5 Quick & Easy Ways to Tie a Head Wrap

Did you know that head wraps have been for used centuries?

Although they’re now mainly used for fashion purposes, they have quite a powerful history in America. In fact the head wrap origin stemmed from enslaved black women wearing them in order to protect their scalps from the sun and lice.

Since then, black women have reclaimed these beautiful headpieces and turned what was once a sign of inferiority into a proud, powerful, trendy look.

Here at D’IYANU, we are huge fans of head wraps. We've offered 100% cotton head wraps in the past and will be launching a NEW line of knit head wraps in solid-colored rib fabric and print. The new knit head wraps are soft and are gentle on your hair.  

Keep reading to learn what to look for in a head wrap, as well as five different styles with our knit head wrap!

How to Choose the Perfect African Head Wrap

One thing you’ll notice as soon as you start looking for your new (or even first) head wrap is that they come in all colors and patterns. Picking between them is a matter of taste, and taste only.

However, there are two other details you should consider:

• Size. When deciding how long your head wrap should be, you should always think about the type of styles you want to try out. If it’s too short, for example, it won’t be as versatile. Our tip is that you always go for one that is 60 to 72 inches long.
• Material. You’ll find head wraps made of many different fabrics. We offer wraps that are made of cotton and others that are made of a poly/spandex blend.

Once you have your ideal head wrap, it’s time to learn how to tie it:

The Nefertiti Head Wrap

Getting your hair braided is one of the best protective styles out there. Alone, its a beautiful look, but sometimes you might want to add some extra drama to your appearance and there’s nothing like an African head wrap to do so.

This style might seem complicated to do and everyone will think it must have taken you hours to achieve such a stunning look. What they won’t know is that you did it in three (or four) steps:

1. Gather your braids into a bun at the center of your crown. 
2. Tie the wrap around your head from the back and keep tying it around until you reach the ends of the fabric.
3. Secure the ends of the wrap in the first layer you created.
4. If you want an edgier look, take another wrap and repeat the process on top of the already applied one.
5. Checkout a quick video tutorial here

The Front Knot

Not having a great hair day? This head wrap style is the way to go, then!

It’s just as majestic as your afro, but it will cover those perfectly when taming them seems like mission impossible. If you want, you can leave your fringe out. Otherwise, use the head wrap to cover your whole hair.

1. Put the scarf around the back of your head and hold each end on each side of your head. The ends should measure (approximately) the same.
2. Wrap the scarf around your head and twist the two ends around each other in the front of your head.
3. Twist the twist into itself until you’ve created a knot.
4. Secure the knot by tucking the ends of the scarf in the wrap.
5. Checkout a quick video tutorial here

Low Bun

Show off that strong bone structure with a head wrap style that will keep your hair pulled back and out of the way. 

1. Tie your hair back in a low bun.
2. You will need to find the point that you want to wear it on your head.
3. Drape it over your ears, for now. Hold the ends firmly, pulling it into a ponytail.
4. Twist the length of it. Hold the knot with one hand, while you wrap the tail around your fingers. Continue wrapping and twisting until you reach the end of the knot.
5. Checkout a quick video tutorial here

Low Bow

Head wraps aren’t only for curly hair!

If you’ve straightened your hair or you’re rocking a straight hair weave, there are still countless styles you can choose from. This one is perfect if you want to have your hair down and it can be achieved in two (or three) simple-as-can-be steps:

1. Put the head wrap on your head, covering it from your forehead to the top of your neck, and tie a knot.
2. Make a big bow and try to make it as symmetrical as possible.
3. If you want, play around with the bow until you find the perfect shape for your look.
4. Checkout a quick video tutorial here

Wrapped High Ponytail

There are many different hairstyles you can try out if you have long locs or braids, and many of them involve a beautiful head wrap. If you haven’t experimented with head wraps since you’ve gotten your hair done, this is a good style to start with.

1. Tie your hair into a high ponytail, on the top of your crown.
2. Roll your scarf into a band and wrap it around your head from the back.
3. Cross the two ends on top of your head, twist them around your ponytail and tie them together.
4. Checkout a quick video tutorial here

Ready to try these looks out with a new head wrap? Checkout our accessories here!