How to put a scarf on your head?
Élise Moreau
A scarf on your head is one of those rare touches that feels both practical and beautiful, taming hair on a windy day while looking effortlessly chic. There are more ways to put a scarf on your head than most people realise, and the prettiest ones take under a minute, using squares from our head scarf collection.
Key takeaways
- A folded triangle is the base for almost every head style.
- Silk protects hair; cotton grips and stays put.
- A headband twist is the quickest half-up look.
- Tie at the nape, under the chin or on top for different moods.
The short answer
To put a scarf on your head, fold a square into a triangle, lay the long edge across your forehead with the point at the back, then take the two side corners around and tie them at the nape of your neck. That single method gives you the classic head wrap, and from there you can twist it into a headband, a turban or a vintage under-chin knot in moments.
★★★★★
Horse Print Cotton Scarf
A 60x60cm cotton square that grips for a classic wrap.
Shop now · $29.99The classic head wrap
Fold the scarf corner to corner into a triangle and place the folded edge along your hairline, with the pointed end falling at the back. Bring the two side corners behind your head and tie them in a knot or bow at the nape, tucking the point underneath. It is comfortable, secure and flattering on every hair length and texture. For more hair-focused ties, see our guide on how to tie a hair scarf.
| Style | How | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Classic wrap | Triangle tied at the nape | Everyday, all hair |
| Headband twist | Narrow band tied on top | Quick half-up looks |
| Turban | Twisted and tucked at back | Bold, polished |
| Under-chin knot | Triangle tied at the chin | Vintage, windy days |
The headband twist
For a quick half-up look, fold the scarf into a long, narrow band, lay it under your hair at the back, bring the ends up over your head and tie a small knot or bow on top or to one side. It keeps your hair off your face and adds instant colour. A 60x60cm cotton square is perfect here, as it grips well and holds the twist.
The turban
The turban looks dramatic but is wonderfully simple. Drape the folded scarf at the nape, bring the ends to the front, cross and twist them, then take them back over the head and tuck the ends in at the back. It suits a bold print and sits beautifully on second-day hair or shorter styles. Silk gives the smoothest, most polished finish, and our silk scarf collection has prints made for it.
★★★★★
White Cotton Square Scarf
A crisp cotton square that holds a turban beautifully.
Shop now · $29.99The vintage under-chin knot
For a timeless, fifties-inspired look, fold the scarf into a triangle, drape it over your head with the point at the back, and tie the two corners in a knot under your chin. It is charming, windproof and endlessly photogenic. This is the style most people picture on a convertible drive or a breezy seaside walk.
Choosing the right scarf for your head
Fabric makes all the difference. Silk is gentle on hair and adds a luxurious sheen, which is why it is the choice for protecting your strands, while cotton offers grip and stays put on busy days. A medium square between 60 and 70cm suits most head styles. Once it is in place, our guide on how to tie a silk head scarf shows how to perfect the silk version.
Explore the collections
Frequently asked questions
A scarf on the head is equal parts practical and romantic, ready to rescue a windswept day or finish a summer outfit. Master the simple triangle first, then play with the headband, the turban and the under-chin knot until you find your signature.
