrap. If you do, you can wear the wrap all day without worrying about it getting loose. The best part is that classic wraps look good with all the scarves and prints!
13. Faux Locks Headwrap
Sometimes, wearing your hair in faux locks or another protective style can get boring. African headwrap styles can spice up your look within minutes. Tie your lock high on the crown and secure a headwrap around it. Once the ends are tied at the front, coil the fabric into a sassy flower. Wear the same style in a new way by letting a few locks hang loose.
14. Bandana Wrap
Not having any large head scarves yet? Take a simple square bandana, bend it into a triangle and bring the triangular end to the opposite side. Thus, bring your hair up and tie a headband at the front, not tucking the ends. With this simple bandana look, you can add some fun to your messy bun. The best part is thatbandana styles look great with short cuts, too!
15. Classic Scarf Bow
To add a little drama to your day, tie a headwrap the usual way, but finish it off with a large bow. This bold look will take any outfit to the next level with a few knots and a fluff. Use a bright scarf, and you’ll turn heads everywhere you go!
16. Headband with Tied Flower
Edges not coming out the way you planned or you need to regrow them? @melaninrichnyajal has got the perfect, simple style to get those edges covered. Take a 20″ wide head wrap, place it at your neck and bring over your ears to the front. Make a half knot, twist the ends tightly, and coil them to create a beautiful flower. Perfect for wearing a head scarf in summer!
17. ’70s-Inspired Headwrap
Want to take your puff to the next level with a ’70s flare? @a.dai.sa’s tutorial will help you do just that. Choose among soft satin head scarves that will be easier to fold and tie it near the nape of your head, bringing the ends to the front. Add twisted curtain bangs with golden elements and you’ll be ready to take on your day with a gorgeous new ’do.
18. Show-Stopping Extra Large Head-Wrap
Believe that bigger is better? Wearing this show-stopping bow style is just what you need! The secret to this gravity-defying headwrap style is the Ankara material used to make it. With some artful fluffing, you’ll never have to worry about your look falling flat. Pair the headwrap with a trendy accessory like these large earrings, and you’ll create a look that no one will ever forget.
19. High Bun Headwrap
Want to add some height to your look the simple way? Then @kammmmi_’s simple tutorial is just what you need! Just bring your hair into a bun close to your forehead, place the scarf around your head and cover your bun with it. Thus, coil the twisted headwrap around into a high bun at the front. This way to tie a headwrap is perfect for beginners, and intricate patterns are sure to breathe in life into your do.
20. Headwrap Tutorial with Bow Styling Tips
Looking for an elegant way to elevate your next headwrap? This dazzling scarf bow looks complicated but is easy to create. Modify the front look of the accessory by turning the loops 90 degrees and stretching them. In less than 5 minutes, you’ll be out the door wearing a whole new look.
All of the above African head scarf tutorials will have you covered, no matter the season; you’ll never have a bad hair day again! Follow @ceeceesclosetnyc on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for look inspirations and even more head wrap styles!
